First Model/ Hobby room that did not double as my childhood bedroom.

[WillyBilly]

I was not sure where to put this. I did not find a category this topic really fit, and this seemed the best place.

Well after 15 years of empty nest, I finally convinced my wife to give up the idea of a guest room. She agreed if she could have the office room for her "she" room. I agreed, and now the metamorphosis has begun. Waiting on a new L shaped desk, and chair before the auto related pictures, and signs go on the wall, but it is mostly done. 8 rows of models in the closet.

Any suggestions of have-to-have items would be great.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Cool. Congrats.

I didn't have a dedicated model room until somewhere around 2005 when I got back in the hobby after a long absence.

For me, easily accessible tool storage close to the bench so it doesn't get too cluttered, and a whole lot of light are the two biggest must-haves.

[Bainford]

Congrats! Nice work space. Now the room will get some proper use. 😉

As Bill said, lots of light. If you are spray painting in that nice room, time to think about your spray booth set up.

If your model room is anything like mine, it will be in a constant state of development, shaping itself over time, accommodating new equipment and new shelving & storage requirements, etc, etc. It's never ending. Have fun.

[hedotwo]

Looks like a great space for you to use.  I like having some natural light too.  Not sure on your budget but I can recommend this Ikea rolling drawer cabinet... ALEX drawer unit on casters, white, 263/8x26" - IKEA.  

[jaymcminn]

If the carpet is staying, get a large clear vinyl mat to go under your desk and building area. Great for paint/glue spills and will help stop the "carpet monster" from swallowing small parts. 

[slusher]

Congrats on your model room!

[espo]

Congrats on getting your own space to build in. A couple of suggestions that may work with what you are trying to accomplish for your new area. Bookcases with adjustable shelves to display finished models on. I use a two-drawer business style filing cabinet for storage and keeping reference materials for builds, a larger one could also work depending on space. For the work bench, some sort of paint bottle shelving with mutable levels so that the labels are easier to see. A place for your most commonly used tools, knives and cutters. A drawer for your sandpapers and files. Drawers for different shaped plastic strips for scratch building. Don't know if you have a separate area for any spray painting or if you're going to setup something that will use the window in the room. I can say from experience no matter how well vented that room and your spray booth maybe, your wife will be able to tell when you're painting, don't ask how I know. I do mine in a separate room in the basement with the spray booth vent and boosted with the bathroom vent directly to the outdoors and she can still tell. 

[johnyrotten]

Any kind of shelf/shelving units. More storage the better, as others have said. And you will reorganize until you find the layout that works for you. I like to keep my immediate work area open, so all my paints/glues ,ect are shelved on the back wall of my bench. Acrylic shelf for nail polish fit most hobby paint very well, cheap on amazon

[WillyBilly]

I want to thank all of you for your advice. I have a homemade paint booth that works great. and vents great. I will be mounting it on a 5-7 drawer cart (as mentioned by a couple of you) so I can move it around since I have to vent it out the window when in use. I do have to find a store size display case as the curio cabinet is now full, and we have a cat. So open shelving displays is a big no no. I keep all my Paints, brushes, tweezers, sandpaper, sand blocks (nail files) in a toolbox. It has served me well, but I want to get a paint storage as mentioned by johnyrotton.

Again, thanks for the advice thus far. 

[johnyrotten]

Figuring out what works for storage is always a pain, isn't it. That kinda display is great, they would not work for my situation as my house is small. I built a "hutch" or what ever it's called, and used the back wall of it as my storage for paints, everything is right at arms reach. I'll can post some links if your interested in what I used. Here's a shot of my bench. Excuse the mess on it. 

Edited December 6, 2024 by johnyrotten
Missing word

[Chuckyg1]

And there has to be music. I have an old DVD home theater/CD system I use. 

[JollySipper]

I only wish I had 'room' for a hobby room......... I have my dining area here that has my little card table that I build on. I'm so dedicated to the hobby that I stand and eat so I can keep my model stuff out!

[Brutalform]

Congrats on the room. I had an extra bedroom at my old house that I used for model building. The door was shut when company came over, as it was the room of doom. Now I’m fortunate enough to have a utility room in the basement of our new house to build and not having an otherwise perfect room being used for my hobby. 

[johnyrotten]

7 hours ago, JollySipper said:

I only wish I had 'room' for a hobby room......... I have my dining area here that has my little card table that I build on. I'm so dedicated to the hobby that I stand and eat so I can keep my model stuff out!

You still get it kits done and enjoy the hobby, so you figured out a system that works for you. I only use a small amount of that room, the rest the wife has taken over. Kinda like the rest of the house. Now that I think about it.  Hmmm🤔

[WillyBilly]

10 hours ago, JollySipper said:

I only wish I had 'room' for a hobby room......... I have my dining area here that has my little card table that I build on. I'm so dedicated to the hobby that I stand and eat so I can keep my model stuff out!

Prior to this, I built on the kitchen table and painted in what is now her room/office.  My dedication has been a few this year. I think three. But in my defense, we were looking to move to SC so I did not want to have more built models to worry about protecting while packing for the move.

[WillyBilly]

On 12/4/2024 at 9:29 PM, Bainford said:

Congrats! Nice work space. Now the room will get some proper use. 😉

As Bill said, lots of light. If you are spray painting in that nice room, time to think about your spray booth set up.

If your model room is anything like mine, it will be in a constant state of development, shaping itself over time, accommodating new equipment and new shelving & storage requirements, etc, etc. It's never ending. Have fun.

Yes, it is. I am trying to cover all my bases now so I can just build, but I know there is a few things I will still need. Better lighting, and some sort of big glass display case, or more curio cabinets as the first one is full.🙄

I have a homemade paint booth that has served me well and will continue till I need something bigger.

[johnyrotten]

21 minutes ago, WillyBilly said:

Yes, it is. I am trying to cover all my bases now so I can just build, but I know there is a few things I will still need. Better lighting, and some sort of big glass display case, or more curio cabinets as the first one is full.🙄

I have a homemade paint booth that has served me well and will continue till I need something bigger.

The light I have over my bench was 10 dollars at home depot,  one of their store brands, no on/off switch. I run it off a power strip attached to the right side under the table. Cheap and bright. 

Edited December 7, 2024 by johnyrotten
Picture

[WillyBilly]

So I purchased a 10x magnifying clamp light to mount to the desk. Had to move the models out of the closet. I think I have a problem. Collecting has taken over building. Time for more finished storage.

[Mothersworry]

My workshop has been posted on the forums previously but I thought some pics in this thread might be useful regarding storage possibilities since you have essentially a "blank sheet of paper". The space is roughly 13'x16', I used Ikea kitchen cabinetry as it can be custom tailored to fit any space and task.

The Ikea quality is pretty good and it ain't too pricey. You can literally build (order) cabinets (with drawers), cupboards as well as storage within the cabinets and drawers to suit just about any space or task. The lighting is 5000 to 6000 Kelvin to best simulate natural daylight.

Fer what its worth....

View of the main work bench with the paint Booth on the left and the secondary work bench in the foreground. The cupboards above provide additional storage.Another view of the main work bench with TV and additional storage to the right of of the "desk" where I do most of the building. Storage on the shelfs for in progress projects with storage above in drawers for misc. goodies like resin parts, photo etch,  decals, foil, wire and detail stuff...etc.Secondary workbench, another Ikea piece. Messy stuff gets done here, cutting, grinding, resin clean up and soldering and electronic work. Dremel hanging with cable to hand held tool holder controlled by modified Dremel foot pedal (can take Dremel down to zero rpm). Ultrasonic cleaner and dehydrator are also on the table.  Paint Booth mounted on Ikea cabinetry. Compressor below in sound suppressed compartment with storage for misc. painting supplies. Manifold and pressure  gauges mounted on the side of the paint booth.Drawer below paint Booth with storage for airbrushes, gloves, bottles, mask and other such stuff.Storage next to paint booth for solvents, part mounts, spoons, partial spray cans, strainers, funnels...etc.View of my "work desk" with storage drawer below. Gun cleaning mat provides a a model friendly padded surface to work on.To the right of my "work desk" is storage for various hand tools.90 degress and next to the hand tool storage are drawers containing all the various bottle paints, enamels, lacquers, and acrylics.  Also various metal and metalizer finishes MCW lacquers and Scalefinishes enamels and lacquers other supplies related to brush applied paints.Next to the paint bottle drawers is storage for plastic (Evergreen stock), paper supplies, filler putties and misc. storage fer Model parts and such.

 

 

 

 

Edited December 8, 2024 by Mothersworry

[espo]

26 minutes ago, Mothersworry said:

My workshop has been posted on the forums previously but I thought some pics in this thread might be useful regarding storage possibilities since you have essentially a "blank sheet of paper". The space is roughly 13'x16', I used Ikea kitchen cabinetry as it can be custom tailored to fit any space and task.

The Ikea quality is pretty good and it ain't too pricey. You can literally build (order) cabinets (with drawers), cupboards as well as storage within the cabinets and drawers to suit just about any space or task. The lighting is 5000 to 6000 Kelvin to best simulate natural daylight.

Fer what its worth....

View of the main work bench with the paint Booth on the left and the secondary work bench in the foreground. The cupboards above provide additional storage.Another view of the main work bench with TV and additional storage to the right of of the "desk" where I do most of the building. Storage on the shelfs for in progress projects with storage above in drawers for misc. goodies like resin parts, photo etch,  decals, foil, wire and detail stuff...etc.Secondary workbench, another Ikea piece. Messy stuff gets done here, cutting, grinding, resin clean up and soldering and electronic work. Dremel hanging with cable to hand held tool holder controlled by modified Dremel foot pedal (can take Dremel down to zero rpm). Ultrasonic cleaner and dehydrator are also on the table.  Paint Booth mounted on Ikea cabinetry. Compressor below in sound suppressed compartment with storage for misc. painting supplies. Manifold and pressure  gauges mounted on the side of the paint booth.Drawer below paint Booth with storage for airbrushes, gloves, bottles, mask and other such stuff.Storage next to paint booth for solvents, part mounts, spoons, partial spray cans, strainers, funnels...etc.View of my "work desk" with storage drawer below. Gun cleaning mat provides a a model friendly padded surface to work on.To the right of my "work desk" is storage for various hand tools.90 degress and next to the hand tool storage are drawers containing all the various bottle paints, enamels, lacquers, and acrylics.  Also various metal and metalizer finishes MCW lacquers and Scalefinishes enamels and lacquers other supplies related to brush applied paints.Next to the paint bottle drawers is storage for plastic (Evergreen stock), paper supplies, filler putties and misc. storage fer Model parts and such.

 

 

 

 

Great! Now I want to remodel my workspace. This looks like a surgical center, and everything is in its place.  

[Matt Bacon]

It's amazing how, no matter how well organised and extensive your workshop is, you always end up before long modelling in the slightly less than 1 square foot space at the front and centre of your cutting mat on your desk...

best,

M.

[WillyBilly]

3 hours ago, Mothersworry said:

My workshop has been posted on the forums previously but I thought some pics in this thread might be useful regarding storage possibilities since you have essentially a "blank sheet of paper". The space is roughly 13'x16', I used Ikea kitchen cabinetry as it can be custom tailored to fit any space and task.

The Ikea quality is pretty good and it ain't too pricey. You can literally build (order) cabinets (with drawers), cupboards as well as storage within the cabinets and drawers to suit just about any space or task. The lighting is 5000 to 6000 Kelvin to best simulate natural daylight.

Fer what its worth....

View of the main work bench with the paint Booth on the left and the secondary work bench in the foreground. The cupboards above provide additional storage.Another view of the main work bench with TV and additional storage to the right of of the "desk" where I do most of the building. Storage on the shelfs for in progress projects with storage above in drawers for misc. goodies like resin parts, photo etch,  decals, foil, wire and detail stuff...etc.Secondary workbench, another Ikea piece. Messy stuff gets done here, cutting, grinding, resin clean up and soldering and electronic work. Dremel hanging with cable to hand held tool holder controlled by modified Dremel foot pedal (can take Dremel down to zero rpm). Ultrasonic cleaner and dehydrator are also on the table.  Paint Booth mounted on Ikea cabinetry. Compressor below in sound suppressed compartment with storage for misc. painting supplies. Manifold and pressure  gauges mounted on the side of the paint booth.Drawer below paint Booth with storage for airbrushes, gloves, bottles, mask and other such stuff.Storage next to paint booth for solvents, part mounts, spoons, partial spray cans, strainers, funnels...etc.View of my "work desk" with storage drawer below. Gun cleaning mat provides a a model friendly padded surface to work on.To the right of my "work desk" is storage for various hand tools.90 degress and next to the hand tool storage are drawers containing all the various bottle paints, enamels, lacquers, and acrylics.  Also various metal and metalizer finishes MCW lacquers and Scalefinishes enamels and lacquers other supplies related to brush applied paints.Next to the paint bottle drawers is storage for plastic (Evergreen stock), paper supplies, filler putties and misc. storage fer Model parts and such.

Wow

What an amazing workspace. What is the display case on the left side in front of the paint booth?

3 hours ago, Mothersworry said:

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 8, 2024 by WillyBilly

[Mothersworry]

41 minutes ago, WillyBilly said:

Wow

What an amazing workspace. What is the display case on the left side in front of the paint booth?

 

Thank you fer yer comment, acoupla shots of the other side of the room. About 55 or so Jo-Han kits in the one display case.

[Bills72sj]

I suggest you check off these boxes.

Display shelves that will keep dust off of completed builds for when you are sanding on a current project.

A large stash storage that can be closed off (at least until you overwhelm it).

A dresser full of drawers to stash parts and supplies.

A WELL LIT bench with LOTS of outlets.

If it has a pullout keypad drawer, you can pre-stage your rotary tool and/or micro drill to keep disruptive power cords OFF the bench.

An upper shelf above it for quick access to items without having to get out of the chair.

An office chair with MORE than 4 legs/casters.

A paint booth compatible with your window.

[TarheelRick]

I have a pegboard wall above my workbench. When I built it I attached some 1'X1' wood strips to the wall so I would have clearance behind the pegboard for the hangers. Harbor Freight has a package with several different selections of hangers. I have my evergreen still in the packages hanging on the board along with different styles and colors of wire, resin parts, and many other items. My board is about a 4"X6" foot section. 

Edited December 10, 2024 by TarheelRick