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 Posted - October 26 2014 : 2:56:10 PM
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So I see a LOT of people do modular layouts. The ONE thing I never see is how do they do connections between rails when they have modules? Soldering works for fixed layouts - what about modules? Does anyone have any suggestions?
I want to do a semi-modular layout, and I want to be able to change out buildings and things for fall, Halloween, etc. All the talk of haunted houses made me want to bring that up.
I HAVE been thinking of making the track part of the layout fixed, but make the buildings and other parts modular. Inventive use of curbs, roadways, etc. so that I can put in fall and winter foliage, buildings with snow, etc. interests me greatly. I also may want to have a swing-up single section of track to get inside part of the layout. Suggestions?
Starting my Tyco and other favorites collection over again after 37 years.
My still in progress list of inventory and wantlist: tyconut.com
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Posted - October 26 2014 : 6:16:39 PM
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quote: modular layouts. The ONE thing I never see is how do they do connections between rails when they have modules? Soldering works for fixed layouts - what about modules? Does anyone have any suggestions?
Originally posted by Tyco Nut - October 26 2014 : 2:56:10 PM
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I guess it depends on the design of the modular layout. Most 2x4 modula types use re-railers or 9-inch track, which won't look realistic on a layout, depending on how big your module sections are. What I think is probably done is they solder wire connections to the cut track sections and can join them electrically underneath the layout. Depending on where you put the module joints, and how the track is laid out, you can keep most of the scenery around the module joints fairly realistic. I've never actually SEEN a modular layout ( ie, not a home type, only 2x4 show types), so can't say from experience that is how it's done, but that would take care of the electricity, getting the track joined at those intersections is another issue. I would suppose you could cut out a hole underneath the joint, get the track joined from the underside, then put the plug back in the hole from underneath and scenic it to match the surroundings. Those would be my two suggestions, and how I would approach solving this problem.
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - October 26 2014 : 7:16:05 PM
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I do like that suggestion. I have been thinking of a VERY raised train track bed, then trying to modularize the scenery ONLY. The wiring I can deal with but it's the physical lining up of the tracks so as not to derail I'm worried about. The plug sounds like a possible good idea.
Starting my Tyco and other favorites collection over again after 37 years.
My still in progress list of inventory and wantlist: tyconut.com
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Posted - October 26 2014 : 9:39:33 PM
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There is a modular club I've seen at at least one train show here in the Piedmont area of North Carolina which doesn't use any physical connection between tracks on adjacent modules; their tracks run right to the edge of the modules. They have no problems with derailments at those points. I suspect their horizontal and vertical alignments would have to be really good, though.
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
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Posted - October 26 2014 : 9:47:38 PM
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quote:There is a modular club ... here in the Piedmont area of North Carolina which doesn't use any physical connection between tracks on adjacent modules; their tracks run right to the edge of the modules. .. I suspect their horizontal and vertical alignments would have to be really good, though.
Originally posted by gmoney - October 26 2014 : 9:39:33 PM
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Wow, no physical connection? I would love to know how they manage a micro-close line-up of THAT magnitude without any alignment issues. Every single modular club I know of in Virginia/Maryland areas use the 9 inch track to connect each end. That would be pretty awesome to duplicate. Can you find out more about that?
Jerry
WWW.PWMRC.ORG
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Posted - October 26 2014 : 9:57:51 PM
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quote:
...Can you find out more about that?
Originally posted by AMC_Gremlin_GTÂ -Â October 26 2014Â :Â 9:47:38 PM
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I dunno...I don't remember what club it is, but next train show I attend (that features modular layouts), I'll see if that club layout is there and try to pick someone's brain.
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
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Posted - October 27 2014 : 06:14:41 AM
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Please do. I would love to hear what they do to get close alignment.
Starting my Tyco and other favorites collection over again after 37 years.
My still in progress list of inventory and wantlist: tyconut.com
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Posted - October 27 2014 : 07:57:56 AM
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quote:Please do. I would love to hear what they do to get close alignment.
Originally posted by Tyco Nut - October 27 2014 : 06:14:41 AM
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Here, here! The only way I can think of, is that they have a thin C-shaped channel underneath to hold the track/roadbed in tight alignment, OR....use that Atlas roadbed that will work with any 9 inch track, and then the track would line up inside it perfectly every time. Hmm, interesting concept. Please do find out more if you can.
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - October 28 2014 : 5:42:26 PM
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This drawing shows an interesting connections . . . e.g., not to worry so much about perfect track alignment . . . have some cables below table to do the power . . .
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Posted - October 28 2014 : 6:44:02 PM
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Why not make the top with scenery interchangeable? Leave a strip for track so it'll always be true and no continuity issues. Just my 2 cents. Maybe make some hidden handles or easily detached handles. Make some alignment pegs or the like so it's square and level.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - October 30 2014 : 5:37:46 PM
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Why not make the top with scenery interchangeable? Leave a strip for track so it'll always be true and no continuity issues. Just my 2 cents. Maybe make some hidden handles or easily detached handles. Make some alignment pegs or the like so it's square and level.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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