40' x 8' x 8' shipping container layout

[Bruette]

I am planning it so the glass part can be raised and it will allow ventilation on those hot Minnesota summer days. We'll see...

Ventilation is a great idea!

 

[grande man]

The shipping container idea is very interesting! It could solve a number of problems many of us face, including being movable in the future if needed. An around the walls track plan would require a lift out or duck under at the door, right? This has me wondering about a dogbone track plan. I'm thinking about what I might do with such an opportunity, not suggesting that you change your track plan. Keep us posted on your progress.

Michael, I thought of all that stuff, there will be an average width of 2' for track so will have 4' hallway which is great plenty.

 

[logandsawman]

The shipping container idea is very interesting! It could solve a number of problems many of us face, including being movable in the future if needed. An around the walls track plan would require a lift out or duck under at the door, right? This has me wondering about a dogbone track plan. I'm thinking about what I might do with such an opportunity, not suggesting that you change your track plan. Keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks for the comment-there will be a swing up section at the door. I am putting a steel door in the side, swings out. 36" wide. Will then have a double track about 36" with a hinge on one side.

I plan on going around the walls with a variable width and elevations. I will not be using the large end doors at all, but build and insulate right over them.

I have 40' of backdrop x 4' high from my existing layout that will be used. That is almost half the area already done!

Getting pretty excited, I have to reign it in a little. Lots of steps to go...

 

[migalyto]

Getting pretty excited,...

As are we!

Does that just sit flat on the ground, or is there going to have to be some ground prep first?

 

[logandsawman]

As are we!

Does that just sit flat on the ground, or is there going to have to be some ground prep first?

The four corners will have floating pads, I will take off the sod, apply some gravel and then 2' square pavers. Each corner will sit on one of those. There will be some treated lumber on top of the cement pads to level the container.

The area is old field which just has a thick layer of sod on it. The soil is sandy loam which drains well, the area slopes away from the doorway and water does not settle there.

Tomorrow is delivery day probably not hear from me till Friday.

Dave

 

[Iron Horseman]

The four corners will have floating pads, I will take off the sod, apply some gravel and then 2' square pavers. Each corner will sit on one of those. There will be some treated lumber on top of the cement pads to level the container.

No insulation on the bottom? Sounds like cold feet.

 

[BigGRacing]

Tomorrow is delivery day probably not hear from me till Friday.

We expect pictures and the layout almost complete by Saturday morning please……lol

 

[logandsawman]

No insulation on the bottom? Sounds like cold feet.

I plan on supplementing the fixed heater with a small portable one-like the one I have in my office, under my desk.

For warm feet, I need the heater blowing directly on my tootsies. Cheaper and more effective than trying to keep the whole floor warm.

 

[logandsawman]

Not to mention, out here in the country we pile up the snow around our foundations, and if need be, put a row of hay bales around the perimeter. Does wonders in the way of insulation

 

[Iron Horseman]

Not to mention, out here in the country we pile up the snow around our foundations, and if need be, put a row of hay bales around the perimeter. Does wonders in the way of insulation

my travel trailer was surrounded with straw bales last winter. Helped greatly if nothing else just to cut the wind, but it also gave the mice a direct staircase into the thing.

 

[logandsawman]

my travel trailer was surrounded with straw bales last winter. Helped greatly if nothing else just to cut the wind, but it also gave the mice a direct staircase into the thing.

That is a big part of why I went with the shipping container as opposed to stick built.

They are tight. We had our personal belongings in our smaller shipping container for 3 years. Absolutely no insect or rodent damage. For two years, it was parked in the woods.

 

[TrucTrain55]

What are your thoughts?

I pulled these for 25 years. Look the inside over good no rust. These are air tight don’t cover the vent up in the corners these need to breathe.

 

[logandsawman]

The new train room, looks like new (was only used once, mfg date 3/2024)

Here it is in place: (still needs to be fully leveled and footings prepared

I have some experience using these. We bought this one, 20' long, in 2017. It is used as our "garden shed", has our mowers, snowblower, ladders, and tools in it. We purchased it used and it is still rodent proof.

Will be cutting in the entrance door and running the electric next...

 

[Rico]

Very nice!
Years back when I sold a few of these you never heard of “one time use” containers but now apparently it’s cheaper to sell one and build a new one than return an empty I’m told.
As Lee mentioned keep it vented, wasps like to plug the holes sometimes but having one already you’ve likely discovered that.
Looking forward to spending your money, um, I mean watching the progress!

 

[grande man]

This will be a good project, look forward to seeing it come together. That exterior is begging for a railroad mural...

 

[bnsf971]

This will be a good project, look forward to seeing it come together. That exterior is begging for a railroad mural...

The inside's begging to be painted light blue/blue-ish grey to help backdrops blend in.

 

[Iron Horseman]

The new train room, looks like new (was only used once, mfg date 3/2024)

That is actually beautiful. Why do they sell them after only 1 use. Cheaper than shipping them back empty to refill?

 

[santafewillie]

That is actually beautiful. Why do they sell them after only 1 use. Cheaper than shipping them back empty to refill?

That's what I have read and discussed with a local supplier of containers. Using cheap Chinese labor is less expensive than paying to ship empties back across the Pacific Ocean. Capitalism at work! They're real cheap in our area north of Dallas/Ft Worth. One use 40 footers are under $3000 plus delivery.

 

[logandsawman]

Made progress after work today getting it on footings.photos sunday.

It will be insulated and the 4' high backdrop added so nothing to paint.

No plans to cover vents, in fact I am adding two 6" x 24" attic vents between the insulated ceiling and roof, to minimize condensation.

Cutting a hole for the entrance door, a 36x80 with glass at eye level, comes next...

 

[grande man]

I'm gonna let my mind run wild a minute because every time I see Dave's container pics, that's what it does. Again, please don't take my comments as recommendations Dave, I know you've got a great plan in mind and the container is a fantastic idea (thanks).

What if, a container layout was built on two levels, shadow box style, and hung from the steel roof/walls? With 40" sides and 8" ends a fellow could end up with pretty good separation between the levels (y'all keep in mind 4% grades are OK with us D&RGW guys, lol). This would also allow extra space under the lower level uncluttered by traditional benchwork. Think of the end result, FOUR 40' runs plus the ends. I'm seeing the mine cutaway scene I've dreamed about on one of the ends, floor to ceiling... I'm seeing a fully signaled mainline with reasonable block lengths. Oh my, I gotta pull the power back on this runaway train.