Skip to main content

Several weeks ago, my "Great Room" looked like this:

DSC_0186

Then I had the notion that it was time to take down what I think of as a big (12' X 17') layout, plan a smaller one and return our Great Room to it's intended purpose, so first it became this:

IMG_3726

Since this is the third time downsizing using Mianne Benchwork, I found that I had many extra legs and I-beams, so my wife suggested that I create a 10' long section using the benchwork and, adding (Glenn Snyder) shelving. This will serve three purposes: display my trains that will no longer fit on my smaller table, create a space for storage of my train boxes (since each of the three sections can be slid out), and become a table top for our new 65" TV that is due to arrive soon!

IMG_3790

The new 9' X 9' train table is quickly being assembled on the opposite side of the room. I was able to re-configure the benchwork to include my liftgate (Tim Foley provided the i-beams needed to shorten it by one foot), my Bowser 24" turntable and another section of the big layout that included a school and playground:

IMG_3828

I'm still working on the layout plan, but I think I will be able to create some nice scenes and likely run three trains at the same time, have a trolley line and five tracks to park engines around the turntable.

Change is real!

Attachments

Images (4)
  • DSC_0186
  • IMG_3726
  • IMG_3790
  • IMG_3828
Last edited by stangtrain
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Thanks to all for your kind words!

Here is my first draft for the new track plan:

IMG_3829

Simply three loops of track, including an elevated loop. I look forward to having some nice trains on the move sometime soon.

The Mianne Benchwork was stained prior to assembling my prior layout, after the move from PA to CA four plus years ago. Following Tim Foley's advice, I lightly sanded, applied pre-stain (water based) followed by stain (also water based), followed by polyurethane. A tedious task to be sure, but important to get the look needed to (be allowed) to build in the home living space.

Attachments

Images (1)
  • IMG_3829

Build It and They Will Come:

Update: Now that the display unit is complete and the 65" new TV has been mounted to the wall, engines are starting to appear! A few even made it to the shelves on the new layout even though plywood has not yet been attached to the top! It is really nice to see them out of their boxes again. The boxes are now being stored behind the shelves in the display units. This will free up important closet space that is at a premium here in California.

IMG_4047IMG_4048

Attachments

Images (2)
  • IMG_4047
  • IMG_4048
Last edited by stangtrain

John:

That is actually a shelf installed below the TV for the Direct TV "genie" unit. I will likely also put a DVD player on the shelf as well under the "genie". Wires are hidden behind the panel:

IMG_4050

HOKIE71: Each of the three units can slide out for access and storage is underneath. The holes drilled in the i-beams proves that these parts were re-cycled:

IMG_4051IMG_4054

Attachments

Images (3)
  • IMG_4050
  • IMG_4051
  • IMG_4054

Stangtrain,

I always said your previous layout looked like fine furniture with the way you stained the Mianne benchwork and added the train shelves. Now you have made real furniture out of it and it looks great! Personally, I have always thought one could make several different pieces of very practical furniture out of the assorted Mianne pieces available. You have provided us with a very nice example of that here. 

Waiting for a train!!

IMG_4108

I finished installing the plywood top on the benchwork after putting two coats of paint on all sides in order to seal the plywood and prevent odors in our living space. Now ready for a test track and work on the final track plan. My turntable is waiting patiently for a train to arrive, or at least an engine!

Attachments

Images (1)
  • IMG_4108

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×