Ed Turner made me some modules, and they look great. Now I have to figure out what to do with them. I have two end and one middle module, and I am going to build the end module first. Its not going to be to adventurous. I am going to keep it simple first, but I will try something more exciting on the other two modules. So far, all I have done is to make some measurements. Here is the beginning of my modules.
Excellent idea to use "knobs" for fastening modules together. Also excellent to drill a hole in the cross member and store them with the module. No more lost bolts, washers or nuts. Good idea to make the outer track radius a bit larger the the 10" minimum. Be careful to not "kink" the transition curve or make it too small of a radius thus negating the benefits of the larger radius.
This module looks very similar to Don Fedur's module craftsmanship hence I have two blank modules that Don made for me. I was wondering what you paid for these modules? Chris
On the curves, I desided to go with 10"r, I needed a longer module if I want to go with the wider radius. The bigger radius got in the way of the scenery and it got too close to the end of the module. I started to ballast the track by first gluing down some dirt first, then I added some Arizona Rock and Mineral CSX ballast.
Sorry to butt in here. With Z-bend modules you could put two ends together and make an oval. By adding straight modules, curved modules, y-modules and even x-modules, a group can get together and make a large layout. The ZoCal group gets together at train shows and make large layouts. Last year we used the same modules set up in different formations for each show. As more modules are built, the layout can grow. So if one person had two ends and one straight - a layout.
One great example of a small Z-Bend Track Modul layout is Robert Ray's award winning Drive-In Theatre layout. Two small ends connected, that's it. (And about 150000 small, eyecatching details).
Sorry for being late on the reply. My plan is to build street runnning on the middle module and a orange grove with a packing plant in the other end module. My plans is for the modules to be my home layout when the kids grow up and I can have their room. For now, I will use them for local shows. This days, I spend most of my time building the modules. Here is some updates.
Thanks guys. Joe, I used a set of oxen. Seriously, I use a paste of of dirt and glue for a base, then I slowly added dirt using two fingers to form the lines. When the dirt is dry, I use a drill bit to straighten up the lines a little .
Kick Butt!!! John!! Very Nice!!! I love that kick butt FEC loco you have!!! Always like the red/white/blue anything!!! Wait, in the first photo it looks like it is derailed? Oh my!!!! No wonder it ain't moving!!! I also like the plowed field. Looks real good!!!! The photo showing the nice curve of both tracks is sweet. Is that rust or rail brown on the side of the rails? You need a tractor and plow for that field!!!! Keep on keepin on!!!! Hobo Tim
John, Great job!! Maybe you can talk Jürg into "lending" you one of his beautiful autos to replace the Marklin yellow car. John
Tim, I am surpriced if it did derail. I try to keep it in the rails, because I know I have take pictures of derail engine in the past. Also, do you have any tractors left. I didnt get one when you were selling them. Now I need it. John, what a great idea. I specially want to borrow his Alvaro F150.