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Post by Commodore on Jun 23, 2017 22:28:30 GMT -5
I saw a great idea. A guy is successfully running really long trains on long runs of 6" wide boards. I've bumped that up to 2" x 10" (6-10 foot lengths) each section starting or terminating on a standard tool chest base. I'm planning to use 2 tool chests (placed at right angles to each other) to support 4' x 4' plywood for a wide loop on each end. The rolling tool chests are both stable and portable, ...but at least 4 are required for long runs. I got 5. Found these tool chest workstations with attached metal pegboard backs (i.e. Scenery Panels)  Each top is 27" wide x 18" deep. Rail is 35 " from floor ...and is perfectly level.Hey, LONG RUNS, stable, portable, compact storage (with removable wood tops) ...and the extra storage is great, too |
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Post by fulingyu on Jun 24, 2017 0:05:05 GMT -5
ZFrank had a great idea. He started running trains on long runs of 2" x 6" board. I've bumped that up to 2" x 8" (up to 10 foot lengths) each beginning and terminating on a standard tool chest base. I'm using two (2) tool chests (placed at right angles to each other) to support 4' x 4' plywood for a turnaround. The rolling tool chests are both stable and portable, but at least 4 are required. (just the two ends) Found these tool chests with attached metal workstation pegboard backs (i.e. Scenery back-drop) at a local big box store: Rail is 35 " from floor Hey, stable, portable, compact storage (with removable wood tops) ...and the extra storage is great, too A 2" x 6" board would be too small for even T Scale  Still an interesting concept. The longer length boards would acomodate for longer passenger trains. And I like the idea of the rolling tool boxes for storage under the layout. |
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Post by Commodore on Jun 24, 2017 6:47:14 GMT -5
ZFrank's website has double track mainline running on a 6" wide board.
The wooden board and plywood tops attach firmly to the cabinets by matching groves routed into the bottom of the wood.
This is not storage under the layout, WITH WOOD TOP this is the layout.
Broken down, 5 units store in the space of a layout made from a door.
Set-up and breakdown is quick. The tops don't need screws because they mate perfectly, the groves underneath only fit one way.
(the scenery panels are on a piano hinge and fold down flat against the back)
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Post by neverland on Jun 25, 2017 6:20:44 GMT -5
Sadly I just don't have that kind of space. I'll just have to settle for my 2' X 4' layout. Like the idea of the rolling tool chests with all those storage drawers. I would like to store my rolling stock when I'm not running to minimize the dust,
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Post by Commodore on Jun 25, 2017 17:38:58 GMT -5
Sadly I just don't have that kind of space. I'll just have to settle for my 2' X 4' layout. Like the idea of the rolling tool chests with all those storage drawers. I would like to store my rolling stock when I'm not running to minimize the dust, I understand: Two of these will easily support a 30 inch x 5 foot (or longer) plywood board and have built in scenery panels. Mounting and demounting the board takes 5 seconds. (especially, if the board is routed to fit) The beauty is in the storage options! Rory |
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Post by Commodore on Jun 26, 2017 22:07:10 GMT -5
What did you not like about Z modules? To me they seem lighter, better height, more flexible in design, and you can indeed add drawers if you want. Greg Thanks, Greg: First thing is the lightness factor. Light is important if you're picking something up. Heavy is better for stability, These Roll.
I feel the z module standard is just too high for a "vista" view. I want a "birds eye view" of long trains and a scenic background blocking clutter. These bases are rock stable and support a multitude of different wood tops. There is way more flexibility and interchangeability in arrangement of track and scenery (plus quick set-up and removal)
It would be impossible to add the quality of drawers for the money The drawers are roller bearing and support 50 lbs each
Rory |
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Post by neverland on Jun 27, 2017 10:57:50 GMT -5
I envy y'all with the long trains. Some of the vids I've watched have dozens of miles scale-wise. I estimated mine at just two! Then again I like the landscaping & modeling almost as much as running the trains.
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Post by Commodore on Jun 28, 2017 8:50:12 GMT -5
Thanks Greg:
I understand your point. To me the fixed scenery panels are the most important single part of any "new standard,"
The metal pegboard backs are on a piano hinge, so fold flat against the back of the cabinet for shipping and storage.
The interchangeability is remarkable compared to the old way. The base is fixed and a fixed size.
Plywood can be cut (in multiple configurations) to custom fit it the top ...and changed out very quickly.
The addition of "long boards" can make a small layout into a part of a very long run of track.
The beauty (to me) is you can have one top for shows and others for home use.
Where I need your experience is in designing a standard for attachments of the long boards to the module.
I'll also ask ZFrank for help.
Thanks again
Rory
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Post by Commodore on Jun 29, 2017 17:33:30 GMT -5
Thanks Greg:
I like the block of wood mounted to the bottom of plywood much better than the idea of router cuts.
Now, I've got 5 of these roller unit modules.
Suppose they could be linked with long boards ...hooked to the base with metal cleats?
I like that...
Thanks again!
Rory
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Post by Commodore on Jul 5, 2017 11:46:37 GMT -5
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Post by Commodore on Jul 14, 2017 12:50:14 GMT -5
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Post by Commodore on Jul 29, 2017 20:59:55 GMT -5
I was at The Home Depot tonight.
They had sheets of heavy dense pink foam that measured 4' x 8' x 2".
I could pick it up with one arm.
A couple of sheets could be cut-up as light weight tops ...for the above 5 rolling bases.
I think I may be on to something. The question is WHAT?
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Post by smr on Jul 30, 2017 5:05:07 GMT -5
 I am sure you are on the right track. Some ideas for you;  |
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Post by smr on Jul 30, 2017 5:10:10 GMT -5
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Post by rvn2001 on Jul 30, 2017 6:39:01 GMT -5
That foam is exactly what the MidweZt HaulerZ use for our modules. We rabbet 1" around the edge and put it in a 1" X 4" wood frame. That gives you 1" above the frame and 1" below the frame.
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