Moduler layout

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am working on the track plan for my moduler layout and need a little help here. My modules are 2’ x 4’ and form a rectangle that is 8’ x 12’ with an open center. I would like to have a double loop mainline that will be elevated down the back 12’ and I would like to have a major portion of the second loop running underneath with a staging track also hidden there. My question is wether this will make my modules to hard to align when re assembling the layout.

Thanks for the help.

Ron

2

Ron,

aligning modules always requires a lot of nudging into the proper position and having to align the track on two different levels does not help at all.

The use of metal pattern maker´s dowels does help, though, as they allow for precision alignment.

3

hi Ron,

it seems a great idea, but with a 3,5% grade you’ll have to build something like the upper layout. The staging tracks still have to be added. A pretty long grade indeed.

Keeping it level as in the lower design, seems a far more easy way out.

smile

Paul

4

The dowel idea is probaby the best, that will get you vertical and horizontal alignment. Our club modules, which generally live in an unheated building between shows (occasionally one is taken to a member’s house to work on), have just plain wood dowels on some of the newer modules. Holes were bored while the modules were lines up and securely clamped together. On these modules, there are legs only on one end. Cabinet latches are ont he dowel side to securely pull the two adjoining modules together. A truly clever idea and it really helps with setting up and tearign down - the 14x112 foot layotu cna have trains running is just over 2 hours after unloading everything from the trailers, and teardown is even faster. ANd only a few modules have this newer attachment - the majority still use bolts and wing nuts. The modules with the dowels are for an engine service area with LOTS of tracks crossing the edges. No filler tracks are used here.

–Randy

5

Hey Thanks Guys, I am going to try and scan in my hand drawn track plan later tonight but I may rethink the length of my modules.

Ron

6

Here is the track plan I have been working on and the lay out of the modules. The question is can I make this work ???http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/themes/trc/utility/[![Photobucket(http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z417/DrgnTrappr/Scan001.jpg)](http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z417/DrgnTrappr/?action=view&current=Scan001.jpg):550:0]

7

One thing you want to make sure of is that your tracks are easily accessable where the modules join. If they are to be hidden, make sure you have a removeable section so you can see them clearly. Most modules I have seen use either a piece of 3" or 6" track over the gap. This keeps the ends of the track on the modules from getting damaged in transit. You need to be able to accurately align the rail joiners as you slide the modules together. Have as few joints as possible where your modules meet.

Good luck,

Richard

8

hi

you want a twice-around on your sectional layout.

Modules can be placed in random order, so they should have the very same ends. Looking at the grades is needed now; i have drawn a plan with 3,5% grades and can get a difference of 7" between the station and staging.

To switch the spur at the upper right corner, you will need some part of the mainline being horizontal or build a break-device (a small pin will do) to prevent parked cars going down the main unattended.

Smile

Paul