New RRinabox Layout

Of course there's interest, it's about model trains, isn't it?

They appear to be updating their website, so I couldn't get much info, but I'll keep trying.

Yes, they are updating their website. I emailed them and they replied with the information I was looking for, plus a photo of a completed layout. They also said that they are planning on having a "C" module available late summer that will fit between the two current modules and expand it to 8 feet.

I talked to the guy at York. The pre-cut panel version was to make it easier for the kids to build as it didn't require cutting foam core and pasting the plan sheets. I think the concept is great. Post photos.

Just curious. What kind of prices do they have on these layout "Kits". As mentioned, the website currently has little info on it.

Jeff

I will post photos as I progress. I opened the box to take a look. I think it is promising. I pulled out the instructions and read through then. I don't think a kid could assemble one without adult supervision, but it easier than having to paste the plans and cut out pieces (having done that). 

The instructions provide for 8 possible layout plans. These range from a simple loop, to dual loops, to point to point, and up to a Max track version that features two interconnected loops and two sidings.

I'm not that much into operations, especially on such a small layout. I just like to watch the trains run and blow the horn or whistle now and then. Right now, I'm leaning towards a plan with two separate loops and a bump'n go trolley line. leaving out the switches would allow me to run some fat wheeled prewar and Marx on it. It is more flexible than I thought it might be in terms of track plans.

Where one loop crosses over the other, it shows a vertical clearance of 4". Not much, but probably adequate for most 027 equipment. I like that one track goes down, while the other goes up, meaning each loop only needs to rise or descend 2" to gain the 4" clearance. This keeps the grades from becoming too steep.

I will post some photos as I go along. It might take me a while to build as I'm old, not in the best of health, and tend to take my time anyway. Plus I learned on the first one that allowing adequate time for the glue to dry between various stages and making sure that things are assembled right the first time helps the overall satisfaction.

Happy railroading!

Mowingman, they are currently $299.95 plus a little more for shipping. To me it is not that unreasonable considering what you get. Most of us settle for a plywood plains layout and this gives people a chance to have a scenic 3D layout that they might not otherwise have. There is a lot I'm sure that does into designing these kits and my experience with the MTH 500 series layout was that they are well thought out. Decent lumber and plywood isn't cheap anymore, as I found out. I'm sure some people may think they are too expensive, but it is worth it to me. Everyone is different.

Quite interesting. Yes, please keep us updated on your progress.

Looks interesting, keep us posted. Photo from web site shows a layout with 3-rail track:

The photo ACE posted is of the MTH 500 series layout. This is the one that I built a number of years ago. 

Mike, is this the version you're building now? Two train 40"x64" 027 layout?

The grades appear to be very steep.

Yes, that's the one ACE. I'm still taking down my old layout so I haven't started on it yet. The grades may be steeper than I thought. I'll find out. Luckily, I have a couple engines that will run on 027 that have cruise, if need be. It should still be an interesting project, I hope.

Photo of a completed version. I'm in this hobby for fun and this is something new to try.

wow, just terrific. Thanks for sharing.

Turned out great.

Nice job!

Peter

Just to be clear, the photo of a completed layout is from RRinabox, it is not mine. Mine is still in it's shipping box, waiting for me to dismantle my current layout before starting construction.

From what I can see in those last two photos, the track plan is similar to this. I can't tell for sure if the grade is all on the outer oval, or if the grade is split between the two circuits.

Ace, my friend, not quite , but you are very close.  Good job. They are developing a "C" module that drops in between these two modules and expands it to 8' in length. I will be interested in seeing what they come up with for that.

If I decide to add switches, I will likely use 1121 or 1024 switches.

The grade is split. The outer loop goes up 2" and the inner loop goes down 2" to create 4" separation where one track crosses the other.

Hi Mike,

What does the manufacturer instructions recommend is used to support the kit? A frame with attached legs, lightweight foldable banquet style tables, what exactly? Also since it's obviously lightweight foamboard with much "hollowness" beneath the trackbed, once you've assembled it and have trains running please keep us abreast of its noise level compared to typical layout construction? Hope the base doesn't resonate the sound of the running trains like a drum base,  the body of a guitar, or to a lesser degree -  Fastrack.

Well, when I built the MTH version, I just set it on a folding table, which worked fine. The instructions show it sitting on a dresser, folding table, or about anything else you want to set it on.

Mike Donahue posted:

... If I decide to add switches, I will likely use 1121 or 1024 switches.

The grade is split. The outer loop goes up 2" and the inner loop goes down 2" to create 4" separation where one track crosses the other.

Something to consider with the old 1024 switches: they look cool, but the all-plastic swiveling switch points may cause smaller locos to stall. Photo shows manual switches 1022 above, 1024 below.

With the grade split I figure the grades are about 4.5% on that layout. The 4" clearance is pretty close but doable for O27 equipment. That upper spur looks poised for a connecting module. Keep us posted on your progress!   

Ace, my thought with the 1024's is that my fat wheeled Marx 999 should run through them. On the other hand, if I use 1022's I can avoid having to mount and wire controllers since they are power routing.  Manual switches should be fine on such a small layout. Decisions, decisions.

Mike Donahue posted:

Well, when I built the MTH version, I just set it on a folding table, which worked fine. The instructions show it sitting on a dresser, folding table, or about anything else you want to set it on.

Mike, although being built with lightweight, relatively thin foamboard vs. traditional wood layout materials and construction, I assume there's no appreciable, noticeable rise in noise level from the trains running over the track or else this wouldn't be your second build using the RRinabox system. Correct?

I did not notice any appreciable rise in noise level. There are actually a few of the MTH layouts on Youtube. Search for rrinabox layouts. You can here the noise levels if you turn on the sound. The Halloween layout that one guy made for his daughter is pretty neat.

Mike Donahue posted:

Ace, my thought with the 1024's is that my fat wheeled Marx 999 should run through them. On the other hand, if I use 1022's I can avoid having to mount and wire controllers since they are power routing.  Manual switches should be fine on such a small layout. Decisions, decisions.

The old Marx O27 switches handle fat-wheel locos and have the advantage of metal rails all the way through the switch for better electrical continuity. I've modified some Marx switches for power routing, and converted some to manual throw.

They were "junk" switches I got for free. Cleaned them up and they work fine.

Further discussion here:     https://ogrforum.com/t...-1590-metal-switches

Ace, I have no experience with Marx switches. It has always been my understanding that they don't work well,but some things you hear are wrong. The 1590 electric versions appear to be hard to come by in good condition. Clean manual versions seem easier to come by. What is your experience with these?

I have a pair of manual Marx switches I bought so I could run my Marx locomotive with a fat wheel.  All other "modern" locomotives I've run thru them have worked just fine.  My Marx 90 crossing on the other hand, not so much. 

I saw the ad for this in the new October issue at the book store, the website is not laid out very well, on the phone it is almost unreadable, but on the computer it doesn't look bad. The pictures only show the O-27 layout, not the Z or N or HO scale layout or (what I really would like to see) the On30 layout... Great idea though, anything to give options for newcomers...

The track plan and layout remind me of the old Model Railroader 'HO Railroad that Grows' that was in 5x9' or so, not the same, I know, but the 'look' is similar, especially the upper track crossing over the lower on a curve...

I don't know if this link is allowed here but a plan of it is here on this discussion:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/212619.aspx?pi314=2