The BMC project - The TPT Convention Box, page 2
This article was published May 17, 2012.
Start building
Now when it was time to start on the real thing, I had to decide on the exact size. I wanted around 2´ * 4´ (61 * 122cm) but it depends on how much needed for the tracks. Since I wanted to get as much use as possible of a normal 4´*8´ plywood sheet, it seemed like a good start.
Now the height when packed. I wanted it as thin as possible, but also I needed room for the centre elevated Hn15 part and the fluorescent lamps of course. Since I had the elevated part in the middle, I didn´t need so much more on the bottom level to get a mixed feeling of levels. The top had to be rather high for the lamps, that has to be made of standing 1´*3´. On the bottom I will use laying 1´*2´ and the plywood in under so when packed it will look like a nice box with a flat surface on all sides. The rest, a lot foam and light materials..
only the fluorescent lamps and the 4´*8´ plywood (cut in half for top and bottom) will make enough weight..
At first I had planned to use two fluorescent lamps, but two didn´t fit plus that the light from one lamp was enough. Will have one or two extra spot-lamps with me instead, if needed.
When looking through some printed internet pages, I did stop at Sidney´s Knockout Micro. I realized that if I put the background somewhat closer to the middle, I could have two scenes.. At first I only had in mind to let the trains go behind the scene to be able to switch cars and loads, but if I do like Sidney I could have one more scene..., nice! Thanks Sidney.
Back from the lumber yard, all wooden parts costed 502 SEK (around 54 € or 69$). I did saw all parts directly at the yard, that way all parts even fitted in my small rented Renault Clio I have right now. The size of the sheet I bought was not exactly 4´*8´ as they use to be, so the size of my convention box will be 70*120cm and 15cm high. After all, I am a European citizen so meters should be my measure..
Handle, lockers and paint
Interior
Right now (March 12th 04), I am working on the interior and measuring how much tracks and buildings I will have room for. It will be a loop for the Hn15 and also a couple of team tracks to make fiddling more exciting. The Hf tracks will be as you see on these picture.
To follow the progress, go to the BMC March Logbook.