Replacing a CRT monitor with a laptop

03/13/2004 Replacing a CRT monitor with a laptop
I bought a used IBM Thinkpad to replace the CRT monitor that took up a lot of space that could be better used for trains. Problem was that the space I had for the keyboard was narrower than the laptop and the cables at the back of the laptop added another 8cm or so of space needed. These pictures show the stages, trials and final solution. The project was supervised throughout by one of our cats.

Here was the old setup... plan was to have the face of the monitor protrude from the upper level of the layout.
old computer monitor setup

Removed the old monster..
monitor removed

tryout with laptop above the track
laptop tryout

nah!

Decided I should try making the shelf a bit wider..
new laptop shelf

looked promising so I did a fully connected system test in place
Thinkpad in pace

all fine so we went ahead and painted the shelf
shelp painted

Live retest..
laptop and intellibox