modular benchwork

[devrem]

Are there any publications that show the best way to build modular benchwork for O gauge?
Thanks.

[mcouvillion]

devrem,

I don't remember seeing any articles specifically for O gauge. I have studied and built modules to the N-Trak specifications, and built HO modules (actually, sectional pieces) along those lines but trying to avoid the less than stellar choices that were made in some of the particulars. You would need to make a list of your "givens and 'druthers", then study closely the work of several different clubs / organizations for specific ideas. Ask each what they like and what they don't like about their design, from both a structural and an application / assembly / disassembly perspective. Then spec out your own.

One of the smartest things we did was allow for a 1/2" overlap from one module to the next. This allows the top of one module to rest on the framework of the adjacent module. Man, does this make it easy to align the track.

Another thing is to get rid of the Cinch-Jones connectors. A more useless connector I don't think I have ever seen. We scanned through Mouser or Digi-Key until we found a four-conductor interlocking, self-aligning male and female combination that made it fool-proof to connect the bus wires. We bought extras for future modules.

We changed the under-table bracing to be along the length of the module instead of across the width. This puts the rigid support along the length of the track, eliminating undulations in the trackwork. It also makes for a great shelf to work from when the module is on its side.

Those are a few examples of changes we made to correct deficiencies in earlier designs. We are very pleased with the way our modules perform. They assemble quickly, easily, and surely. They come apart quickly, too. With a little planning, you can determine an acceptable design for your O gauge layout from existing designs.

Mark C.

[Bikerdad]

It should be noted that the location of your leg braces needs to be compatible with whether or not you're going to be travelling UNDER the benchwork. Unless a bridge module of some sort is built, any modular layout using a "pit" will require folks to travel under the module to get inside. Obviously, some braces will "complicate" this endeavour. As for a crossmember (i.e. brace) in the horizontal benchwork itself causing a "dip" or "rise" in the table surface, that's a construction issue, not a design issue. Changing the design to a longitudinal brace will mitigate problems that result from substandard construction techniques or material, but you can just as easily use straight materials and make sure things are flu***o get the same result.

The overlap is a really good idea, but it does have a drawback. Using an overlap "fixes" the module orientation. The overlaps always have to all be on one end or the other..... For a system such as NTrak with a skyboard on one side, thereby defining "front/left/right/back", its not a problem. For something like BendTrak or OneTrack, it is.

I will agree with Mark regarding the Cinch-Jones connectors. NTrak is moving towards Anderson Powerpole connectors, which are the emerging national standard for emergency services. The connectors are genderless, can be temporarily or permanently ganged into any arrangement desired, have multiple housing colors available, and can be had in a wide range of amperage ratings.