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The portable 5x8 standard gauge layout I have been taking to shows is quite heavy. It was made from stuff on hand, so cheap. A few in the club have been discussing a way to do lightweight, expandable modules. We have opted for 31.5" squares of 3/16" marine type plywood with 1x2 select finished pine for sides and a cross support. 4 of these panels weight about the same as one of my old panels. With 2 panels wide, we have a 57" outer loop and a 42" inner loop. The outer loop will be 5 rail, running O is always possible, but none of that plastic stuff allowed. The length is only hindered by how many panels we have to run. There will be no legs, just folding tables to set up on. Right now there are 5 of us committed to the project, two of us are well along the way. The two of us will set up and run and work any bugs out before making the panels for the others. We have really tried to keep it as simple as possible.

We will have plexi guards on the outer edges and have clearance for a 400E.

Steve

 

 

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Looks like it should work well, but I think I would keep a pack of shims with you. I would guess if the floor is off (changing the heights of the tables), then the modules will tend to move as the trains run over them. Shimming the modules on the tables or shimming the tables should help. Our club very rarely has the luxury of a level floor at the shows we set up at.

 

I would think that as these modules get moved around and stored they may start to warp. At that time you might have to look for a more secure means of holding them together, or rebuild them.

 

I hope to see a few pictures of them fully set up with trains, buildings, accessories, and what have you soon.

 

J White

 

Rob

Yes that is some thin indoor-outdoor brown carpet from Home Depot. We used the carpet glue in buckets and spread with a wide putty knife.

 

Joe

The 31.5 inch squares side by side allow a 57" outer loop with enough clearance for a 400E. Right now, track pins are the only connection, but we will be adding a 4 pin trailer type automotive connecter between each panel, just have not reached that point yet.

 

And some cardboard shims are part of my travel tool box already.

 

Steve

 

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