First Things First

I decided for several reasons to go with the Kreg pocket hole jig.  It seemed like an easy, repeatable way of making good, strong joints, as well as have another tool I could use in other applications.  I can say, I'm quite pleased with it so far.  Here is the Kreg jig with pieces of one of the modules ready to go:

You can see I also picked up a 90 degree clamp to assist in ensuring I get those corners at 90 degrees.

Putting It Together

So today I assembled all three modules after drilling all the holes yesterday.  Here you can see the pocket holes on the underside of the braces that also support the foam for the top.  This is one of the three foot sections.

And here it is with the foam top in place:

Here is the four foot module:

And with the foam in place:

And the legs under construction:

The legs have since been completed.

For Next Week

Off to work again, but for next week I want to paint everything and then fasten the foam board in place so I can lay out the track plan.  I also need to figure out how I'm going to fasten the sections together, as well as how to fasten the legs so that I can move everything fairly easily.  I really don't plan on taking this to anything more than the train show, so I'm looking more for robustness than for ease of transportation, as long as it doesn't take me too long to set up and tear down.

Any thoughts from anyone is appreciated.  See you next time.

Nice

HO Scale

It will be HO, even though I could get quite a layout in N Scale in 18" x 10'.  I still may do a smaller N scale version, but we'll see.  So far, I've spent about $30, excluding the Kreg tools (which I don't count specifically for the model, as I will use them for many other things).  A lot has been recycled from the previous layout.

I am tempted to get a couple 6 foot folding tables to set it on and just shim if it doesn't quite line up, but with three sections, I'm not sure how to clamp them together that way.  Still might come up with something, but for now, I'm going to work with the legs and see what I can come up with.  I think I've got a solution, but it will have to wait until I get home.

Kreg

Nice thread

Nice job on your whole concept.   I look forward to following along

Steve

Door hinges?

How about door hinges. You can pull the pin to separate them.

Kreg Tool

Yes, I have the Kreg tools, you can see it in the first picutre.  After a short experimentation period with some scrap wood, I'm pretty happy with how easy they are to use.  The though of using biscuits and getting a biscuit joiner was too much for me.  The Kreg tool works great and is quick and easy.  Two things I really like!

I am tempted to get a couple 6 foot folding tables to set it on

 That might be a good idea as it would add some weight to the assembly for stability. Small modules with light weight legs can be vulnerable to bumping or kicking. Folding tables could have screw height adjusters added to their feet to allow vertical alignment of the modules. If the modules just sit on the tables they could be connected with locking hasps on the front and back like they use on tool boxes or something similar? If elevated on short legs they could be C clamped together from underneath, which might be better as it would give a space for the power supply and other things to sit on the table top under the layout....DaveBranum  

Stability

That was my primary concern with just three sections was the stability, especially if there are a few rambunctious kids that are excited to drive the train.  The modules won't end up weighing more than 40 pounds combined and will be top heavy.  The tables sound more and more like the solution.  I think the hasps idea sounds pretty good, along with some kind of alignment pins or dowels.  

Door Hinges

Kevin suggested that in an email, so might try that, too, and see what I prefer.

A Little More Progress

So I got some time yesterday with adequate weather conditions to paint the modules so that I can start getting them together.  Its funny that if this was intended only for my basement, I wouldn't have bothered painting, but it definitely looks better done so.  But I guess with the basement layout, you can just attach fascia and paint it.  So here are a few in progress.  This is the larger module after the paint has dried.  You can see the two others as well:

This is the second module while the glue dries:

And this one is done, foam glued in and all ready to go:

And today...

I managed to build a little shelf for it to rest on while I finish construction and test it out.  Its just some very strong shelf brackets with 1/4" plywood across it.  Here are a few pics of it now in place, ready for the next step.  You can see I also got the room cleaned up a bit:

And from end to end:

Next up is to get the hasps in place to hold the sections together firmly as they shift slightly right now with just the dowels holding them together.  But now I can start playing around with some track configurations, too.  May not have a lot of time to do that, though, but we'll see.  Its coming along.

It's coming...

It's hard to make progress in leaps and bounds when you work and have a life too but you're getting closer to the fun stuff!  The paint really does dress things up quite a bit.

Are you hoping to have it ready for next years show?

Joining Modules

Dave,

My layout is totally modular and each module is joined together by using a large C clamp when it's traveling and setup for a show or demo.  When it's setup at home, I use a set of 3 5/8-inch lag bolts equally spaced apart and drilled through either ends of adjoining modules so that they are bolted together. Once they are bolted together, the whole setup is very stable. The idea of the tables is a good one, but it's just another thing to carry around. Having adjustable legs with the bolts has worked for me for quite some time.  Build a guide for whatever rail height you want the modules to be and then stick each end and adjust each leg accordingly so that you get the correct height.

Hoping

Yes, Kevin, I'm hoping it will be ready for next year's show, but I will take it in whatever condition it is in because I should have trains running within the next month, and that is the most important part.  It may not be "finished" in terms of scenery and buildings, etc., but it should be operational and at least partially sceniced.

Thanks for the advice, Ken.  I'm trying out something that I will post hopefully in the next 24 hours to see how that works for securing them together.  If it works, great, if not, I will likely end up using the C-clamps and finishing off the legs for when I take it to the show.  I don't plan on getting myself tables, just using ones available at the show.  I will leave it where it is for now until I finalize the track plan for the main layout and am forced to move it to make room.

"a few pics of it now in place, ready for the next step"

Looks like that shelf above the layout would be a good place to hang a lighting valence? The layout might get so comfortable there that it don't ever want to leave :> )  .DaveB

That's the eventual plan

My plan is to drop a small valance down from that shelf and put LED strips up there for lighting.  I think it will work quite nicely.  

Holding It Together

So I spent some time going through Home Depot the other day and came across what I thought might work to hold the modules together.  They are Stanley chest latches and I installed them today.  Here is what they look like:

I'm going to see how they stand up over time and try moving the modules around a few times and see if they still line up and latch nicely.  I'll update how they are working some time down the road.

A First Cut

OK, so I thought I'd lay out some track and see what everyone thinks.  

Here is what I have, so please comment with any thoughts for improvement:

And a wide shot that doesn't show much:

What I like about this track plan is that it is simple, allows me to display the Canadian (or something else) on the back, provides potentially 15 or more car spots but can be as few as four or five, and gives me a bit of a town scene area to detail.

The thought is to have a passenger station in the blank area between the three buildings and the white Walschlager Motors building (which I don't plan to use because it was one of the first buildings I built and it isn't well done).  

You're in good company

Dear Dave,

Such "caselock" or "over-centre-cam' locks have been used by modellers in the UK and Australia for literally decades in heavy-duty, constant show-layout touring service. As long as they are decent quality units to begin with, those should hold you together for quite a while, no pesky seperate C/G/F clamps required....

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

Thanks, Prof

I'm glad to hear it.  I was hopeful they will stand up well and  I'm glad to hear it is quite commonly used elsewhere.  They sure make it a lot easier, just sliding them into place and snapping the lock in.

Nice!

I like the trunk latches.  They are a functional upgrade on the butt hinges I have used in the past.  I think (like the Prof mentions) that they will serve you well.

Finished or not, with your planned "hands on" theme I am willing to bet you have one of the most popular displays at the show.  The kids, and some kids at heart, are gonna love it!

Kudos.

How can I help?