3. Still thinking about the box

I have spent a lot of time working on fitting the layout into the available space, juggling the footprint to make it work. Even when you only have a tiny amount is space, this is a complex issue.

My current standard is a plastic box with an internal diameter of 70 x 27 cm. My trackplan fits this box, but the Mill doesn't! Its longer to the left when looking from the railway side, which is my viewing side. So I toyed for a while with upgrading to a Chrismas Tree Storage Box, which would give 120cm of length, but only 27cm deep. To be frank, I'm still tempted. I could make the fiddle yard, and probably the pelmet for lights etc, permanent - because its so tall.

I was about to write that sticking to the 70cm limit would mean I'd have to move the track plan to the right and make the first two turnouts off-scene. This would simplify the building and reduce the costs, keeping the three major constraints happy: Time, money, and space. 

I’m torn, so lets leave it there while I mull it over.