Joining track on transportable modules

[Anonymous]

I am building a OO scale lay out for my son but it has to be on two tables that can be stacked away how can i make the joints over the joints in the tables so the tracks line up and dont cause derailment while being used.

[Anonymous]

Hello Totara,

I suggest the technique used successfully for decades now by NTrak and which other modular organizations and clubs in larger scales have adopted.

Basically, the permanent tracks are set back a few inches from the edge of the benchwork. A piece of sectional track bridges the gap. This "bridging" track is slipped into place when the layout is set up to operate. Metal rail joiners keep this track in place and maintain electrical continuity.

When the layout needs to be disassembled for storage, the rail joiners are slipped back along the rails (either on the permanent track or "bridging" track) and the "bridging" track removed.

You can learn more about NTrak's methods at http://ntrak.mv.com/ntrak.html.

Hope this helps,

Paul Schmidt
Contributing Editor
Trains.com

[CNJ831]

I agree with Paul's suggestion, with one addition. Champ the two tables together exactly as you want them to be for running trains. On the portion of the table frame/ends below the table top (being made either of 1x4 or 2x4 I'd expect) drill holes for two or three short locator pins made from 3/4" or 1" wooden dowel. Afix one end of the dowels permanently to one table and round the the opposite end of the dowels for easy mating with the other table end's holes. This will allow quick, precise, repetitive alignment of the table ends each time you join them. A 4-6 inch piece of flex track can be used to span the table joint.

[Anonymous]

Excellent idea, John! Alignment is critical for reliable operation.

Moreover, this allows Totara to enjoy the adjunct hobby within this hobby, C-clamping!

Cheers,

Paul

[BR60103]

Totara said an OO gauge layout. Are you British? Then for C-clamp read G-clamp.
(Let's hear it for bi-culturalism.)
--David

[rogerhensley]

With all of this, there are good drawings and instructions on how to join to sections or modules together on the NMRA web site in the Standards section at http://www.nmra.org/standards/ Just go to the Modules section and read the Introduction.

Roger Hensley
NMRA Web site
http://www.nmra.org/