Scenery
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Buildings
Securing your Trains Outside for Fast Operations
Apr 3, 2002
By Joe Mower
Author
Bio
Store your trains outside for to get a jump start on running.
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I have been into Garden Railroading since 1992. The current layout was started in 1999. The one thing I did not like was the time it took to get the trains out of storage and set them on the track and then put them away again when I was done running. I solved this problem by building a train barn.
My layout will be on the East Coast Large Scale Train Show layout tour April 14th, 2002/2003. If you are attending the show please try to make the tour.
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The following photos show the construction of the train barn. It is about nine feet long and 38" wide so it will fit under the stairs going up to the deck. There are five tracks going into the barn to store the trains.
Now it is a simple task to just back the trains into the barn and close the door when the operating session is finished. A crossover switch allows access to both main line tracks. I used a LGB semaphore wired to a manual toggle switch to throw the crossover switches and set up the blocks when putting a train on the inside loop.
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The framework is built from pressure treated 2 x 2's that are glued together with liquid nails and screwed. The rafters are reinforced with plywood gussets. The (5) 2 x 4's across the bottom were left in place and the five tracks were screwed to them prior to covering the roof.
The cupola on top of the train barn contains a lift out storage tray to store more expensive engines or the trolley. The cupola also provides access to clean the track inside the barn or to retrieve a derailed car. The roof area near the barn entrance also hinges up and contains two small transformers for a trolley line and a grandson layout. It also contains the block switches; the track throw switches and has a 110-volt power supply for the transformers and inside lights.
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The entrance door on the front lifts up in an aluminum track and can be latched open to allow the trains to enter. When the door is closed and the hinged roof is closed it can be locked to protect the trains.
The roof is covered with 1/2 inch plywood and covered with roofing shingles. The sides were covered with 3/8 inch grooved plywood and stained with cedar deck sealer The structure was set in place so the top of the 2 x 4's were at the correct elevation for the track. The tracks were screwed to the 2 x 4's and the areas between the tracks were filled in with stone dust. An access door in the back of the structure can be opened in case I needed rear access. You could install more switches and have the trains run through the barn. I did not do this as the back of my structure is under the steps going up to our upper deck.
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The windows on the sides were made using 1/8 inch thick tinted Plexiglas. I used the router to cut a 1/8-inch deep opening for the window and then used liquid nails to glue the Plexiglas in place. To finish the windows I used chart tape to outline the windows and Cypress wood for the trim.
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The photo above shows the transformers and switches inside the roof area. The door for the trains can be lifted and hooked open from this access area.
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This photo shows the center cupola area with the lift out tray to store other trains. Both this cupola and the front roof area have locks for security of the trains.
Now when I want to run trains I just open the door and pull the trains out onto the two main lines and start running. When I am finished I just back them into the barn and close the doors. Life is wonderful.
