1.
Doing a lot of design and
planning on paper up front is essential for even the simplest of
modules. It helps to avoid
the “oh, I didn’t think of that” problem after construction begins.
Using a CAD computer program is one way, but paper and pencil
should work just as well.
2.
Consider the legs as part of the frame, and design and construct
them together with the frame.
3.
Try to think through the whole process of building the module
before even buying the materials.
The planning process may go something like this:
Establish size, shape, and track plan
·
Where
will the module be stored when not in use?
·
How will
it be transported to Free-mo setups (vehicle size, etc.)?
·
Does it
need to be light enough or small enough for one person to handle?
·
For
multi-section modules, how do the sections attach to one another?
·
How tall
will the final scenery be (hilltops, trees, poles, etc.)?
·
Are all
Free-mo standards met (track design)?
Design module frame in detail
·
Is the
track adequately supported?
·
If foam
is to be used, is it adequately supported?
·
How and
where will the legs and sway bracing be attached?
·
What will
the scenic profiles be (especially below track level)?
·
Is there
room for turnout motors and other electrical devices?
·
Where
will track power feeds drop through?
·
How will
track power feeds drop through
·
How will
the Free-mo electrical buses be routed?
·
Where
will terminal blocks be placed?
·
Where
will fascia items be located (turnout controls, DCC jacks, hand-holds)?
·
Is
occupancy detection and signaling to be included or planned for at a
later time?
The following drawings give you examples of the module planning that Gregg Fuhriman (GF) or I (GG)
did for Northern California Free-mo's Mojave Yard.
Note: You'll need to rotate the view appropriately when Acrobat reader opens (shift-control-plus or shift-control-minus).
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The track plan and subroadbed supports (GF) This drawing of the Mojave Yard throat that shows the schematic track plan drawn by Gregg with exact locations of turnouts and throwbars. The problem solved by this drawing was the location of Tortoise switch machines and support members underneath the full plywood top. The location of throwbars was so exact that slots could be routed in exactly at locations shown in the drawing. |
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Module construction details (GG) I made this drawing as a cutting guide for all the structural pieces of the module frame. |
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Module #2 construction drawing (GF) |
Module #2 leg detail (GF) |
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Construction details (Mojave Yard was done the "hard way") (GG) I made this drawing to explore some construction concepts that permit the subroadbed to extend across the end plate so that the likelihood of a dip or rise of the subroadbed (and thus the track) at the module end. |
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When you've completed your module, consider using Gregg Fuhriman's technique to precisely measure your module so that layout planners can be assured that they are using an accurate representation of your module. How to measure a module (Gregg Fuhriman) |