How To Make A Drop-Leaf Access Panel For Your Model Railroad

How To Make A Drop-Leaf Access Panel For Your Model Railroad

T
625 Video Views·Mar 5, 2026

I made a quick, easy, and inexpensive drop-leaf access panel for my around-the-walls model railroad.

Supplies:
(2) 4' barrel bolt latches
(1) 15' piano hinge

I find the drop-down panel works better than a lift-up panel because it does not require any mechanism to hold the panel up when not in use - gravity holds it down for you. Also, the hinge can be hidden underneath the benchwork. The bolts can also be placed beneath the benchwork, but I am lazy and don't want to stoop down!!

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