I want to build a portable modular layout consisting of three boards each 4ft by 2ft 6inches. They would plug together side by side giving an overall size of 4ft by 7ft 6inches. The idea would be to be able to use 1 board on a point to point basis. 2 boards expanding that to include an oval, and 3 boards to give a layout offering a good variety of operational options.
I want the best of both worlds. Quick setup when needed or larger layout when needed.
Looking at layouts with a view to cutting them into 3 sections always means lots of joining up track when plug the sections together. So what I want is to have only two lines to join each board to the next.
Perhaps some will say I am getting too complicated about things, but I am of the opinion that more options mean more opportunity to play !!!
Can anyone point me in the right direction or offer any practical advice. I intend the layout to be DCC.
I think it's called T-Trak that you want.
I'm not sure of the module size but you can have 'double size ones. All modules are designed around a twin track running through the module that will connect to adjacent modules.
Have a look at T-Trak (http://www.t-trak.org/) for more info :thumbsup:
There's another system that's used as well that uses bigger modules around 2' x 4' but am unable to find at present.
You could also go down the Kato track route as they do expansion track which could help you with your problem...........
http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=16911.msg167944#msg167944 (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=16911.msg167944#msg167944)
Quote from: Big Dave on October 18, 2013, 09:34:22 AM
I want to build a portable modular layout consisting of three boards each 4ft by 2ft 6inches. They would plug together side by side giving an overall size of 4ft by 7ft 6inches. The idea would be to be able to use 1 board on a point to point basis. 2 boards expanding that to include an oval, and 3 boards to give a layout offering a good variety of operational options.
Hi Dave,
I think I understand your spec, but just to check, the oval of the full layout would be single track, right , to give only two track joints?
I get the two to three board expansion, but puzzled over the single board - 4ft seems very small for point to point - could you clarify?
Cheers Jon :)
Quote from: PostModN66 on October 18, 2013, 06:14:41 PM
4ft seems very small for point to point
Yeah, but the 7'6" front to back makes it hard to get to :P
There is the NTrack module system.
These modules are either 4, 6 or 8 foot long and can be various widths but generally around 2 to 2 foot 6 inches I think.
It is an American system and I believe popular there. I bought a book years ago with plans and specifications. The track meets the ends at specific measurements so that anyone that makes one of these modules can join it on to somebody elses and can make huge layouts at exhibitions.
This maybe not what you are after but it is a really good idea.
Steve
Hi Dave, have a look here: http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=846.0 (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=846.0)
Or this: http://www.blauthermik-rostock.de/nre-norm/nre-norm.htm (http://www.blauthermik-rostock.de/nre-norm/nre-norm.htm)
Gerard. :wave:
How about something along these sort of lines...
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/54/thumb_7580.bmp) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=7580)
Leo 1061 - That design is really good. Where did you get that or did you design it youself. I assume the modules are 4ft by 2ft each - have I got that right ?
Quote from: Big Dave on October 18, 2013, 08:39:29 PM
Leo 1061 - That design is really good. Where did you get that or did you design it youself. I assume the modules are 4ft by 2ft each - have I got that right ?
My design using SCARM.
The three modules are 4ft x 2ft 6 ins as per your specification :thumbsup:
Quote from: Steve.T on October 18, 2013, 07:40:58 PM
There is the NTrack module system.
Thanks, that's the other one I was thinking of :thumbsup:
I think the modular concept is a great idea, all boards interchangeable.
Rather wish that had occurred to me. Good luck with it.... ;)
Stuart....
To be pedantic and to make searching easier it should be NTRAK, there is also the newer BendTrack which is even more versatile:
http://www.bendtrack.com/index.htm (http://www.bendtrack.com/index.htm)
As I said I do not think this is actually what you are after but here is a link if anybody is interested.
http://www.ntrak.org/ (http://www.ntrak.org/)
It is more of interest in the USA but I have the manual and really thought the idea it a good one.
Even if you just built one module (which is real easy) then if it were popular you could join it together with several other members and create a much larger layout. It may well look a bit disjointed if the scenery doesn't match up but it would be a bit of fun.
Steve
Just a point of clarification... is this for home use only, or are exhibitions in mind?
George
Quote from: Steve.T on October 19, 2013, 07:01:58 AM
It may well look a bit disjointed if the scenery doesn't match up but it would be a bit of fun.
I saw one in IIRC a mag like that, and they had big 'dividers' at the end of each 'specific module(s) section' with tunnels going through to the next area.
I think the idea is that each person has a 'straight' or 'curved' special section, (fregzample a station, goods, mpd, etc. section spread over several boards), whereas others will just build the 'scenic mainline' boards - just a straight or curved board with a twin track through it that can be used to link the others together.
Personally, I think it's a great way of having a progressive exhibition layout by a club's members :thumbsup:
Exhibitions are not in my mind at the moment. However they are a good way of sharing the hobby. I would like to "future proof" my layout in case I wanted to share it with others at a local show. Of all the hobbies I have dabbled in I think Railway Modellers are the most helpful and sharing group you can meet. The response I have had on this forum is amazing. I will drive you all nuts with the questions I have because I have been out in the cold since I went into Z gauge. With Z gauge I eventually could hardly see my rolling stock and the pricing was too high for me.
I like the design Leo did for me. I would be able to make board 1 fit board 3 as well so it would work with 1 or 2 or 3 boards.
Leo, excuse my lack of imagination but could you scribble on the plan where things could go scenery wise ? e.g. station, engine shed, coaling or diesel point, industries, etc.
If I build this design I would like to involve as many people possible giving ideas, etc,.
Thanks to everyone else - I have checked out all the links - much appreciated :thankyousign: