Layout in a Shipping Container?

S

Steam Donkey

New Member
Jul 9, 2002
84
0
6
58
Maple Ridge, BC
Visit site
Has anybody created, or put any thought into, building a model railroad in a ISO shipping container?

Seems to me that a used container (8'x20') is somewhat affordable (about $3,500 Canadian), is weathertight, secure, and transportable to boot! If one feels really adventurous, there are even longer sizes available, 40’, 53’ etc.

Are there any problems assosiated with this? Or any other benifits?

I have the space to plunk one of these on my property, and if I plant some tall shrubs and stick a trellis around it, my neighbours might not even complain! :D

Any thoughts?

Stan
 
M

MasonJar

It's not rocket surgery
Oct 31, 2002
5,362
0
36
Ottawa, Canada
Visit site
Mobile Home

There was a neat layout in Great Model Railroads or Model Railroad Planning 2002 that was housed in a mobile home.

Personally, I am trying to convince my wife that a caboose in the backyard would make a great train room.

Andrew
 
B

billk

Active Member
Jun 12, 2001
1,116
0
36
Marion, IA, USA
Just went to a train show in Central City IA last weekend - there was a club layout on display near where the show was, in a double-wide trailer.

Question - not being real familiar with the shipping containers, I assume you would have to cut in a door, or would whatever comes with it work? (If you have to cut in a door, might as well do some windows too!)

In addition to the insulation and solid base Sumpter250 mentioned, you also would need electricity (duh).
 
J

jon-monon

Active Member
Aug 15, 2002
4,590
0
36
60
Cobblers Knob, IN
www.2guyzandsumtrains.com
Re: Mobile Home

Originally posted by MasonJar
There was a neat layout in Great Model Railroads or Model Railroad Planning 2002 that was housed in a mobile home.
Click to expand...

I saw that, and when I read this thread, I thought of it. Perhaps if a full mobile home is too much (size) a camper type trailer could be acquired of a size more suitable. Either would be set up for creature comforts and be easier to relocate. And you will need HVAC out there when she changes the locks on the house!
 
T

t. alexander

Member
Jun 20, 2002
540
0
16
61
Attalla Al.
Visit site
Funny how thinking outside the box for a room solution can be solved by working in the box. :D

Personaly would have a problem with how to deal with the steel when it came to insulation, air conditioning, heating, wireing and so on. If your handy with a torch, or your buddy is or you can hire the work out it sounds feesable. but by the time it's all said and done, it might be easier and possibly just as cost effective to build a simple wood framed structure about the same size, while being a little easier on the wifely's eye's.

Btw, Charlie I got one of them caboose's in the back yard. It was my landlord who suggested doing it. Never know till you ask, LOL.

t.
 
V

Vic

Active Member
Feb 1, 2002
1,699
0
36
79
Columbus GA
Visit site
Don't think that a shipping container is going to be a good idea. Before I retired I used to inspect them for several overseas marine insurance companies. They are not easily moved except by trucks with special dollys. They are extremly heavy and in order for it to be in a permanant setup most likely it would have to have a full foundation, otherwise it will settle into the ground. A dolly equipted truck will not be able to "roll" it off on to a foundation and most likely a crane would be required to set it in place. They are made of heavy gauge steel...insulating it will be a problem although insulated versions are available. Providing adequate ventilation will also be a problem since they are pratically airtight once the doors are closed. The interior will "sweat" with temperature changes....thats why things shipped in them (unless just junk) are wrapped in polyfilm. Most all used containers that might be available have been exposed to saltwater and rust has set in and can't be stopped. They're great for temporary storage purposes but really don't fill the bill for something permanant like a train layout.

Used mobile homes can be had very reasonably. Check with a company that finances them. They usually have all different styles that have been repo'd and some "super" deals can be had. They are easily moved, set up and have all of the "comforts" built in. Most have no interior load bearing walls so its easy to "gut" them to obtain the space you need. Believe that you would probably end up spending less on a mobile home than you would overall on converting a container.
 
C

Clerk

Active Member
Nov 6, 2002
1,678
0
36
91
Esparto, California
Visit site
My wife and I live in a 24' X 60' mobile home in a senior mobile home park. I have taken over the family room (with the wifes blessing) for my train room. My layout is 8' across the south end. 11' on the west side and 9' in the east side. It is in the shape of a U. It is N scale. It is real handy when I get the urge to work on it or run some trains and I don't have to worry about weather fluctuations.
Jokingly I made the remark about using the living room which is 24' by 17' but my wife put her foot down flat. I suddenly decided that if I wanted to continue living here I would be satisfied with the family room.
 
B

Bill Stone

Member
Apr 20, 2001
528
0
16
90
San Dimas, California, USA
Visit site
Seems to me that Vic knows the skinny on containers.
\
If you want 8 x 20, that's a pretty common travel trailer size. Most of them that size have little or no real partitions, and would be easy to gut, are insulated, have electricity, heat, and (some even have) air conditioning. And the added plus of being able to tow them home (or to your next home) behind an ordinary car or pickup. Also, used ones are pretty cheap to buy (particularly if the interior is rough) and won't look so bad in your yard.

I'd go for the travel trailer.

But try to find one that doesn't leak.....

BillS
 
N

n-scaler-dude

New Member
Nov 22, 2002
68
0
6
Lebanon, MO
Visit site
Funny, I was having the same thoughts on this subject as all you. M y parents bought an older single wide mobile home at a local auction for $150, which they use for storge for their business.

I 'd also thought about the caboose for a trainroom. I even had an opportunity to buy one about a year ago, when they auctioned off a FRISCO caboose that had been setting at a local park, for years. Anybody could submit a sealed bid. I thought about it, until smoeone told me how much the transport could cost.

For those who are serious about buying a caboose, there are usually a few being offered on ebay.
 
H

hi-f

New Member
Jan 24, 2003
10
0
1
68
On the T&OC
Visit site
Container train room

Build it! Put in house-type doors and windows. Be sure there are two escapes, one at each end, in case of fire. Ask your local Fire Chief for advice, and make a model railroader out of him!!! I'm can't tell a Canadian about insulation and ventilation and heat...Be sure the thing is grounded with a long ground rod against lightning. Post a pic when it's ready!!!
 
M

Mike R

Member
Jan 18, 2002
221
0
16
81
Meaford Ontario Canada
Visit site
Stan...Vic is right on, the container would likely cause you a lot of heartache [ and a lot of money, too, to get it in shape for a layout].

We used containers for shipping equipment all over the world, where I used to work, and they were fine for just that.

The odd time we would refuse to use one as supplied, and insist on a replacement, owing to obvious leaks, or signs of corrosion-caused weakness, which may have compromised the safe lifting, travel, or arrival of our products.

We bought a couple of 40' used ones for miscellaneous UNHEATED STORAGE purposes, but they were not satisfactory at all, for pretty well all the reasons Vic stated.

Hey...because you're in Maple Ridge, B.C.....how about convincing MLB superstar Larry Walker to "sponsor" a building for your railroad...??????:D :D :D [If he came from here, I'd try it]..
good luck & regards / Mike;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom