Has anyone here ever built a module or modules?

[FJ and G]

My next project, prior to the outdoor layout (a sort of interim layout), will likely be a small modular layout. Maybe 3 or 4 modules, each 2 X 4 feet, with 2 end modules layed perpindicular to the straight sections so that return loops can be formed.

If anyone here has ever built modules, I'm interested in hearing any thoughts you might have, lessons learned etc etc.

Also pros and cons. The cons, I would assume, would be having to make the electrical connections and the transitional track pieces.

The pros would be mobility and convenience in that you can take them down and move them somewhere's else. And also flexiblity, in that you can swap out modules or even arrange them in unique dominoe fashions. Another pro, of course, is that you can participate in club events (if you have a club nearby) as well as set the modules up at home.

The concept of modules is interesting. I believe NTrak folks take credit for inventing the concept. All hail to the tiny scale guys.

[Dr. John]

The last modular club I was in built their modules completely from plywood on a tablesaw - top, sides, ends. The legs were 4" diameter PVC pipes that attached to the modules with threaded flanges. Plastic caps on the ends of the legs were drilled for T-hex nuts to adjust the leveling. More work this way, but provided for strong, level and relatively light weight modules.

[lionelsoni]

I use PVC legs and are very happy with them. Four inches seems like a bit of an overkill, however. They do get limber quickly as they get longer; but it's hard for me to imagine a layout so tall as to need such fat legs. I use them at the opposite extreme, 1 1/2 inches for a 45-inch-high layout. But that would be way too wobbly if I didn't have it pushing against the walls all around the room.

I have described my technique of attaching the legs with eyebolts several times. This is more rigid than anything else I can imagine.

As I have modified and replaced modules of my layout, I have evolved from putting the legs within the module boundaries to putting them right at the joints, so that each leg supports part of two modules. This uses fewer legs and helps in assembly and disassembly, in that one end of the module rests on a couple of legs already in place while I stick a couple more on the other end, then go back and tighten up the first ones.

My floor is level enough that I haven't had to worry about adjusting the legs.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Dave, I think you have seen my modular concept. It is a little different. It doesn't have permanrnt track. It is meant to just be a set of tables that can be configured in any way to fit a space, then the tracks are configured to fit.

I really like it, and have used it many times as my home layout and have also taken it on the road more times than that.

You are correct about Ntrack being one of the best modular systems in the entire hobby. They developed an excellent standard early, and have massive participation. Have you ever seen one of their setups at the National Train Show, which is held in conjunction with the NMRA convention each year? Hundreds of modules from all over the country, form a huge layout.

[fwright]

This is the best series I have seen on building modules. Makes me want to go do one myself every time I look at it.

http://www.railwaybob.com/Modules/ModConstr/ModConstr01.htm

Big question is whether you want to be able to link you modules with other people's. If the answer is yes, you need to use their standards. If you will only use your own modules, you can use the standards you want.

Fred Wright

[daan]

Hi dave,
On the website of the durch zero gauge club they made a huge modular layout. This is the link to the subject discribing it.
http://www.xsbb.nl/phpbb/viewtopic.php?id=spoor0nl&t=237523
It's all in dutch, but there are pictures enough to give you an idea of how it's done. It functionned well from the first time on, so the construction prooved itself more then worth.

[FJ and G]

thanks, guys.

Fred, bookmarked that page. Daan, my Dutch aint too grand but interesting they have a model train forum! Guess the language of trains is universal.

My colonel at work asked me when I'm going to build the next layout at work. Told him when he move to our next Soldiers Media Center in Crystal City. May build a module or 2 there and some at home and swap back and forth.

[spankybird]

Dave, did you check these sites

http://www.trainweb.org/NationalCapitalTrackers/NCTStandards.htm

and

http://www.hirailers.com/technical.htm