Transporting Layout Question

[Outsailing86]

Hi all, 

I've been thinking about Modular Layouts lately and curious about best practices. 

For layouts that live in trailers to transport, how do you brace the modules? Do you remove structures? Are dual axle trailers preferred? 

["JaBear"]

The following is long winded and may very well NOT suit your purposes, but…

 

The modular layout set up that I was involved with belonged to three friends and unless two shows were close together, were set up in their homes.

 

The “standard” modules were 1500mm x 600mm, (approximately 5’ x 2’) and the joining ends had template drilled holes, so any module could be bolted together. (In theory! As the layout evolved and more modules made some and, such as the yard, could only be joined together, but I digress.)

 

All the buildings, vehicles, trees, people animals were permanently affixed to the layout.

 

Transportation endplates, generally made from ¾” plywood, the height varying depending on the height of the scenery and or buildings on the two modules to be joined for transportation. Generally speaking, a “tall” module was paired with a low module, with the scenery on the inside, then the endplates fastened.

 

I apologise as I only have this one lousy photo which shows some of the modules in transportation mode. On the right there are two sets actually standing on end, and on the left, there is a corner set, and an example of a “low” and “high” scenery set behind.  In front is a corner set that have been “unpacked”.

 

Setting Up Ham 13 by Bear, on Flickr

 

The set-up layout almost ready to run.

Amost ready Ham 13 by Bear, on Flickr

 

One of the guys did end up with a single axle ex covered horse float, for two horses, and after some experiments, most of his modules could be stacked in a particular order, with foam packing to fill space, as required. 

Cheers, the Bear.

[wrench567]

  People did different things.

  I took everything off my modules including trees. They stacked on top of each other in the bed of my pickup. Another member built shelves in his van for each complete module, buildings and all. Then another member had this tiny little car that he removed all the seats except for the drivers. None of our members trailered their modules. I have seen clubs with club owned module transport trailers.

  Modules go through some rough times. Heat, cold, rain, snow, humidity, rough roads and even traffic accidents. One club member had a cap on the bed of his pickup. His modules were on shelves above the bed in the cap. He got rear ended at a traffic light and the door of the cap opened and two modules slid out onto the car that hit him.  I would keep my modules in the truck for weeks at a time. I had a roll up cover to keep the rain and snow off.

    Pete.

[BroadwayLion]

LION is a monk. Monks take a vow of Stability. I have been here for almost 40 years, althoug my present layout is the third one that I have built. Neither I nor the building is going anywhere.

So I know nothing of portable layouts. and I have 14 scale miles of track on this layout.

ROAR