Planning for an access hatch & need some help

Rich,

I have built an access hatch for a section of the layout that pulls off.  It's a module that is set in place.  A section of scenery is removed and then hatch pulls up (it's blocked to sit in a particular spot on the framework).

A second hatch (as yet unbuilt) will be in the middle of a loop on my folded dogbone.  I strongly recommend a 2' x 2' opening (we don't get any smaller as we age ).  I'm thinking that the hatch will be constructed of 2" thick pink foam carved to fit between ribs of the framework.  It will pop out (up) and be removed.  When access is no longer needed, the hatch will be replaced from the top.  At least that's the current plan.

George

If you make it large enough, say 30" by 30", it will allow better access.  If it is an open field, make it out of foam and it would be easy to lift out and set aside.

Art

That is a beautiful access hatch, Mike!  When it's in place you never would expect that it could be removed.  Very nice job!  How large is it?

Art

Mike---what did you use to build your stone wall?

Regards, Greg

Hatches don't have to be flat:

Chugman, Mike, and Pete - you guys do great work!

George

We have 3 access hatches on the right side of the layout. They all lift out and sit on a "lip" when they are in place. Aprox 24" x 24"

These 2 are to access the roundhouse area for construction, as it's being built in place.

This one gains access to the diesel service area.

Mine are at least two by two feet.  One trick I have used is to make them not rectangular, but irregularly shaped, so they better fool the eye.  The lake below is an access hatch.  I took a 30 inch wide by four foot section of plywood and cut the irregular roughly 24 x 30 inch lake shape out of its center, then built it into the layout where I want the hatch, and the part I cut out slips right in, but doesn't look like a hatch.