Building a DCC caddy
and/or applying too much pressure, I added some peel and stick weather stripping from the hardware store un- der them. None of the electronic com- ponents move when the cabinet is turned upside down. I built the program track switch us- ing a Radio Shack project box, screw- ing it directly to the shelf. The Power Pax unit was also screwed directly to the shelf with the wiring held in place with small eye hooks and zip ties. While I only have modules at this
time, I do plan to build a layout in the basement. When I do, I’ll install this cabinet on the layout. Finally, as mentioned earlier, this
unit was designed for an NCE system, but I hope you find the design ideas useful for your system.
countersink, as needed. Next, glue and screw the pieces together. The shelf (piece K) is a 1″×6″ 23³⁄₄″ long and 5½″ deep (the standard width for a 1″×6″). The test track (piece L) is a 1″×3″, also 23³⁄₄″ long. The shelf and the test track should initially be cut to 23³⁄₄″, but you don’t want them too tight in case they need to be temporarily removed. Test fit them to see if you need to shave a little off the length; after all, they will be held in place with screws.
Now that the cabinet is assembled, you will want to think about the exteri- or finish–paint, polyurethane, railroad logos, etc. I sanded the unit and ap- plied a strip of iron-on oak veneer to the front and top of the side panels, as well as the front of the base. As you can see, I opted to use a clear polyurethane coating. If you do paint or polyure- thane the unit, remove the shelf and test track and coat them separately; you don’t want them stuck in place. I added a thin layer of green foam
(purchased at a local craft store) to one of the storage compartments to protect the throttle. I installed the handle and some rubber feet, then attached the shelf and test track with screws. Now you are ready to install your DCC system. I purchased a Belkin surge protector for a power strip, and used the mount- ing holes on the bottom of it to hold the unit in place with a small “L” bracket. Once I had the power strip in, I drilled a hole through the storage compart- ment where the throttle is stored for the a.c. cord to exit the cabinet. On the back of the cabinet, I installed two eye hooks. I opened them up to wrap the cable around them.
The power supply and the main unit of the NCE system are held in place with metal “tape” (plumbers use it to hang pipes) and small “L” brackets. To avoid scratching the DCC components
68 APRIL 2013
The carrying compartment is made up of two pieces of plywood with spacers sandwiched between them (top). A hole was cut in the rear of the compartment for the a.c. power cord, which can be wrapped around two eye hooks when not in use (above). Brackets were used to secure the DCC equipment in place and prevent unwanted accidents (below).
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