module alignment

[Anonymous]

I've been enjoying the book by Ian Rice on small, smart layout plans. In it he mentions the use of "pattern maker's dowels" to align the joint between modules. Where can one find such items?

thanks,
David

[Anonymous]

Try a tool & die place, maybe. BTW, that is a great book!

[Anonymous]

Hi David, Pattern makers dowels are actully just tapered hardwood or metal pins used for aligning the pieces of a multi part pattern or mold. For module alignment you don't need anything that precise or expensive. Most times the pattern maker will just turn the size pin(s) he needs on a lathe. Check out the hardware dept. at Wal~Mart!!! They sell all sizes of hardwood dowels in 3 ft lengths. Just cut off the size (length) you need and drill the alignment holes and pu***he piece of dowel in....Hope this helps....Vic

[Anonymous]

How about tapering the pin and the hole? This would reduce wear on them, especially in a case where the part was removed/replaced frequently. This might not be the case when used to align modules, but Iain Rice's book deals with stuff that could be removed much more frequently, such as "cassettes" (removable staging tracks), multiple layout "jigsaw puzzle" pieces, etc. These are kind of hard to describe in 50 words or less. I highly recommend his book, just to get the ol' brain cells stirring.