miNi-track Modular Baseboards

[Longmoor]

Some time ago I was looking at developing a modular system to be compatible with as many of the club based systems as I could find.

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=30968.15

This has proved to be impractical and I decided to start from scratch.

My objectives were -

1. Ease of construction, minimum carpentry skills required.
2. Ease of assembly, boards plug together, tracks line up, electrical connections are made all in one go.
3. Universal design, anyone can make a board which will fit to any other board to make large layouts.
4. Flexibilty, a small number of standard shaped boards can be plugged together to make large layouts.

The first boards are now taking shape and will be on display at the Farnham and District MRC on May 30th, bank holiday Monday. This is located at Wrecclesham GU9 8TJ

The system is based around a laser cut end plate shown here -



This is an end plate for a standard 300mm wide module which can be 600mm or 1200mm long. Wider modules can be used up to 900mm wide. Up to 11 tracks can be laid at 27mm spacing (Peco standard Streamline spacing so that turnouts can be used without modification).

Track locating notches are provided for tracks 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10. The intention is to use tracks 2, 3, 5 and 6 as standard on all boards with the remaining tracks as optional.

A twelve way connector is fitted, pins 1 to 8 provide DC to tracks 2, 3, 5, and 6, pins 9 to 12 are spare and a second connector can be fitted giving 24 pins on a 300mm board. A 600mm wide board has space for four connectors giving 48 pins. Above this number jumper leads will be needed. The connectors are rated at 6A so DCC can be used.

The spacing between tracks 3, 5, 7 and 9 is 54mm which is just right for 009.

This shows two module ends.



Tracks 2, 3, 5, and 6 have been laid. The board on the right is complete and the socket half of the electrical connector is visible below the locating socket. The board on the left has an alignment jig clamped to the end of the board to locate the track ends. This jig comes with the end plates so anyone can have one but it does need careful assembly as accuracy to 0.1mm is needed for good track alignment.

All parts of the module are laser cut from 5.5mm ply using tongues and slots for easy assembly but you will need a lot of clamps.

I will have several modules on display including space saver ends which have turning radii between 250mm and 358mm, Track 3 is 4th radius. Minimum layout size using these units is 800mm x 1400mm. The standard corner unit will be 600mm square with radii between 427mm and 525mm, maximum layout size depends only on the number of modules that a group can get together. I'm hoping to have locos running on the basic layout.

My thanks are due to the firm that does the laser cutting for me, Grainge and Hodder. They have been very patient meeting my demands and should be on your list if you need laser cutting done.

All problems are soluble in beer.   

[Newportnobby]

more pics here

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?board=16;action=post2

That link is just to start another topic

[Railwaygun]

Oops

miNi-track prototype boards from @Longmoor




end sections with 1 set of plugs/sockets fitted

[Railwaygun]

I've been thinking about the slots visible on the end boards - for track orientation at the joins.

many people lay cork underlay. Presumably one would then have to use Kato/Minitrix variable length joiners?

NickR

[Longmoor]

I've been thinking about the slots visible on the end boards - for track orientation at the joins.

many people lay cork underlay. Presumably one would then have to use Kato/Minitrix variable length joiners?

NickR

The original idea was to use the slots for track orientation but that has proved difficult. Plan B is to use the jig visible lying on the bottom left corner of the oval. Notice seven small letter boxes near the top edge. These are track alignment slots and define both lateral alignment and height. The jig is clamped to the end of the module and the end of the track fed into the slot. The track is then secured ( I Araldited it into the slots ), the jig removed and the track trimmed to the edge of the board. The board should then line up with any other board, there are no joiners. The built in electrical connectors are working well. Just plug any two boards together, secure with a G clamp through the rectangular slots in the end plate, connect a controller and run the train. The basic oval in the pics is assembled in a couple of minutes.

The system will only work with Peco code 55, the last 50mm of track must be code 55 laid square to the edge of the board and straight with the bottom of the sleepers 45mm above the center of the locating pins. On the rest of the board feel free to use any sort of track that pleases you laid on any surface that takes your fancy.

All problems are soluble in beer