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Tommatthews
Fireman
7274 Posts |
 Posted - 06/20/2012 : 11:57:33 AM
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I have been thinking about the modular unit "Simply Narrow Gauge" that David posted on page 25 of the lounge. This could be a fun build using your own scenic ideas.
I'll post my ideas and ask you post your ideas and comments as well. |
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Tommatthews
Fireman
7274 Posts |
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Tommatthews
Fireman
7274 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 12:07:55 PM
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For the first part of this discussion I am interested in the design and construction of the modules.
The unit is 72" in diameter, making it 226.6" in circumference. There are 4 modules 56.6" on the outside. I believe the units are 14" high based on the paper posted on the sides of the display.
The openings are about 10" high and 44" long. Each unit has 2 single tube fluorescent lights.
I believe the depth is less than 24".
These are my guess at the measurements. Comments? |
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Rick
Administrator
USA
17729 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 12:22:51 PM
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Tom, your guesses on the dimensions sound reasonable to me.
That sure is a great little layout.
Very well executed.
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Tommatthews
Fireman
7274 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 12:37:10 PM
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How would we frame the modules up?
I hope Martin is reading this .... |
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milocomarty
Fireman
Netherlands
4927 Posts |
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Geezer
Fireman
USA
8179 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 4:22:20 PM
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Make the framework hexagon or octagon shape.
Make your circular 72" base and divide it in to 3 or 4 sections, your choice.
cut 6 0r 8 "ends" all the same, depending on how many sections.
fasten the ends to each base and add a back side...You should have
3 or 4 (your choice) sections that you can make a bendable front
facade from press board (brown stuff 1/8" thick) Cut the viewing
hole before you attach it to the front sections.
If I was doing this project, I would use regular 1 x 4 for the
frame work, 1/2" plywood for the base and ends, and 1/4" for the back piece.
Framwork for lighting (above) can be light weight stuff.....how bout some aluminum
angle?
Just kicking it around and offering some thoughts.....
If I didn't have the big layout, I would give this a shot..... |
Bill
CC&BW
Wilani Lumber & Mining Co.
http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=34275&whichpage=58
http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=28172&whichpage=89 |
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Tommatthews
Fireman
7274 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 5:24:44 PM
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Geezer,
I used 1/2" plywood on my current layout with cork road bed. When the train runs you hear the vibration from the plywood. When I used 3/4" ply I did not get this noise. I was thinking of using something else for a rail bed. My concern is the placing of the wooden ties and spiking the handlaid track.
This is getting away from the frame work but it is a concern. |
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milocomarty
Fireman
Netherlands
4927 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 6:10:19 PM
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| Would go for the octagon shape to as Bill suggested, round it with two layers of 3/16th ply glued together. Framework out of 1/2 birch plywood , roadbed pink/blue XPS foam to keep it light. Suppose you will travel with it ? |
Grtz Martin..
http://cardiganbaycoastalrailroad.wordpress.com/ |
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Tommatthews
Fireman
7274 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 7:51:29 PM
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Martin,
I want it so I can move it. I also would like it flexible enough that I could add 4 - 6 ft. long modules, one to each side to make it oval. |
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k27rgs
Fireman
Australia
4257 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 8:19:14 PM
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Excellent write up in the GAZETTE March 2012, showing early construction stage.
I was very interested in the concept and thought of building a small version in two halves, which means aligning only 4 track ends.
This layout would then sit a rotating base going clockwise with the train going anti clockwise for the viewers [:-hypnotized].
Tom. Look forward to seeing your concept.
regards
"M"
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http://www.modvid.com.au/html/body_modvid_photo___dvd_.html |
Edited by - k27rgs on 06/20/2012 8:25:14 PM |
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Geezer
Fireman
USA
8179 Posts |
Posted - 06/21/2012 : 06:49:10 AM
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Tom - not to get off track (pun intended), I used 1/2" plywood
and cork roadbed with no sound problems except when I run the
loco's at breakneck speed like most youngsters desire. (not all)
Anyway, Mario brings into view another option....."motion"....
I suppose that the base could be made to suit a large "T/T" ,
driven by a small motor & gearbox....Detachable legs for
transportation...
The Sections (either 3 or 4)would just sit on the T/T....
Sectional allignment would be made with earphone jacks
or something similar, epoxied in place. The jacks would also provide
electrical continuity....still just kicking things around.....
I dont get the Gazette anymore, failing vision and stuttering
economy being the reason.....Keep this thread going....
I think that one is more likely to finish a project like this,
than to finish a large room/basement/garage layout....JMO |
Bill
CC&BW
Wilani Lumber & Mining Co.
http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=34275&whichpage=58
http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=28172&whichpage=89 |
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milocomarty
Fireman
Netherlands
4927 Posts |
Posted - 06/21/2012 : 07:59:07 AM
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| Tom, if I find time I'll draw a sketch-up this weekend. With the octagon cut in the middle of 4 of the long sides it wouldn't be a problem to add 2 or even more straight modules.. |
Grtz Martin..
http://cardiganbaycoastalrailroad.wordpress.com/ |
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Tommatthews
Fireman
7274 Posts |
Posted - 06/21/2012 : 08:54:59 AM
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No turn table at this time.
I think the builder would be interested in how to construct a stable base and the frame work for four modules on top.
Glad you guys are thinking. |
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elwoodblues
Fireman
Canada
4872 Posts |
Posted - 06/21/2012 : 09:34:44 AM
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Tom,
I know I'm a little late to the party here but you have me thinking. After some thought I was wondering to myself if a slightly smaller version could be built (say 5' in diameter) that would fit in my car to take to shows (just thinking here, have no plans to actually do this)
For support I would think that a separate support frame made of wood, or aluminum tubing/angle be made with a keying system used to align the modules on top. This way one can simply place the sections on top of the legs rather than struggle with attaching legs onto the sections and then trying to put them together. Also by having a separate frame, one person could easily put it together.
This does sound like a fun project.
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Ron Newby
General Manager
Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
http://www.cvry.ca |
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Geezer
Fireman
USA
8179 Posts |
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Topic |
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Round and Modular
