Ok guys here is the dealeo. I have this Dream Garage idea in my head, and its killing me that I don't have the money to just go out and build it. So I decided to build a scale model of it to apease me for now. I was originally gonna do it in 1/24 because of space. Plus I had one subaru alternator and was gonna get a few more. However the ones I want are hard to find. Plus I already have quite a few 1/18 scale cars and can use Joes for the people.

So I have the basics worked out. Plus I can up with some genius ideas for a few of the things I want to acomplish with this dio. However I can still use ideas and experiance from you guys on certian aspects of my build. Most specifically how to build a spiral staircase.

I did find this site which has some great items to use but doesn't have everything I am looking for.
http://www.scalemodelingbychris.com/1-18auto.htm

So if anyone knows of other sites or places to find stuff like this I would gladly appreciate it.

This thread will be my planning and build thread. So either keep an eye on this for my updates or post up with your suggestions and examples of things you have done that might help me out.

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Ah, the spiral staircase. Had to build one for the SGC, because the conference room in the show has one (off camera) that leads directly to operations.

All you need to do to build a spiral staircase is:

1) decide what type of stairs to use(stone, wood, metal grating, etc..)

2) decide what type of material(foamboard, plywood, plastic,etc.)

3) decide how many turns it shall make, taking into account and respect for
the space need and the height. Remember, it must be tall enough between each spiral to accomodate a figure from head to toe with at least a 1/2" allowance.

4) decide how round/large the center beam/pole is. This is the most important part, as a larger circumference on the pole means shorter steps in width.

5) decide if it is really worth it (I'll let you know later )

When making the stairs themselves, you'll need to draw out at least 4 to five circles of equal circumference. Then, using a ruler, bisect the circles at least thrice which should yield at least six steps of equal size.

Take your center pole, and trace around the edge of it after centering it in the middle of each drawn and bisected circle. When done, now you have a good idea how small and wide your steps are.

Cut out all the steps, and depending on your material choice, starting from the bottom, glue the inner end of the steps to the pole, allowing the requisite space for each 1:18 scale or 1:24 scale footstep. Remember to keep the height allowance of the figures used in mind when you complete one full spiral.

On your foundation and subsequent upper floor, use one of the uncut circles to provide a template to cut the hole in the roof, where the spiral staircase will appear through, Leave enough spiral turns to have to figure be able to walk from the last upper step, to the floor of the above room.

When done, decide if you want a guard rail. Most spiral staircases have them, but the material you use must be flat, pliable, and attached to the steps from the outer center of each step. Me? I'd say bugger the guard rail. Too much work and a real &%$@# to get to stay put.

When complete, treat yourself to a movie and meal. You'll need it from the aggravation of all the measuring and trying to get the spiral the right height for the figures.

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Now when you say "dream garage", do you mean the kind that fixes cars, or the large commerical parking lot type?

Ask Phil(Wowboy), he has the commerical parking lot type I built for his Springfield.

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A spiral staircase? In a garage? That IS a dream garage.

I wish I had even a 2-car garage. Swapping engines in a driveway in the snow sucks.

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OH yeah this is my Garage to beat all Garages. Its a personal garage. Its what I would build if I had the money to do so. Basically it won't be attached to the house. A place to go work on the cars and chill with the guys. If I am lucky one day will have the money and if not well I will have a small model of it.

So here is the break down of the basic design. You may have a hard time imagining it, and thats basically why I am building it.

Its basically two floors with a roof top patio. There are three garage "bays". Two will be standard bays filled with hydrolic lifts and tools that you would find in your basic repair shop. The third bay will be a display room. Checkerd flag floor, automemrobilia all over the place. Turntable built into the floor so that the car on display spins. The roof for this room sits above the roof line for the two garages.

The second floor is right above two bay work area. This is a lounge area. Bigscreen TV, large couch, pool table, etc. The roof of the second floor with be the outdoor patio. Grill and eating area with one of those tent type things that can be put up if your wanitng protection from the elements.

I plan to incorporate as much as I can but I know some things will just not be possiable. At least not right away. So yes the spiral staircase is a must. It wil take you to the second floor and roof area. I figure though that I will worry about the staircase once I get the shell of the building built. I have the floor dimensions already figured out. Full building will be 38"x14". The second floor and patio roof will be 24"x14". I haven't figure out the heights of each floor yet. The garage bays will be big enough to house the hydrolic lifts with a car fully raised. These are the ones I am getting. A bit pricey but well worth the money.

http://www.legacydiecast.com/xq/asp/id. ... review.htm

Right now I only got the base floor pieces and found the perfect item for making a checkerd flag. I grabed up some color samples in the kitchen department from homedepot. Couple of those trime up just right in white and black and I got the perfect floor. I will start displaying photos once I get more done.

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