NEONS Module Supply Cabinets
by Steve Gillett
When we NEONS (North East Oklahoma N-Scalers) take our layout to a show, besides bringing the
modules, we have to carry a slew of other items, all of which are necessary to set up and operate
the layout. These items include extension cords, Loconet cables, track power equipment, skirting,
leveling tools, and much more. We stored these items in a variety of boxes, bins and bags, and occasionally, one was left behind. The success of our portable module storage cabinets got us to thinking about a better way to organize and transport all this support equipment.
Using the measurements of our storage cabinets as a guide, we made our supply cabinet 2’ deep
by 4’ wide by 80” tall, with 4” swivel castors on the bottom. Two Masonite
doors open on the front and fold back against the sides of the cabinet. These doors can be locked
to safeguard the contents of the cabinet. (Figures 1 and 2)
There is a bin in the bottom for all electrical gear such as Loconet cables, extension cords,
power bars, ground wire, adapter cables, etc. This bin has a hinged, drop-down front door for
easy access. (Figure 3) Above the electrical bin are two 9” deep drawers that contain all our
small items such as joiner tracks, levels, track tools, shims, screws, zip ties, tape, etc.
(Figures 5 and 6) These two drawers are made of 1” x 8” hardwood with a ½” plywood base.
A ½” rabbet locks the drawer base into its sides. Metal ball bearing glide rails insure easy
drawer operation and let them open fully for easy access. The drawers are near the
bottom of the cabinet and the front castors are as far forward as possible so that even with both
drawers fully open, the cabinet is stable and will not tip over. Instead of drawer knobs, there
is a finger hole in the front of the drawer. There are three shelves above the drawers. The top
shelf is for our layout skirting. The remaining two hold our Digitrax and Aristo-Craft power
equipment.
Our regular tool boxes (hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, nippers, sockets and socket wrenches, etc.
are stored on a shelf in one of our module cabinets. Now, all we have to do is run through our
inventory checklist (attached to the inside of the door)
to see that everything is in the cabinet
(a place for everything and everything in its place) and we are confident that we will have the
tools and equipment we need when we get to the show venue. (Figure 4)
This cabinet stays in the layout infield during the show. At 80” high, it makes a great place to
hang our club banner. Our only remaining problem is to get all of our club members to put items
back in the correct place when they are through with them so the next person can find them!