![Side view of an N scale model of a drive-in theater](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MRF0224_01-Sky-View-drive-in.jpg)
Over nearly 40 years I’ve built seven train layouts. I started out with N scale, then discovered large scale trains. I’ve built both indoor and outdoor large scale layouts over the years. I loved my backyard garden railroad but had to give it up due to structural issues and age.
So I returned to my first love, N scale, and I’m about 95 percent done with my layout. I love building train layouts that feature small-town U.S.A. and a rural farm area. I wanted something different on my layout, so I came up with the idea of scratchbuilding a drive-in movie theater.
I started the project by looking for prototype drive-in photos online. Since my layout represents small-town U.S.A., I wanted a theater that would fit that theme. I also knew that I wanted to utilize my iPhone 11 for the screen and build the theatre structure out of styrene.
![A T-square, razor knife, X-Acto knife, and scoring knife on a table](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MRF0224_02-drive-in-tools.jpg)
The tools that I used include a small T-square, a scoring knife, X-Acto knife, and razor knife. I tend to use either the X-Acto knife of the razor knife to cut fine grooves first into the styrene as a guide, then use the scoring knife, as the styrene is 1/8” thick. Make sure to take your time making the cuts. These are crucial to achieve a tight-fitting structure.
![A sheet of styrene with measurements and markings on it](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MRF0224_03-styrene-sheet.jpg)
I bought my styrene from a sign company, but it’s a typical 1/8” styrene that can also be found in hobby stores. [Evergreen sells styrene sheets in this exact thickness –Ed.] To start, I measured my iPhone to get the critical measurements and proceeded from there. You might want to make a cardboard prototype first and then transfer the measurements that work onto the styrene.
Download the drive-in diagrams here.
![A styrene box with a rectangular hole cut out of it.](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MRF0224_04-phone-box.jpg)
Once the iPhone enclosure was built, shown in the diagram above, I built the support structure. Ensure that you do add these supports as it gives the structure the stability that it needs in order to stay upright.
![A styrene enclosure with triangular supports around it](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MRF0224_05-supports.jpg)
After the support structure was completed, I painted the structure a flat white color. I purchased some movies for my smartphone and slide it into place when the townspeople want to watch a movie. This was a fun project to build and didn’t take much time at all.
![A smartphone inside a styrene enclosure](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MRF0224_06-phone-in-theater.jpg)
![An N scale train passes by behind a drive-in theater](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MRF0224_07-drive-in-theater-evening.jpg)
![Star Trek plays on a drive-in theater screen](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MRF0224_08-drive-in-theater-night-1.jpg)