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..

Pict0433 -- The bottom with the cross for better stability getting glued.
Pict0433 -- The bottom with the cross for better stability getting glued.
Pict0455 -- I am test-fitting the top to<br>the bottom.
Pict0455 -- I am test-fitting the top to
the bottom.
Pict0478 -- Inside the box with the bolts and wing-nuts. Notice the flat-head bolts I am using, this area will be covered with scenery later.
Pict0478 -- Inside the box with the bolts and wing-nuts. Notice the flat-head bolts I am using, this area will be covered with scenery later.
Pict0465 -- How I made the holes perfectly align, I simply drilled thrue both at the same time..
Pict0465 -- How I made the holes perfectly align, I simply drilled thrue both at the same time..

Handle, lockers and paint

Pict0473 -- Picture on the finished box! Now its time for finish and lockers.
Pict0473 -- Picture on the finished box! Now its time for finish and lockers.
Pict0523 -- Closeup on the handle. To be able to lift it in a easy way, I installed a normal closet handle.
Pict0523 -- Closeup on the handle. To be able to lift it in a easy way, I installed a normal closet handle.
Pict0507 -- The lockers I bought together with the handle at my local hardware store. On the picture here you see how I installed them.
Pict0507 -- The lockers I bought together with the handle at my local hardware store. On the picture here you see how I installed them.
Pict0521 -- When dismantled. Here is a close-up on the type of lockers I use. They could have been smaller, but I couldnt find any at the time.
Pict0521 -- When dismantled. Here is a close-up on the type of lockers I use. They could have been smaller, but I couldnt find any at the time.
Pict0518 -- Here you see how ´small´ the box gets when it is put together. Ok,, it isn´t small, but rather light and you both can carry and install it yourself, even if two guys makes it more handy to install and get ready for a running session.
Pict0518 -- Here you see how ´small´ the box gets when it is put together. Ok,, it isn´t small, but rather light and you both can carry and install it yourself, even if two guys makes it more handy to install and get ready for a running session.
Pict0525 -- Here the box is filled with stuff and ready for travel!
Pict0525 -- Here the box is filled with stuff and ready for travel!
Pict0508 -- And here it is ready for some action (..well almost, needs some tracks, scenery and trains)
Pict0508 -- And here it is ready for some action (..well almost, needs some tracks, scenery and trains)

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.

Pict0481 -- First picture here is a type of image I always tryes to make, a ´before´ picture to compare with when it is finished.
Pict0481 -- First picture here is a type of image I always tryes to make, a ´before´ picture to compare with when it is finished.
Pict0504
Pict0504
Pict0836
Pict0836
Pict0838
Pict0838
Pict0863
Pict0863