Below 265 SQ/FT The Boxcar Shed

[RichieP_MechE]

Floorspace is starting to become limited in my garage, so I decided to start working on a shed to store my lawncare equipment. I want something that won't project into my yard to much, so I decided on a 5x12 lean-to shed that I could erect parallel to the back wall of the building.

As I started working on the design, an idea popped into my head. I decided to make it look like a portion of a railroad boxcar. I'm taking inspiration from an old P&LE boxcar that was on an old 4x5 negative that I scanned for a local historical society several years ago.






Rail nerds will note that the P&LE was never a part of Conrail, but I just love the Conrail logo so I wanted to include it here.

Construction will be 2x4 framing, MDO plywood sheathing, PVC trim, and a metal roof. Floor is a poured concrete slab. I'm still dialing in some details. Not thrilled about the basic door design, so I will spend some more time thinking about that. Also planning on adding a small awning over the door to help keep the rain at bay.

The first step completed was pouring of the pad a couple weeks ago, done by the contractor I had hired to add a parking area extension to my existing driveway. This past weekend, I put down some 2B limestone between the pad and the side of the garage.



My goal is to have this built by the time autumn rolls around. I'm partially making this post just to hold myself accountable publicly so I actually get it done

 

[Adaylate]

I like it!
The wife and I lived in a Northern Pacific boxcar, converted to a kdb (kitchen, dining, bunk) car, early in my railroad career.

Good.luck with your project!

 

[captain14]

Cool project. I’m in for the ride.

 

[slim_grim]

NEAT!

 

[RichieP_MechE]

Materials are starting to accumulate, hoping to kick the build off in a couple weeks.

 

[RichieP_MechE]

Made a 3D printed jig to cut the rafters. My roof design doesn't have eaves, so I need to cut angles and a rabbet to fit the 2:12 pitch properly. Two pieces screwed down with #8 cabinet screws with a spacer piece in between to set the length.



I used my jigsaw to make the cuts



The rabbeted end uses a two stage method - cut a small notch and cute to length, then drop in an extension wing to finish the cut.

 

[RichieP_MechE]

Started the build today! Had a mid-day thunderstorm which slowed progress a little bit. Managed to get most of the framing done, but I still want to add blocking between the rafters for a nailing surface for the sheathing. Hope to handle that tomorrow along with sheathing, assuming the weather holds out.

 

[RichieP_MechE]

Day 2 progress. Sheathing is done. Goal for tomorrow is roofing and sealing.

 

[captain14]

RichieP,

How much room between the boxcar and the house? Do you get to keep the forklift?

Do you anticipate electric in the future?

I’m sorta partial to the Chessie rail line symbol. That’s the tracks that run by my house. It was replaced by a new symbol.

 

[RichieP_MechE]

RichieP,

How much room between the boxcar and the house? Do you get to keep the forklift?

About 3 feet between the two structures (the larger one is my detached garage). I own the forklift, so I'm definitely keeping it!

Do you anticipate electric in the future?

Planning on adding a single 20A 120V circuit for lighting and exhaust fan and a couple utility outlets.

And I love the Chessie logo too!

 

[RichieP_MechE]

Day 3 progress. Ended up doing some work preparing the PVC trim boards (not shown) for painting in the morning. Got the main roof components down in the afternoon. The rake trim and high side peak are prepared but not installed yet, I want to get some paint on the structure before installing them.