I would like to see how any of you have tied Yard modules into mainlines, especially dual track based Z-Bend Track modules. One choice is to loop the two tracks all the way around the yard, returning on the other side, like Brad Saunders, Dave Lancaster and I. But these are short yards and single ended. The other way is to place several longer modules with the yard between the mainlines. For the National Train Show (NTS) we are going to need a yard. A serious yard. And at least 6' of usable straight track (19 tracks spaced 1" between the mains). 4' is needed to just ladder out the 9 tracks to the center plus crossovers to the 2 mains. So a good 15'-20' total. A long in-line module with tracks between the mains gives us good flexibility (exit anywhere) and takes up a lot of needed space. However, if we don't get the larger space, the option is to Tee it and 'stub' the yard off the Tee with a turnaround on the end. I prefer this way (when you see how to cram all the modules we potentially have) but I would like to have the choice of dual mainlines continuing thru on the Tee (both sides of the Tee, like a std in-line module, with pairs of tracks to yard only. This lets some trains run continuous. Show me what you guys have come up with (even sketches of you don't have pictures or CAD drawings). .
I agree - but the cost of 38 turnouts? I think the cheapest are the MTLs but even at $15.00 each = $570. I know Jim Manley (of ZoCal/Baz Boyz fame) has some MTL switches and I have four available. We need someone who has NO modules to store this yard. It would have little use at any other train show. How about a temporary yard made of sectional track? We can all contribute some switches and sectional track for the 2011 NTS. The modules could just be "blank" modules that could be turned into standard modules after the NTS show. Just an idea. 1. Could we get by with modules only 2' wide? 2. Maybe make the yard only on one side - the other is just a pass through?
My end yard module has two through sidings per main. As one train is removed (already run around awhile) another new train is built on the same siding. This would be acceptable especially if we had all three yard modules at NTS. Just an alternate that will work right now.
This is the yard module that I have and use at shows. It's 5-1/2 feet long by 30 inches wide. It's not quite as big as you're looking for but it's an idea.
I think David's idea, using sectional track is the solution. Four 4' long module section could do it. But instead of using 1/8" thick plywood on the top, build the modules with at least 1/4" thick (probably 3/8" is even better) high quality plywood tops, approximately 1/8" higher in the actual yard area. The yard layout should be routed into the plywood via a CNC machine. This way the yard can be assembled with permanent guides while the top of the plastic roadbed is flush with the top of elevated plywood. A bit of paint, fine ballast and weathering of the plywood makes it look like a real yard.
A plan I drew up already - one end of a possible yard. The one side is a pass through (bottom) and the other side (top) has a main line (only two switches to pass through) and 2" spacing on the sidings.. This could be adapted to 1" spacing but leaves little room for fingers (though my yard has 1" spacing, it is hard to put trains on easily). The grids are 4" square:
Lajos has a good idea - but complicated. If the track plan could be drawn ahead of time, that would speed assembly. Use some two sided tape to hold the track down. Sprinkle some ballast to blend in the plastic ballast. Simple and all reusable (except the two sided tape ).
I agree, that a temporary yard module array is the way to go for this show. If we use MTL and Marklin switches, we can just apply double sticky back tape (Carpet Tape not double sticky foam tape), then I have about 30 switches that can be used. The modules should have a smooth surface for the carpet tape to stick well, like sanded smooth plywood, either painted or sprayed with a coat of marine spar varnish on top, then the modules can go home at the end of the show to be built up into regular modules later on. Solder feeder wires to the underside of rail joiners every 2 feet, and use Jeff's yellow needle point feeder to bus wire taps, and setup could be a quick and easy 1 day project. No Marklin adjustable tracks, just MTL straight sectional tracks between the modules for quick setup.
If the plan could be done on paper, the paper could be attached to the module top and grass, roads, dirt, etc could be colored onto the paper. Could actually use some WS ground foam glued to the paper. Place some buildings next to the "roads" and put some cars on the roads - simple "finished" layout - which could be tossed after removing everything when the show is over.
Keep in mind, with the routed in track layout we can use "borrowed" tracks, and there is no need for double stick tape. It makes no difference to print or machine a CAD drawing, also a yard with elevated roadbeds look a bit "cheeZy".
Now if we could get hooked up with one of Don Fedjur's vinyl roll printers, I can draw up the whole yard as one Corel file, to be printed as one long sheet 2' x 20' or as long as we need! And there would be foundation pads for yard towers, coaling towers, roads and parking, etc.
Well you guys are pretty much on the same page. It was to be built from sectional track, temporary donated turnouts. (Us, Jim Manley, MTL, etc.). I would prefer wider tracks David, at least off the mains (leave the first 1" spaced track off) but I need to look at what is needed in MTL sectional to make 2" spacing without cutting track. One option is to MTL the mainlines, then use Märklin or Peco flex (pref Märklin as it is stiff) with an additional 1/8 " ply under it for the straight track (no roadbed). Lets keep it simple, unless someone wants it permanent. Thomas, your idea is great for your shows but for NTS, we will have so many 20+ car trains from dozens of people, we need a lot more track. I do like your add-on-to-the-side idea though. We could have the 17 or 15 tracks (@1" spacing) or 8 tracks (@2" spacing) in between the mains and then add-on to the side with another parallel set. Dave, between your end and mine, plus Brad Saunders if he brings his; we have a good start. I would like some longer tracks though and definitely more track. Thanks everyone for your input. .
Guy's, if we agree on the module sizes and width to create the final yard configuration.........I can build the modules framework/bases. They will be ridgid, square and to tight exact tollerances. The tops can be perfectly flat and mirror smooth if you use lightweight fiberglass sheet (used for mass produced table tops) which is strong, dimensionally stable and it can be printed onto with precise track and switch locations + any other detail. I would suggest 3 ft. by 6 ft. for a yard that can be 18 or 24 feet. (3 or 4 modules) The two ft. std. spacing, Z-Bend std. coming in and going in/out of the yard will be the same. The extra width to 3 ft. will allow a multi-track to load your rolling stock. We need an area that all can easily use to put their trains on track without interuption of running. Can double as a passing track zone. DON
Robert, and how long will we have to wait? Maybe some Genious will have some yardlights made up in time to showcase on the YARD module? Make the file(s) But you need to be smart and not use vinyl. Your print will be accurate to within 10-15 thou over 20 feet, but applying the vinyl will screw it up. From my earlier post, this makes me re-think the module sizes. All modules should now be 4 feet long for portabilty and can be re-used later. We print the rigid fiberglass sheet with the graphics for the MTL sectional track. I need to see the sizes I can get in the fiberglass. Either 4 ft., 6 ft., or 8 ft. In the graphics will be hole locations to screw the fiberglass top down to the module sections. (remove later to re-use module base) Modules will use pins for joining and alignment, a fine line on each side of the table top will be used for laser alignment upon set-up. Start drwaing homeboy. DON
Guy's, if we agree on the module sizes and width to create the final yard configuration.........I can build the modules framework/bases. They will be ridgid, square and to tight exact tollerances. The tops can be perfectly flat and mirror smooth if you use lightweight fiberglass sheet (used for mass produced table tops) which is strong, dimensionally stable and it can be printed onto with precise track and switch locations + any other detail. I would suggest 3 ft. by 6 ft. for a yard that can be 18 or 24 feet. (3 or 4 modules) The two ft. std. spacing, Z-Bend std. coming in and going in/out of the yard will be the same. The extra width to 3 ft. will allow a multi-track to load your rolling stock. We need an area that all can easily use to put their trains on track without interuption of running. Can double as a passing track zone. DON
~4' is needed just to ladder. I don't think we need 3' wide if we can get four 4' modules (two for laddering, each end and two for the 17 or 9 yard tracks, 8' or longer). Don't forget, we'll have 2 or 3 other shorter yards. 3' wide would allow up to 2 outer 'passing' tracks or escape track. I would however like to minimize turnouts on the main. Don, I like the fiberglass replaceable top idea. Don't think you need the laser line down the sides tho, I just hit the bottom edge when I do it. Do a 2' to 3' expansion on one end of two modules and make the other two 4' modules a full 3' wide? Or, just make a 6" add-on to the side of the standard 2x4' modules, just to support the temp fiberglass, then remove the add-on 6" expansions as needed ?? .
I think we could get away with fewer switches if we have a really long set of modules linked together. Few of our consists are going to be 10' long, so I figure we could just stack the set ups one after the other and maybe only need 6 sets of track? We could use regular shelf stock that's 12" wide and make up supports our of 1x4 and lay these end to end. Figure 20' of shelving with 6 or 8 lines through that length, we could run a lot of stuff. Just thinking while working Joe MTL
Good ideas Don and Joe. How about a couple of isolated tracks along the edges somewhere for programming the DCC locos?
