the MRH Forum

The Storage Unit Journals/Blogs
Reply
MRH Author 7,187 posts Benny MRH Author 7,187 posts
Benny

An Introduction to the New Space

Yesterday, my bedroom was my layout workshop; today, that is no longer an option as I share my bedroom with the CEO, CFO, and Interior Decorator of the household. We currently live in a three-bedroom apartment, which has the perfect amount of space for our needs. Unfortunately, it does not have much more space for doing those kinds of things men with hobbies like to do. It does not help when the interior decoration style is “Modern Minimalist.” I’m lucky to be sitting on this Couch!
 
I have gone one step further in my redevelopment and declared myself free of my uncle’s residence. I simply did not feel comfortable filling up space without my physical presence ensuring that I was not abandoning it there. I moved out of my uncle’s house a few months ago; the fresh paint is barely dry this evening. 
 
I solved my storage issues by simply purchasing a storage unit for all of my stuff that does not fit in my current life. I could fit this stuff in my life, of course, but then my girlfriend and her two kids would live in an apartment that looks like a storage unit. I don’t think they would much appreciate the swap, never mind the precipitous situation that might occur if something were to happen between my girlfriend and me. So I got myself a storage unit and the luxury of freedom in knowing that so long as I pay my rent every month, my stuff is secure. The storage room is roughly 15x10, though in reality the door takes up 1 foot on the 15’ length and the wall studs and the bench work supports takes up about 6” from the 10-foot span. At this moment my plan is perfect for a 10x14, so I will clearly be reworking it one more time to accommodate that squeeze of 8”.
 
 I had barely moved in half of my stuff before I started designing and building a shelving system that features a lower-level workbench surface at 3 feet high and a higher-level railroad surface at 5 feet high. 
I attach here an image of the bench work modules.  The lateral shape is held square by the addition of the backdrop panels, each consisting of 1/8" masonite framed with 1x2. All scres except those holding the middle shelf brace in palce can be accessed formt he front of the unit; this means I can change the layout height if necessary without pulling the modules away from the storage unit wall!
 
 
 
At this point I have also completed a set of rolling bookcases, each l3’x h4’x w1.5’, that makes it much easier to look at my reference materials and move the books when I need to move again. Otherwise, my plans are stagnant for the moment as I work on the track plan and other things that do not require as much effort, considering funds are low due to the current economy downturn if you are in the geology industry like I am.
 
I have completed the new track plan and I will post it for scrutiny in the near future.
 

--------------------------------------------------------

Benny's Index or Somewhere Chasing Rabbits
Reply 0
Dave K skiloff Prolific poster 4,031 posts
Dave K skiloff

Geologists

Our company has been struggling to find geologists for quite some time now.  I'm not sure if the last couple months has changed that, but it was been a major challenge this last year.

Dave
Playing around in HO and N scale since 1976
Reply 0
Benny MRH Author 7,187 posts
Benny

Where are you and what do you

Where are you and what do you do?

After October 1, this area started expirencing things like hiring freezes, etc.

But this is copper country, so copper coming down is quite a hit.

I'm actually considering a tour of duty with the Air Force as a Commissioned Officer.  It will give me more stability in four-eight years then any other route I know of.

--------------------------------------------------------

Benny's Index or Somewhere Chasing Rabbits
Reply 0
jeffshultz MRH Staff 8,006 posts
jeffshultz

Missing something...

Benny,

Do storage units come with power outlets? 

Or do you plan on firing up a generator (I recommend the Honda silent type) for op sessions... or anything else?

 

orange70.jpg
Jeff Shultz - MRH Technical Assistant
DCC Features Matrix/My blog index
Modeling a fictional GWI shortline combining three separate areas into one freelance-ish railroad.
Reply 0
Benny MRH Author 7,187 posts
Benny

In this case, no. This does

In this case, no. This does make even construction difficult in the storage unit, but I plan to build this layout on modular benchwork.  This way I can build the layout at home in small sections and put the sections together later.  Natually, I will use a completed section to start the next section just to ensure all tracks and scenery line up!

The most challenge will come in designing the breaks in the scenery.  straight verticle cuts are easiest but look the worst.  I will need to identify natural gaps in the rockrock and make the seams run behind those gaps. 

My plan is to use this space as a place to store the finished modules, to store the stuff, and keep it secure frm outside forces.  This way when I get my real full time space, I have my layout ready to go - or I can take it to events and run it there.  Once I decide to move, it will be a quick matter of pulling the moving van up to my unit and loading it all up!

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------

Benny's Index or Somewhere Chasing Rabbits
Reply 0
jeffshultz MRH Staff 8,006 posts
jeffshultz

Ah, okay

I thought you were actually trying to build a mini-layout in there as well as having a module storage zone.

 

orange70.jpg
Jeff Shultz - MRH Technical Assistant
DCC Features Matrix/My blog index
Modeling a fictional GWI shortline combining three separate areas into one freelance-ish railroad.
Reply 0
Benny MRH Author 7,187 posts
Benny

Well - I could very well get

Well - I could very well get a storage battery and a couple wires and power the track that way, as the layout gets more complete!!!  And the generator would indeed work!!

I might move in a year or less, which will change jsut about EVERYTHING all over again!!

--------------------------------------------------------

Benny's Index or Somewhere Chasing Rabbits
Reply 0
BlueHillsCPR
BlueHillsCPR

Power

Maybe you should look at solar power?

Portable Solar

Make your own Solar
Reply 0
Obiwan3 New member 2 posts
Obiwan3

Getting an Officer's Commission

Benny,

I spent 28 years flying in the Air Force & Air National Guard. It was a great career.  If you have any questions, contact me. I'll give you the straight skinny.  The recruiters will fill you up with a lot of fluff.

A military career is serious business & your whole family has to buy into it, too. Separations stink. I missed a lot of holidays, birthdays, etc. Do your homework before you dive in.  Good luck & I hope you do go for a commission.

Ken O'Brien, LtCol, USAFR (Retired)
Reply 0
Benny MRH Author 7,187 posts
Benny

The hardest part, in my mind,

The hardest part, in my mind, will be getting in.  the rest I can deal with without a problem.  It's all about maturity and understanding how things work.  In this case, the military is a very stringent protocol - and it makes sense!  here's to the best!!

--------------------------------------------------------

Benny's Index or Somewhere Chasing Rabbits
Reply 0
Reply