The Tom Mann Design Challenge

[tom mann]

What can you do with an Ikea Lack shelf?  Ikea Lack shelves come in two sizes:  10 1/4 x 43 1/4 and 10 1/4 x 74 3/4.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10103&storeId=12&langId=-1&productId=11326

I like them because they bolt to the wall with no visible hardware.  So you could put a small shelf layout in a spare bedroom or study an no upset the balance of the room's existing decor.

So, what trackplans can you come up with?  Bonus points for a Chicago or LA themed industrial layout.

[up1950s]

I wouldn't trust my MP RSD-15's on a shelf with no bracket . Who designed that , the same engineers that designed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge ?

[tokenbrit]

What can you do with an Ikea Lack shelf?  Ikea Lack shelves come in two sizes:  10 1/4 x 43 1/4 and 10 1/4 x 74 3/4.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10103&storeId=12&langId=-1&productId=11326

I like them because they bolt to the wall with no visible hardware.  So you could put a small shelf layout in a spare bedroom or study an no upset the balance of the room's existing decor.

So, what trackplans can you come up with?  Bonus points for a Chicago or LA themed industrial layout.

Looks more like a pLAnCK shelf to me but should be good for a classic timesaver like this one ... or an adaptation thereof

[GonzoCRFan]

Well, I guess it's high time to start tinkering with ideas for the extension to my switching layout...deadline?

[KelNScale]

I'll give it a whirl...

Kel

[tom mann]

No deadline.  I'm interested in seeing your ideas for creating a non-linear feeling on a narrow shelf.  Most shelf layouts look too "straight".

Richie, depending on what you mount the shelf to, it can hold anywhere from 16-33 pounds.

[up1950s]

Richie, depending on what you mount the shelf to, it can hold anywhere from 16-33 pounds.

I have never meet a shelf I owned that I didn't hit with the top of my head while getting up , or press with more pressure than 33 lbs . Then I tend to over build things I make or hang . Good luck

[CNWlivesinme]

You have set the bait Tom, I might just get hooked.... ;D

Setting the buildings at an angle against the backdrop, and having the run around curve a bit might spice up the plain old feeling of a switching layout.

You would probably need two of them if depicting a good stretch of industry, plus you could use larger turnouts as well.

Also I can utilize all those switching layout doodlings from my last quarter in school... 

[Ian MacMillan]

Punk, your on!


Going to Ikea on Wednesday. ;D

[tom mann]

Richie, depending on what you mount the shelf to, it can hold anywhere from 16-33 pounds.

I have never meet a shelf I owned that I didn't hit with the top of my head while getting up , or press with more pressure than 33 lbs . Then I tend to over build things I make or hang . Good luck

I hear ya.  Wait around for the "Heavy and difficult to transport Design Challenge". ;D ;D

[rschaffter]

I wouldn't trust my MP RSD-15's on a shelf with no bracket . Who designed that , the same engineers that designed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge ?

The brackets are inside the shelf, which is hollow.

LACK is a line of shelves.  I think this one would be more challenging to design for:

[Roger Holmes]

Going to Ikea on Wednesday. ;D

Ian-Please pick up a 20 pack of Swedish meatballs and a couple of shrimp and egg sandwiches for me while you're there.  No wonder Ikea has been so successful--the wife can browse the furniture and I can eat Swedish meatballs and ligonberries!  We Swedes understand shopping ;D

In case you wonder why "Holmes" doesn't sound Swedish, my Grandfather arrived at Ellis Island with the last name "Frikholm" and left with a new American surname.

[Pomperaugrr]

Tom, that's an interesting challenge.  I just put up two of the 43" LACK shelves in my daughters' room this past weekend.  My one complaint is that the bracket mounting holes are not 16" on center.  They are 11" ! >

I mounted the center holes to the wall stud and the ends with toggle bolts in the drywall.  These babies are solid and would make a great shelf layout!  I'll have to look at some design ideas.

What is the overall size (benchwork dimensions) that you are looking for?   Is it a straight shot, around corners, etc.?  How many sections of each size shelf are you looking at doing?

I am assuming code 55 or code 40 track.

Eric

[tom mann]

What is the overall size (benchwork dimensions) that you are looking for?   Is it a straight shot, around corners, etc.?  How many sections of each size shelf are you looking at doing?

I am assuming code 55 or code 40 track.

Eric

I have one of the 74 3/4 inchers.  I think one of these combined with a 43 incher would make for a nice almost 10 foot long layout - Geil.  This could would go along any wall in even a small bedroom.   The small form factor combined with the clean design is an excellent choice for a high mounted layout in a study.

You know how flat panel tvs can be mounted with no visible power cords?   That's the design I'm going after - simple and wife-friendly.

I'll be using ME code 55 track and Atlas code55 switches.

[bsoplinger]

Perhaps folks could also do an 'around the corner' design using the long shelf and short shelf in a "L" shape. Just a suggestion as not everyone has a room with 10 linear feet (other than a living room)