07-22-2009, 11:10 AM
Hi Josh,
That's a great plan. I have a few comments that I hope will help.
I hope that helps. Check out <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.hotrak.ca">http://www.hotrak.ca</a><!-- m --> for my local modular club, and <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.railwaybob.com">http://www.railwaybob.com</a><!-- m --> for module construction ideas (go through the DCC link).
For the record, this is exactly the way I intend to build - although my supply of module ideas hugely outnumbers the actual construction to date...!
Andrew
That's a great plan. I have a few comments that I hope will help.
- Don't use built in legs. You will need a set for every module. If you plan on only setting up a few (or several
) at a time, build interchangeable legs. Our modular group uses nominal 2x2 with a hanger bolt in the top, and a corresponding t-nut in the gusset in each corner of the module frame.
- Standardize your track placement. You can use Freemo standards, NMRA standards, or whatever. There are several places on your plan that have non-standard interfaces, which will mean that not every module can join every other module. While this is not necessarily bad, it means that the layout must be set up the same way every time.
- While keeping in mind the above point, also check for things like switches and other "tricky track". Having these challenging areas right next to the end of a module is not a good idea. Also, it is not good to have the switch for one industry on another module. Look at the bottom right of your plan, and you'll see what I mean. Brake Parts Inc, Pacific Distribution, and the others there all have their switches on the adjacent module. If you shifted everything "down" a few inches, each would be a stand alone module.
- If you haven't yet (it's hard for me to tell), standardize the size of your modules as well. 2 feet X 4 feet is a manageable size for most people to handle on their own. 2x6 is doable, but you may need help when they are paired together (see next point).
- Build your modules in logical pairs. This helps in two ways - one, you can spread an industry across two modules that are always kept together, and two, high structures on one can fit into vacant lots on another. You can pair them together for storage with "end plates" that allow a 8", 10" or 12" (or whatever) gap in between the modules. With the "business side" inside, they are protected, and pairs of modules can be stacked.
- Do not make you buildings (or anything else) removable. As much as possible, glue down everything so that the modules can be tipped on end, turned upside down, or whatever. Years of watching guys forget to remove that last truck or building before moving the module has taught me that lesson...! Besides, once you get the module up, you want to run trains - I'll bet that eventually some of the scenery will not make it on before the trains start to roll. Also will save you from having to find separate storage for structures, vehicles, and other removable details.
I hope that helps. Check out <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.hotrak.ca">http://www.hotrak.ca</a><!-- m --> for my local modular club, and <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.railwaybob.com">http://www.railwaybob.com</a><!-- m --> for module construction ideas (go through the DCC link).
For the record, this is exactly the way I intend to build - although my supply of module ideas hugely outnumbers the actual construction to date...!
Andrew