Not a Track, but display cabinet plans

[TAMELESSTGR]

I'm wanting to build a display case for my rides, and I plan on using it for a new backdrop on my workbench. Plan is to use 3/4" poplar and some 1/4" thick lexan that I will cut to size for the shelves. There will be 2 sliding glass doors, and the case will feature LED lighting from top and bottom that will show through the lexan shelving. Few pics from CAD software. Will be able to hold 60 cars when complete.

[chappyman66]

That will be a great display case.....should be a fun project!

[TAMELESSTGR]

Thinking about how I am going to run the LED lights around the perimeter of the Box. I think I have it worked out on this test piece. Scuffed up the lexan to diffuse the light a little bit. I will have to cut the LED strip and solder some 22 gauge wire to be able to make the 90 degree corner bends.

[TAMELESSTGR]

[TAMELESSTGR]

Well, I acquired the rest of the lumber I need to start moving forward this weekend. Man, Acrylic sheets are $$$. Will be using that for my shelving so the LED shines throughout the entire cabinet space.

[indybob008]

Should really look good. Yes acrylic is high. Look forward to pic with the cars and lights on the shelves.

[32lbking]

Definitely following this one. Interesting project.
Thanks for posting,
Randy

[TAMELESSTGR]

Made some wood dust last weekend, got all the main cabinet pieces cut to size and the channels for LED lights and the glass cut out.
Waiting on some additional strands of LED lights and wire.
Will have to cut/solder the corners where 90 degree bends are required (should be fun lol)
Picking up some acrylic I found on Craigslist today.
Need to decide my shelf spacing so I can use drill press to accurately locate dowel pins to hold up the shelves.

[TAMELESSTGR]

Finally I had some time after the holidays to get this sucker finished. I am very happy with the results. Initially I was going with a black background, but I ended up fishing a dry erase board out of the dumpster at work, and it was the hot ticket, love the way the LED's reflect and it is easier to see the cars inside the cabinet. It will hold 75'ish cars and I will probably fill it up quickly with projects I have been collecting. I will most likely build something similar again in the near future to hang above my computer desk which is also in my workshop.

Lessons learned:
Don't buy "waterproof" LED's again, they do not bend at 90 degrees easily
I had to sand the edges of the glass I purchased in order for it to smoothly glide in the plastic channels
Even though I am using .220" plexi for the shelves, I am concerned about long term sagging, I might have to make a thin rod to support the shelves in a ladder affect

Let me know what you guys think!

[mattb]

Great job, you have fine wood working skills. I hope you have a nice routed track or build one. ....With your skills you can do a great job......I found that on my plexi display cabinets with sliding doors, a drop of oil makes them slide a lot smoother.

[TAMELESSTGR]

I do have grand aspirations for a large routed track some day, full scenery and the like. Thanks for the tip on a drop of oil!

[chappyman66]

Beautiful job! That's a great looking cabinet and the cars really pop on the shelves.
Tracks are easy......you won't have any trouble.

[Apexdreamer50]

Looks fantastic! The lighting was a great touch to an already nice project. You truly do have some skills in the wood working area.

[TAMELESSTGR]

My father taught woodshop class for 15 years. I love it, sadly today's youth hardly has any exposure to this type of skillset.