My Modelling Man Cave

Post by **Paul** » Tue May 28, 2013 3:51 pm

Ive posted this separate to the other thread as this would just take it over.

This is the step by step log i did building my modelling mancave, im really proud of it and it is one of my best achievements. i built it all, bar the actual shed structure and i had an electrician friend connect the wiring up.
Im a plumber by trade and quite handy at DIY.
I started it in january this year and it took about 6 weeks in total, im still adding and changing things now though

Copied from my blog

Well the first step to my new modelling digs is starting tomorrow. With the demolition of our tree root damaged garage. This will leave me a nice concrete base ready for a 16' x 8' wooden workshop. This will have a partition inside giving me 4'x8 storage at the front of the house for car stuff, pressure washer bikes etc and a 12x8 modelling room. Being right next to the house it will have power, hot cold water and central heating. It'll also be insulated and ply lined too.

So the first step was done last Wednesday we filled a 12 ton skip with all the rubbish out of it ready for demolition. The garage has not been used for storing a car for years and has just become a dumping ground for household junk, so it's no loss at all. The roof rotted along time ago hence all the rubbish inside.

And it's gone

Ok another step closer, all the fencing is now done, this just leaves painting the side of the house replacing the side window, new rainwater drainpipes (all inaccessible when the garage was there) and I'm all set to order my shed.

Well at long last it arrived today, very happy with it, it's certainly well made.

All the insulation and boarding is being delivered tomorrow along with the new roofing panels.

25 mm T &G cladding 8)

My steel security door is also being delivered tomorrow and along with the upvc window will be my first job

Got the door and window in today, need to make good around them tomorrow.

That bloody steel door weighs a ton, I had a right mare getting it fixed in place.

Also slapped,some of the wood preserve in and around the end grains of the t and g boards and where the door and window sit, ill do the rest at a later date.

The door is awesome I originally wanted a solid wooden door, but they were £200+ without the door furniture and locks. A quick look on ebay found this steel door for £233 delivered, its 15 point locking with anti jemmi hinges and pins and is also insulated too.

It was easy to install to although a bit heavy to lift in in my own

Two of these top and bottom

And two on the very top and bottom of the door too

Strong hinges and anti lift legs, still need to get the blue film off inside

I'm off to get some steel bar tomorrow to make a grill for the window.

I've spent today insulating the roof and walls today, I'm about 80% complete, still got the floor to do will get a pic tomorrow.

Ill say one thing, expanding foam is the work of the devil

Post by **Paul** » Tue May 28, 2013 3:56 pm

Progress for the last few days.

Got all the insulation done, 50 mm in the roof and 40mm in the sides, its great stuff the foam boards but they are a pain in the arse atvthe same time. All the joins were foil taped to form the vapour barrier.

And today managed to get 80% of the boarding up ready for the electrics.

Still got the floor to batten and insulate, hopefully get that done tomorrow.

Got the floor battened and insulated today, and then got the flooring down too.

Tomorrow electrics and battoning for the cladding

Got all the cabling and pattresses in today, 11 double sockets in total plus the lighting switches and spares also ram the alarm cable ready for the pir.

I battened one wall ready for the carcases and I also cladded the one wall that doesn't need battoning.

Got the hot and cold water supply in now, plus the heating pipes,they just need connecting in the house.

Got the main wall cladded as well as half the ceiling ( I ran out of cladding, will get more,tomorrow) and also got them radiator hung and connected.

Been full if man flu the last few days so progress has slowed a little.

Got the carpet in and already full of crap lol, that's an off cut on the floor btw.

Ceiling cladding is also done and the drawer unit all together and screwed into place, although 4 of the handles were faulty and will have to be returned and swapped.

Need to get the worktop next, great fun trying to get 3 m lengths on the van roof rack on your own. Then the electrician can come in and sort out the power.

I take a great blurry pic

Worktops and sink in, need to move a few things about to get it how I want it though.

Bit more progress got the two little shelves in above the work surface, both of these have led lights underneath them to light the work surface and when mounted my paint shelves.

I also got the gaps underneath cladded as well as the ones just above the worktop, just got a couple of security lights to put up front and back of the house and I'm ready for the electrician.

Plenty of background light of the led lights

Post by **Paul** » Tue May 28, 2013 4:04 pm

More progress today

Got my new paint/storage racks built and all the areas inbetween cladded also got 90% of the beading trim in around the corners etc the make good the cladding.

Also got the blind up and the trim around that too.

Spark is coming tomorrow so will have power in there then' no more extension leads from the house

Heating and water supply still to connect plus still got the roofing panels to put over the felt and also treat the exterior of the shed and paint inside.

Getting good at these blurry pics now

Hanna still needs to decide what she is doing with her wall part

Just a little update, nothing major.

Put some treated timber around the door and window and gave the workshop a good coat of solvent based treatment (non of this water based crap, I appear to have gotten more on myself that the actual shed.

Ive now boxed in those wires and pipes coming from the house now too with some upvc boxes

Also got my CCTV installed so I can keep an eye on the workshop as well as the car/van and my aviary. Good system cost £275 for 4 cameras a 500gig dvr and a nice little 7" LCD monitor, it can also be viewed via the internet and ill have a live feed into the workshop once the cable I need arrives. It can also be watched full screen on our living room tv so there's no getting away from it.

The bitumen corrugated roof panels are getting fitted on Wednesday, Ive had to get the guy back who demolished the old garage as the roof won't support gorilla sized people.

Ah well that's its about finished.

I got the rest of it treated on Wednesday (had to go in the road behind us and lift the fence panels out and also got the guttering up too.

Clive (the guy who demolished the old garage) came yesterday and fitted the roof panels, it took him all day, but he fitted as I wanted as it looks spot on.

Still got a few things to sort out inside but all the major work in it is now done, took me nearly 8 weeks and cost an arm and leg.

Post by **Paul** » Tue May 28, 2013 4:18 pm

I have had various other pics of it as it progressed but this is how it is now and heres a video walkthrough of the room

The beasts

And a video walk though of my cave

Sorry if I waffle on (as usual)

[youtube]NsnpZHuYx40[/youtube]

Post by **Bagpiper** » Wed May 29, 2013 12:34 am

WOW! That is very very impressive - and what a transformation. I got some good tips looking at your photographs for when I finish my workshop in the basement of my house.

Thanks so much for sharing - Anyone know where I can find a jealous Smilie please? lol

Excellent stuff

Cheers
Jim

Post by **gosselin2112** » Wed May 29, 2013 3:24 am

So. . . this is what model building heaven looks like

I can't wait to settle down and have a permanent workbench.

Website · Post by **Gav0909** » Wed May 29, 2013 11:10 am

Jesus. That place is awesome! One day I will have something like that. One day.....

Post by **schweinhund227** » Wed May 29, 2013 1:44 pm

yeah! there is no Topping that one... ultimate Cave right there... LOL

well done ! obviously you know a thing or two about Building stuff out of wood !

Most excellent !

I jealous but I'll get over it ! LOL

Post by **BrummieModeller** » Wed May 29, 2013 8:15 pm

Very impressive paul id love a space like that a little bit jelous i must say lol

Post by **coladito1** » Thu May 30, 2013 9:25 am

I am NOT jealous!! no no no............. ok maybe a little.......... oh who am I kidding?

Post by **schweinhund227** » Thu May 30, 2013 2:00 pm

coladito1 wrote:I am NOT jealous!! no no no............. ok maybe a little.......... oh who am I kidding?

LOL

I am sure you can build a shed in the backyard Luis !!! but California might be a little Hot on the Models... stored inside..? Not ?

its not a bad idea ! at least you would regain a little of ( ME space ) ???

but you are right... that man cave is the Ultimate man cave isn't it ??? LOL I'm so Green with envy !
but that would be too cold in Canada !!!

Post by **PhildaFish** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 11:41 pm

"...!"
(speechless)

Post by **coladito1** » Wed Jun 05, 2013 10:09 am

schweinhund227 wrote:
LOL

I am sure you can build a shed in the backyard Luis !!! but California might be a little Hot on the Models... stored inside..? Not ?

its not a bad idea ! at least you would regain a little of ( ME space ) ???

but you are right... that man cave is the Ultimate man cave isn't it ??? LOL I'm so Green with envy !
but that would be too cold in Canada !!!

Yea it would be too hot here, specially where I live (high dessert) it gets to about 110 degrees out here!

Post by **Nige99** » Sat Jun 08, 2013 2:02 pm

Looks really good Paul, looking forward to coming up and doing some work there.

Post by **Paul** » Sat Jun 08, 2013 2:12 pm

Nige99 wrote:Looks really good Paul, looking forward to coming up and doing some work there.

Yeah it'll be good to have you here mate

Post by **ww2hispanomodels** » Sat Jun 08, 2013 2:35 pm

Paul, this is modellers' paradise!

You have an incredible place to model and I have to model in the same place I sleep and study... A modelling room is something that in my future house won't lack

Post by **Paul** » Sat Jun 08, 2013 2:47 pm

ww2hispanomodels wrote:Paul, this is modellers' paradise! You have an incredible place to model and I have to model in the same place I sleep and study... A modelling room is something that in my future house won't lack

Cheers buddy

Post by **Telegraphist** » Sat Jun 08, 2013 9:59 pm

Wow, I have got to make do with the spare room, very impressive Paul, as is your paint collection.

Dave.

Post by **ChubberLang** » Thu Jun 13, 2013 6:04 pm

That is super awesome! I can only dream if such things lol! I have a cellar but it gets damp to have a permanent model bench and store my stuff!.

Super man cave!!!

Post by **Coen** » Thu Jun 13, 2013 6:15 pm

Super Man Cave... hahah... I thought that it was Batman that had the cave. Snicker.
Thanks. I hope that it shapes into something useful after I'm done with it.
Keep dreaming Chubber I did and poof there it is.
Wishes are just things that you either can't be arsed to to or haven't gotten to yet for the most part.

Post by **schweinhund227** » Thu Jun 13, 2013 6:29 pm

Nice one.... should be nice and Cozy when its all Furnished !!! nice work...

Post by **Paul** » Thu Jun 13, 2013 6:30 pm

ChubberLang wrote:That is super awesome! I can only dream if such things lol! I have a cellar but it gets damp to have a permanent model bench and store my stuff!.

Super man cave!!!

Cheers buddy

Post by **modellingmadness** » Sat Jun 15, 2013 5:35 pm

Nice work! All you need now is

Post by **McLeod** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 9:36 pm

Jesus Paul, I've seen model shops with less paint than you lol, truly excellent setup there fella

Post by **Paul** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 9:48 pm

McLeod wrote:Jesus Paul, I've seen model shops with less paint than you lol, truly excellent setup there fella

Cheers mate

lol

Post by **Coen** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 3:41 am

That's no joke McLeod, I was at my local shop on Tuesday and Paul actually does have more paint than they do.

Post by **McLeod** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:58 am

Coen wrote:That's no joke McLeod, I was at my local shop on Tuesday and Paul actually does have more paint than they do.

I know, on the last visit to my local shop they had an empty tamiya rack, and empty humbrol rack and a full games workshop rack lol

Post by **Coen** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:02 am

I wonder where it went.... hmmmm
PAUL!!!!

Post by **Paul** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:05 am

Coen wrote:I wonder where it went.... hmmmm
PAUL!!!!

Lol, you wouldn't believe how many humbrol enamels I have to get rid of at the moment, I bought over 400 new tins for just £100 of ebay, so if anyone wants to buy any give me a shout.

Post by **Coen** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:26 am

Do you not like them?

Post by **Maketci** » Thu Aug 01, 2013 10:15 pm

Hi Paul ;
Your "cave" is very impressive. Inspiring...

Regards,
Maketci.

Sun Aug 04, 2013 2:09 am

yep i know i have seen these pics before lol, i love the set up

Post by **Paul** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 4:20 am

MichaelWWIIHistorian wrote:yep i know i have seen these pics before lol, i love the set up

Hey hey glad to have you with us buddy

Post by **good2us1** » Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:53 am

Hi Paul,
I am very impressed!!! After seeing your man cave video I now understand why you had to install a 14 point security door and have your hand guns, it's to protect your paint stash, LOL!
Also I was just wondering where do you keep your stash of models?
And like everyone else I to am jealous.

daryl

Post by **Paul** » Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:58 am

good2us1 wrote:Hi Paul,
I am very impressed!!! After seeing your man cave video I now understand why you had to install a 14 point security door and have your hand guns, it's to protect your paint stash, LOL!
Also I was just wondering where do you keep your stash of models?
And like everyone else I to am jealous.

daryl

Hi daryl

I don't have a huge stash (approx 40 kits) they are stored in both kitchen units under the work top below the sink. I need to do a new video for the new channel so I'll show them in that.

Post by **jmar829** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 9:35 pm

OH. MY. GOD. That place is magical.

You must be rich!

Post by **Paul** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 10:12 pm

jmar829 wrote:OH. MY. GOD. That place is magical.

You must be rich!

Cheers buddy, and not particularly no

Post by **Coen** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 11:15 pm

Yes he is... Ever see the bank job?
Shhhhhh

Post by **Paul** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 11:35 pm

Lol at coen

My cave has had a real good sort out today, I've moved a few things around, changed a few things and got rid of a few things.

I'll bore you all with some pics tomorrow and if your really unlucky a new video of it lol

Post by **Coen** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 11:38 pm

Cool.. I'm game....

keep an eye out for his safe eh.

My Youtube Channel · Post by **NorthernSwede** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 2:48 pm

Looking forward to some pics or hopefully a video

Your room really give good ideas for setting up my own

Post by **Paul** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 2:54 pm

Yeah ill sort a new video for the ism channel later this week

This was the main area that had been annoying me since I set up the workshop.

The shelved were part full of books and other bits that didn't fit anywhere. The bookshelf now used to the right, I had made into a display unit for the die cast plane set I had, I'll sell theses now as they were just in the way.

So all my stash is now out on the shelves, not much quantity wise but plenty of quality kits now though after having a good sort out.

Post by **Pstrasdine** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 4:23 am

great cave Paul But I didn't see a Beer fridge lol

Post by **Dunhill2005** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 2:28 pm

WOW!!!!!!!!!!
Your "cave" looks great...

Post by **Coen** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 2:38 pm

Pstrasdine wrote:great cave Paul But I didn't see a Beer fridge lol

He's fed intravenously from a keg on the roof.

https://www.youtube.com/user/bnealuk · Post by **T3hGuppy** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 2:42 pm

Coen wrote:
Pstrasdine wrote:great cave Paul But I didn't see a Beer fridge lol

He's fed intravenously from a keg on the roof.

Post by **Paul** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 2:46 pm

Coen wrote:
Pstrasdine wrote:great cave Paul But I didn't see a Beer fridge lol

He's fed intravenously from a keg on the roof.

LMAO

Post by **jmar829** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:06 pm

Quite the hide-out you got there! You've given me something to strive for when I have the space and the $$$.

Post by **Paul** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 4:34 pm

Yay more paint, made the paint rack then had more bottles than i thought

Ill make a better rack once i fix my chop saw (which died a death building the workshop)

Post by **Coen** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 5:28 pm

You know Paul.. you will one day reach a point of critical mass in paint in your cave and it will implode into a sparkling rainbow black hole of terrible destruction.