6"x24" shelf modules

MC Fujiwara Nov 16, 2010

  1. MC Fujiwara

    MC Fujiwara TrainBoard Member

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    Hello, all.
    I foresee multiple moves in my future, mainly into apartments where securing land grants for empire building is not guaranteed. Garage space, which I have presently, is also very iffy.

    So I’ve been playing around with ideas of either portable HCD layouts, al a Dave Vollmer or John Drye’s Bald Eagle Branch, or a modular shelf layout which, with the addition of corner units, could also become a table-top continuous layout.

    I’ll save the HCD for another thread. Here’re the ideas for the shelf modules.

    The “Portland & Pacific Railroad” in N-scale.
    The modules would be 6” x 24”, with 12” x 12” outside corner units.
    ½” plywood base, 2” foam, and 7 ½” backdrop (10” total height).
    “Mainline” track would be centered at 4” from back, 2” from front.
    DCC (Powercab), Atlas Code 55, #4.5 turnouts (handlaid) with one 3-way at yard entrance.
    All manual operation: turnouts handthrown, “turntable” pushed, skewer uncoupling.

    Here’s the “Basic 4”, with a 12” extension for operations:

    [​IMG]

    Some construction sketches:

    [​IMG]

    (The T-nuts would be used only for the end mining module, to attach the 12” extension)
    Metal pins and a latching system would hold the modules together, with Velcro or some other removable connector keeping the backdrops flush.

    Adding units, it could become a 16’ straight shelf (with 12” extension):

    [​IMG]

    Or, with an 18” x 18” inside curve, an 11 ½’ x 8 ½’ corner shelf layout:

    [​IMG]

    As a shelf layout, I’d place a lighting valence over as an upper shelf.
    Next post: adding outside corner modules.
     
  2. MC Fujiwara

    MC Fujiwara TrainBoard Member

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    The corner modules would be 12” x 12”, with 10” radius curves.
    The 2’ x 6’ “HCD” version would fit on top of a HCD:

    [​IMG]

    Adding the 18” x 18” inside curve and a double-track outer corner could create tabletop “L” versions:

    [​IMG]

    (4’x8’ layout, 8’x12’ space needed)
    or

    [​IMG]

    (6’x8’ layout, 10’x12’ space needed)

    The benefit of 6”x24” modules is that:
    • as a shelf unit they’d use much less living space than an HCD-based layout
    • I could mix & match to create “new” layouts, as well as add incrementally
    • Shelf layout becomes walk around by adding corner units, so adaptable for various rooms.
    • My kids could have their own modules to go crazy with, without “destroying” a section of the whole layout.
    • I could crate them into 13”x25” stackable boxes for storage / moving:
    [​IMG]

    Issues might include:
    • Only 6” deep real estate to work with!
    • More modules mean more chances of track problems, misalignment, or even trains falling off.
    • Only 6” deep space to work with! (considering 9” or 12” shelves, though that makes the storage/moving crates bigger & bigger, which makes the point of small shelf units moot).

    Any thoughts on the construction or design of the modules or the layout?
    Anyone have any experience with uber-skinny shelf layouts?
    Trying to think of all possible issues before deciding between this and a U-shaped layout on HCDs (which would involve 3’x8’ crates for moving, plus a more dedicated space for setup).

    Thanks for all your thoughts!
    --M.C.
     
  3. MC Fujiwara

    MC Fujiwara TrainBoard Member

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    The Dam Construction module would include a car lift to the construction spur 2 ½” above mainline (spur hidden behind trees / rock).
    Here’s the prototype:

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    And here’s my sketches for construction:

    [​IMG]

    I’d like everything to be manual, thus the crank & gears.
    Anyone ever built one of these?
     
  4. Mark Watson

    Mark Watson TrainBoard Member

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    This is a really cool layout system you're brainstorming! It's almost like T-trak on steroids. :p

    You've already noted the lack of real estate in just 6" of depth. From what I understand of everything so far, this will be your biggest (and I think it will be a very big) problem. I know it would make portability a little more difficult, but I do recommend going to at least 8", if not 9. Moving frequently would be a pain, but the question I would ask is, do you move that frequently, that it would be worth sacrificing the depth? Even just adding 2" will seemingly add tons of real estate. :)

    In this thread, NorsemanJack shows off a similar layout system that I think you might enjoy reading. :)
     
  5. Mark Watson

    Mark Watson TrainBoard Member

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    WOW! I've definitely never seen something like this modeled. Heck, I must admit I've never seen something like this prototype! :p

    You most definitely have to keep us posted on the progress of this show piece! :D :D
     
  6. SteamDonkey74

    SteamDonkey74 TrainBoard Supporter

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    I am definitely following this one. I am considering a mostly T-Trak/oNeTrak shelf-layout system where whole chunks fit modular standards and can go to shows but where it all works as a coherent layout at home.
     
  7. MC Fujiwara

    MC Fujiwara TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for the link to the NorsemanJack thread on his 11"wide shelf modules: just read whole thing & it definitely got the brain buzzing!
    I'm more into switching shorter consists than Jack's long runaround trains, but definintely a lovely project he's got going there, with a lot of ideas adaptable for many types of shelf layouts.

    My 6" is very narrow.
    Heck, 24" is rather short.
    (lots of butting lines)

    Very tempted to redesign with 8", 9" or 11" wide & 4' long modules.
    or at least some 4' long modules (like putting both yard sections together) to mix with the 2' ones.
    Though 4' long modules would throw off the small stacked box storage / moving aspect, and 9"-11" wide would make the tabletop walkaround variation more, well, big.
    But do-able.

    More I think about it, more I like the 8"x24" or 8"x48" idea. Would make for 16"x16" corner units, and 32" "ends" for walkaround.

    Mostly I'm thinking shelf, though it is fun to run the trains around & around from time to time;)

    Hmmm... must think more, play around with other ideas.
    All appreciated!
    [I'll save the dam construction lift project for another thread, when I get to it ;)

    Other drawbacks / issues with the layout plan?
     
  8. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

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    Very nicely presented and a great concept. The one "module / area" I'd suggest a re-design is the yard approach and yard. It seems "forced". You may want to start with a blank sheet of paper and sketch a few variations making it cleaner. Try omitting the cross over.

    Figure the yard "should" have two tracks that could hold your longest trains. One for dropping off and one for making up. That may not be an option and there are work-arounds such as putting the "arrival track" next to the yard lead which could be on a separate module.

    I'm working on the design for my own expansion that will go along two walls of the living room. I want it to be semi-modular so other people could make their own which could be swapped out.

    Laura wants a beach resort while her daughters want farms and villages. I want hyper modern cities and gigantic mountains.
     
  9. gregamer

    gregamer TrainBoard Supporter

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    Interesting ideas. I've been trying to come up with a small modular layout idea too.

    I'd like to keep the modules to a maximum length of 30-36" just because it seems like it'd be a lot easier to handle than a full 48" module.
     
  10. MC Fujiwara

    MC Fujiwara TrainBoard Member

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    Funny you should say that, gpa, since I just finished up redesigning the modules as 8 1/2" x 34" sections, with 17"x17" outer corner units and a 25 1/2" x 25 1/2" inner corner unit:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    And the walkaround version that can fit on top of a HCD (well, a little over...):

    [​IMG]

    Extending the depth from 6" to 8 1/2" really made a difference:
    --track is not right on the edge of the front lip
    --structures can be low-relief instead of just flats (adds depth through illusion)
    --wee bit more space between yard tracks for the 1:1 scale fingers to wiggle in there if needed
    --add a storage track for the carfloat
    --more real estate!

    Why 34"? it's a multiple of 8 1/2"!
    For some reason, I'm just fixed on having things in multiples.
    With these modules, I envision storage crates of 18"w x 35"l x 11"h.
    Each crate could then hold either two straight modules OR two corner modules (except for the special inner curve unit).

    And 6 straight modules takes up 17' of wall space (18' with 12" extension), which is exactly what I got in the garage right now.
    The same 6 with the inner curve unit takes slightly more than 10' x 10' to make the "L" shelf config.

    I'm liking this version a bit more: the crates will be bigger, but the "feel" of the layout is more right.

    As for the yard: now the tracks are longer. I envision mainline trains getting diverted to the outside if carfloat & yard work is being done. I put #6 turnouts on the ends of the area. The line in front of the brewery & pharm doubles as the yard lead. (Byron Henderson's "overlapping elements").

    Not quite sure what else I could do in the space.
    Suggestions appreciated!
    Especially with any other issues in building the modules, or the trackplan as is.
    The good thing about modules: can swap some in / out to create multiple "new" layouts!
     
  11. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

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    I don't feel I could improve on it at all. Very nice.
    What software are you using?
     
  12. Logtrain

    Logtrain TrainBoard Member

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    What I like about this is the fact that you can make the layout into different configurations. Very Nice! :thumbs_up:
     
  13. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    An amazing amount of interest has been packed into these ideas. I would love to see any version built. Esepcially the "HCD" size.

    Boxcab E50
     
  14. MC Fujiwara

    MC Fujiwara TrainBoard Member

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    Finally got the "large" walkaround designed out, using the new 8 1/2" x 34" modules:

    [​IMG]

    Had much head scratching when the math didn't work out & some modules didn't connect, then realized I'd drawn 32" modules. Ooops.
    Didn't go back & revise, so just imagine an extra inch on each side of the straight modules ;)
    [all the more room to wiggle, my dear...]

    Not quite sure a layout with industries this size needs a yard this big, but I guess it could double as visible staging.
    Also not terribly thrilled about the engine service layout. Good for the space, and visibly interesting, I guess, but somehow I think it could be better.

    Groovy thing about this kind of layout: I can just pop in a different module!
    Other city industries, a passenger station, whatever!

    If I do choose this over the "U" of a couple of HCDs connected by a thin section, I'd probably start with the 17' straight shelf version. Heck, that could even act as the "upper deck" of the HCD layout!

    Any thoughts?
     
  15. MC Fujiwara

    MC Fujiwara TrainBoard Member

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    oh, forgot: all layout designs are drawn using Anyrail.
    fab program!
    new version even better!
    (includes fasttracks templates)
    I definitely spend way too much time playing on it instead of getting to work!
    But that's fun, too;)
     
  16. Mattun

    Mattun TrainBoard Member

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    It looks totally awesome. Interesting, real, achievable. Now do yourself a favour and start building something ;)
     

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