New train room, (basement), coming right along.

I love blank canvases. Enjoy.

If you don't do anything else to finish your basement, like sheetrock or paneling I would suggest hanging a suspended ceiling, You will be amazed how much cleaner your layout will stay not to mention that the lighting will be so much better too! Use the vinyl tiles with insulation attached it will soften the noise and they don't warp if you have any moisture problems.

Ahhh... a blank canvas.....sigh......

Are you planning to finish the room? If not then at a minimum I would seal the walls and floor. Bare concrete is a major dust creator.

Do you have a plan in mind yet? Good luck and keep us updated.

Bob

Somehow I’d bet Mr. Mowingman is first trying to clear some space and shed some light on this blank canvas. Mission accomplished! A couple of simple incandescent bulbs is very limiting at this point. Nicely done! I bet he already knows or figures out the hot air furnace and open ceiling challenges. I’m sort of jealous. I’d love to have a new basement to go play and build out however I want to. How fun!!!! Congratulations on the move and these forest steps! I’m looking forward to see what you accomplish with this cool space.

@RSJB18 posted:

Ahhh... a blank canvas.....sigh......

Are you planning to finish the room? If not then at a minimum I would seal the walls and floor. Bare concrete is a major dust creator.

Do you have a plan in mind yet? Good luck and keep us updated.

Bob

My plan is to get trains up and running in the next year or two. I don't have any plans to finish the basement, except to paint the walls and floor. If I get involved in a big basement finishing project, it will take a lot of money, and a lot of time. I really want to get some trains running and enjoy the layout while I am still fairly healthy. Let's face it, I am closing in on 72, and you never know!

genecm:  I am not going to put in a drop ceiling. I think it would look great, but cost is a factor, and, I like to see the utility lines up there, in case we have any problems. In fact, today a friend and I replumbed the drain from the kitchen sink to the line going out to the septic tank. Easy with no ceiling, not so easy if we had a drop ceiling in there.

So far I don't have a firm plan, or even a rough plan. I have several table sections from my former 2 rail layout that I may assemble along one wall and run a shelf type switching layout in 2 rail O. Most of the space will contain some type of fairly simple O gauge layout where I can run my postwar Lionel and have some fun with scenery.

Jeff

I think this is what what another thread referred to as “train essence”. I like your plan. Please keep sharing your progress. I’m enjoying this and be well. Best, W

At the very least Jeff consider where you might need additional outlets.

Jeff

Glad for your progress.  Jealous of the basement!  

I am also reporting the area you left behind (Denton Texas) is again experiencing icy weather.  Getting old.  Cheers!

Ozzie

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

At the very least Jeff consider where you might need additional outlets.

You are correct. We have already put in 5 double plug outlets, along the left wall. if I decide I need more, they will be easy to add.

Jeff

Jeff, that is good looking layout space.  You might consider spray painting the ceiling black (or hiring someone to do it).  A heavy paint coat will seal the joints between joists and floor above and cut down on the dust problem.  Also, a black ceiling is often used in places like furniture stores and museums to make the ceiling disappear.

@Obuckler posted:

Jeff

Glad for your progress.  Jealous of the basement!  

I am also reporting the area you left behind (Denton Texas) is again experiencing icy weather.  Getting old.  Cheers!

Ozzie

Ozzie: I saw that weather. Nothing like that up here in SE Ohio. I see where it is colder down there than it is up here. We are just expecting some heavy rain and minor river flooding. No ice or snow. Stay safe down there.

Jeff

Bob: Great idea. I will consider that for sure. It looks great with that layout in your photos.

Jeff

Paint the ceilings and seal the concrete aren’t expensive and will make a big difference.

Steve is right.  Concrete will shed dust forever unless it is sealed or painted.

I'm with the others on this one: Seal the floor and walls at a minimum, and paint the ceiling black. Then put the layout up. The dust will be greatly reduced, and the pipes and ductwork will disappear while remaining completely accessible. Cheap investment to prolong your enjoyment!

Chris

LVHR

@mowingman posted:

My plan is to get trains up and running in the next year or two. I don't have any plans to finish the basement, except to paint the walls and floor. If I get involved in a big basement finishing project, it will take a lot of money, and a lot of time. I really want to get some trains running and enjoy the layout while I am still fairly healthy. Let's face it, I am closing in on 72, and you never know!

genecm:  I am not going to put in a drop ceiling. I think it would look great, but cost is a factor, and, I like to see the utility lines up there, in case we have any problems. In fact, today a friend and I replumbed the drain from the kitchen sink to the line going out to the septic tank. Easy with no ceiling, not so easy if we had a drop ceiling in there.

So far I don't have a firm plan, or even a rough plan. I have several table sections from my former 2 rail layout that I may assemble along one wall and run a shelf type switching layout in 2 rail O. Most of the space will contain some type of fairly simple O gauge layout where I can run my postwar Lionel and have some fun with scenery.

Jeff

I like your plan. No need to build a show place if it's not needed. The room will be brighter with everything painted too.

Bob