Modular Group News, Update 9/18/24

Peter, I love your taste in engines. I am a big fan of electric engines and I like to run with pans up. Your collection looks good. Clearance is an important factor in designing a layout. We've had to make clearance adjustments from time to time like I'm sure a lot of layout builders do. 

The small modular layout is seeing more and more demand. We just picked up (another) new trailer last weekend. It is a 6x12 and will be dedicated specifically for the small layout. Hopefully more club members will be able to pull the smaller trailer.

The original layout (outlined in RED) measured 6 x 11' 4". The existing track work is two tinplate ovals. Track is going to be replaced with FasTrack. The new modules are outlined in green. We building a 3x6 cart that will allow us to roll this into a venue with one trip.

Attached is the proposed expansion. The emphasis is more trains, more interesting operations. Worked in double cross-overs, a passing siding, and one decent stub siding. I tried, but failed to work in reversing loops.

Whadda ya think?

Creative idea to simply roll that last section on the right by 90 degrees and add on the new portion.  Make sure you guys show the cart and how the items are loaded when that is complete.  With this packaging expertise, I think I see a future for the 3 railers consulting for Ikea!

Tom, I like the plan!  I agree with Hokie that is a smart move to split the existing one and turn one side.  

very nice work Guys. good thing I just ate lunch before reading this cause Peter's spread was making me hungry.

Nice track plan, Gilly.    Looks like it will provide a lot of train action for the visitors to your display. The only comment I have is that there is a lack of staging areas. If you have a long show you will want to switch out trains. The only option you have is to stop action on one line and use the 0-5-0 to make the switch.

We went "shopping" yesterday. Doesn't look like much, but this is what the better part of $400 worth of wood looks like. We cut each piece for each of the 7 new modules to length.

I'll post more pictures so you can follow along with module construction.

The chop saw is put away, for now....

One of our goals this years has been to update our "small portable" layout that we take to small venues and is easily set up/taken down.

Tom (Gilly@N&W) has been working on a plan which expands the size(6x11 => 12x15) and interest(makes it L-shaped), while keeping it modular. We met this AM to frame the modules.

Here's a few pics.....

It's very lightweight!

Peter

Looking good Peter!  I should have used the jig to build my framework but opted for countersunk screws.

Ron_S posted:

Looking good Peter!  I should have used the jig to build my framework but opted for countersunk screws.

I'll admit, I absolutely love my Kreg pocket screw jig. It is one of the best tools I have ever owned.

We also use Gorilla Glue as well. As Elwood would say "This is glue. Strong stuff".

Looks like this will be a nice display layout. You guys are always putting on a good show for your community. 

Here's the final design. By club consensus, we cut back from three to two lines. It does leave more room for buildings and scenery. We have a bunch of buildings. This version shows the early/preliminary locations for some of them. All will be lighted/wired with plug-in connectors.

 If you missed it on other threads, this is the Ashland Visitor's Center. It is the train station directly in front of the Inn where we appear annually at Ashland Train Day.

Gilly@N&W posted:

Ron_S posted:

Looking good Peter!  I should have used the jig to build my framework but opted for countersunk screws.

I'll admit, I absolutely love my Kreg pocket screw jig. It is one of the best tools I have ever owned.

We also use Gorilla Glue as well. As Elwood would say "This is glue. Strong stuff".

Looking good Guys.

I did a big wainscot project in my house last year and used the kreg pocket screws. they are the best. I bought the 12" platform clamp which made easy work of aligning everything.

Bob

Nice design, and the Ashland station looks great!

The group met yesterday to prepare for 2 weekend events for May.....Bon Air Victorian Days and Ettrick train Day, the next 2 weeks.. In addition we made final plans for our annual raffle and discussed future projects.

We made some transfers for out 2 trailers.....the small layout is now on the small trailer....that makes it easier to move around.

Here are some pics.....

This is the new power cart.....we are having one for the small layout and one from the large layout.....we COPIED the design from the National Capital Trackers (thank you guys.... great concept...we saw how it simplified what you do) and Wally Ubik, one of our members, is a Master Woodworker......it is waiting to be stained....and loaded with electrical gear.

The new small trailer.....

The big trailer....

More pics the next few weeks from the displays.

Peter

Some pics from Bon Air Victorian Days....Bon Air, a village in Chesterfield County about 8-10 miles from downtown Richmond, was a Victorian resort served by the Southern RR (nee Richmond & Danville). It then morphed into a commuter town until the prevalence of the automobile sank commuter traffic.

Peter

Peter, looks like you had a great day in Bon Air!  I recall I had a coworker back in the mid 70s who lived in Bon Air.  Thank you for the history of the place.  I recall it was a neat looking community 

Looks like a great time for all. Thanks got sharing, Peter. 

Putnam Division posted:

The group met yesterday to prepare for 2 weekend events for May.....Bon Air Victorian Days and Ettrick train Day, the next 2 weeks.. In addition we made final plans for our annual raffle and discussed future projects.

We made some transfers for out 2 trailers.....the small layout is now on the small trailer....that makes it easier to move around.

Here are some pics.....

 

This is the new power cart.....we are having one for the small layout and one from the large layout.....we COPIED the design from the National Capital Trackers (thank you guys.... great concept...we saw how it simplified what you do) and Wally Ubik, one of our members, is a Master Woodworker......it is waiting to be stained....and loaded with electrical gear.

The new small trailer.....

The big trailer....

More pics the next few weeks from the displays.

Peter

Um... Don't you guys remember that G scale club that had their trailer stolen out of a storage place a couple of years ago? Don't you think your club members should invest in a trailer boot for additional protection?  BTW, I love that power cart!

Pics from Ettrick Matoaca Train Day at the Ettrick library in southern Chesterfield County.

Despite the rain, a real good crowd!.

This may be the last official run of the "small portable layout". We will be replacing it over the next 3 months with a Fastrack 12x15 one. I will dig up the latest plan and post it later today.

Peter

Here's a PreWar set entertaining the crowd.....

People found it hard to believe that some this about 70 years old could run so well!

Peter

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Um... Don't you guys remember that G scale club that had their trailer stolen out of a storage place a couple of years ago? Don't you think your club members should invest in a trailer boot for additional protection?

We certainly do. There is a hardened coupler lock that we keep on the trailer while it is parked. It was "off" in the picture only because we were in the process of shuffling the two trailers around.

Peter- looks like you guys have been busy. Keep up the good work.

Bob

Peter,  Your doing good work, there will always be the one like the gentleman with crossed arms and scowl, but the kids grins and happy faces are well worth the work!!

Any day running trains is better than best day of work.

Looks like another excellent event !  I’ll like seeing the new layout when the members make it’s debut 

Another video I just downloaded.......

Peter

Thanks, everyone. Here is the new plan.....

I credit Tom with the concept and design.

Peter

I like the plan.  Tom did a good job!

Nice job. You guys are excellent representatives of our hobby. 

Next in our series of Updates......a work day in my garage......

New items have been donated to the group......some MPC and PostWar trains including a 3462 Operating Milk Car and an early GM switcher, repainted for the L&N RR.

We place the corner blocks on the modules......next, will be topping them.

Then track, wiring and scenery.

At the same time, members are working on updates to the station module. This will be followed by some rewiring for the entire 20x42 layout and scenery updates. 
We have a busy few months ahead of us!

Peter

Looking forward to seeing how these new plans turn out!!

RC3R member Wally U is a master cabinet maker (he's the fellow in the white Tee shirt above). He is nearing completion of the first of four new power carts. These are based upon the National Capital Trackers design. A big tip of the hat to our friends at NCT for all of their help.

This first one is for our new 12x15 "small" modular layout. The idea is to roll it in, plug it up and run trains. Wally has done a bang-up job!

Oops... lettering upside down?

This is a Marinco battery charger port for a bass boat. A conventional extension cord plugs in and powers everything up.

Plug-in ports for "Trolley" (2 pin), " Accessory" power from the CW-80 and MRC in the center (4 pin), and "Track" power for two loops on the right (4 pin)

The MRC transformer feeds Fixed channels on the TIU. This allows conventional of command control. The Cab 1L provides control of Legacy and TMCC. A cable between the TIU and Legacy command base allows Lionel engines to be run with the MTH remote as well.

An Isobar six power surge suppressor helps provide some protection.

Nope, the lettering is correct.... Turn a N&W guy loose and you get Tuscan and Gold lettering. What other choice could there be?

Nice power cart. I know you guys will put it to good use. 

The power cart looks great, Tom!  Wally did a great job!!  Very nice design by the National Capital Trackers

Gilly@N&W posted:

RC3R member Wally U is a master cabinet maker. He is nearing completion of the first of four new power carts. These are based upon the National Capital Trackers design. A big tip of the hat to our friends at NCT for all of their help.

This first one is for our new 12x15 "small" modular layout. The idea is to roll it in, plug it up and run trains. Wally has done a bang-up job!

Oops... lettering upside down?

This is a Marinco battery charger port for a bass boat. A conventional extension cord plugs in and powers everything up.

Plug-in ports for "Trolley" (2 pin), " Accessory" power from the CW-80 and MRC in the center (4 pin), and "Track" power for two loops on the right (4 pin)

The MRC transformer feeds Fixed channels on the TIU. This allows conventional of command control. The Cab 1L provides control of Legacy and TMCC. A cable between the TIU and Legacy command base allows Lionel engines to be run with the MTH remote as well.

An Isobar six power surge suppressor helps provide some protection.

Nope, the lettering is correct.... Turn a N&W guy loose and you get Tuscan and Gold lettering. What other choice could there be?

 

Now that is one of the Better power cars I have seen for any modular layoout! Very neat in design, quick for set-up and efficient for transport. Just plug and play!

More work yesterday on the station module's "re-design".....better clearances for all engines.....

Peter

You were up early, Peter!  I'm just checking before leaving for church.  Wow, that work looks great!  Something I can't recall seeing your group do before.  I'll check back in later in the day, when I have a chance to examine the photographs more closely!!

Looks great Peter. Keep up the good work.

The flat car in the last photo- is that what you use to check clearances?

RSJB18 posted:

Looks great Peter. Keep up the good work.

The flat car in the last photo- is that what you use to check clearances?

Yes that’s our clearance car. Constructed by Kanawha

Gilly@N&W posted:

RSJB18 posted:

Looks great Peter. Keep up the good work.

The flat car in the last photo- is that what you use to check clearances?

Yes that’s our clearance car. Constructed by Kanawah

Clearance car:

K

Ken