New Modutrak Corners

[Sokramiketes]

Well, while we all wait for Lashedup to continue his build thread, here's the start of some new corners that we're hoping to have running for NMRA 2010 in Milwaukee.


The modules are 5' radius at the outer fascia.  Same type of construction as the straight modules, the 1/8" plywood sides allow us to follow the track around a curve to keep everything smooth.

While laying out the 1/4" plywood tops, we drew track centerlines right away.  It's easier to pin the center of the arc while the 5'x5' sheets of Baltic Birch Plywood are full. 

Using an 1-3/4" spacer (lots needed as you'll see below) I mark off every 4-5" or so to define the edge of the splines:


Then, screws are driven along the inside of the curve which will hold the first spline in alignment:

[Sokramiketes]

Now the first spline can be glued on edge.  We use regular Elmer's wood glue. A few clamps will hold the spline tight to your screws.  Check for square as you go, adjust screws in and out to compensate, and then go ahead and glue the spacers perpendicular to the first spline right away:


Allow the first spline to set, and then you can add the second to the outside, gluing and clamping as you go:


Once that's dry, remove the clamps and screws, and go ahead and glue a cap on the spline, rough cut to size.  This is all 1/8" double tempered Masonite hardboard:


Allow to dry overnight and then a flush cutting router bit can trim the cap cleanly to the sides of the spline as seen here:


And now you can fill in around the spline with foam as we get ready for rough scenery:

[wm3798]

I like the lightweight nature of this design...  I've got a couple of modules in the garage I'll be tinkering with this summer... might try this on for size.

Lee

[Sokramiketes]

First module is going to be the curve north of Powerton, covering Waterford Ave, the TMER&T overhead crossing, Howard Ave, the cemetary and Lincoln Cut.

Here's the track chart.  While today Howard Ave is an underpass, it appears to be at grade in the 1950's. 


Beginning at the south end (proto photos from the collection of K. Kohlmann):

Here the photographer is on the TMER&T ROW shooting down at Waterford Ave.


Still looking south, but now north of the TMER&T which is up on the fill/bridge


And now in the same location as the last, looking north around the curve.  The billboard in the back is along Howard Ave.


And further north, looking northwest, you can see the start of the cut and the cemetaries.

[Sokramiketes]

Spent some time working on foam this afternoon before the Hawks game.  Thought I'd post some photos of the Waterford Ave module with some foam mock ups in place.

Here's an overview.  Waterford Ave at grade to the right, you can see the outline.  Mock-up of TMER&T at 2" high on embankment.  There's no sign of this fill anymore on GoogleEarth, so I'm guessing on it's placement relatively close to Waterford Ave.  The sky blue strip of masonite is where I'm thinking about putting Howard Ave, likely at grade.  Then that leaves room for a cut through the cemetary, and possible the bridge over there, though I haven't found photos of it.  Track chart does call out the number and length of the steel truss spans though.


Remeber there is cork and track thickness to add in, but here's what the clearance looks like at the TMER&T crossing.  Maybe I'll come down a 1/4" or so now that I see it in photos.


TMER&T looking south:


Howard Ave into the cut:

[Nato]

   How many books did you have to read to use each one as a weight? Seriously though, those are going to be very nice judging from photos I have seen of some of the other modules. Actual protype location scenes have always impressed me when modeled either to scale, or compressed slightly to deal with space. Nate Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake, Utah.

[AlkemScaleModels]

Very interesting construction technique. How do you prepare the hardboard cap piece?

I used splice construction in my O Scale layout, but it was more trouble than it was worth in my case.

[Sokramiketes]

Very interesting construction technique. How do you prepare the hardboard cap piece?

I used splice construction in my O Scale layout, but it was more trouble than it was worth in my case.

If I understand your question correctly, the spline cap is rough cut, glued to the top, then finish cut with a flush cutting router bit.  The bit has a bearing on the point to ride on the spline and cut just the cap piece flush with the sides.  Comes out nice and clean and doesn't require any fancy measuring.

[Chris333]

Maybe he is wondering if the masonite swells up once it gets wet?

[Sokramiketes]

Maybe he is wondering if the masonite swells up once it gets wet?

We use tempered masonite, which does not absorb water like an untempered hardboard, or worse, MDF.

[Dave Schneider]

Hi Mike,

Here are a couple of links to aerial photos taken in April 1955 of this area. Perhaps these will be of some use.
It looks to me like Howard Avenue was a grade crossing, as the bridge in the cemetary casts a shadow in the second photo listed below.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll290/djs_ank_ak/AirPhotos/Howard_Ave_April_1955a.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll290/djs_ank_ak/AirPhotos/Howard_Ave_April_1955b.jpg

Best wishes, Dave

[AlkemScaleModels]

Very interesting construction technique. How do you prepare the hardboard cap piece?

I used splice construction in my O Scale layout, but it was more trouble than it was worth in my case.

If I understand your question correctly, the spline cap is rough cut, glued to the top, then finish cut with a flush cutting router bit.  The bit has a bearing on the point to ride on the spline and cut just the cap piece flush with the sides.  Comes out nice and clean and doesn't require any fancy measuring.

That answered it. Thanks.

Is that one section to make a 90 degree corner or two sections?

[Sokramiketes]

Hi Mike,

Here are a couple of links to aerial photos taken in April 1955 of this area. Perhaps these will be of some use.
It looks to me like Howard Avenue was a grade crossing, as the bridge in the cemetary casts a shadow in the second photo listed below.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll290/djs_ank_ak/AirPhotos/Howard_Ave_April_1955a.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll290/djs_ank_ak/AirPhotos/Howard_Ave_April_1955b.jpg

Best wishes, Dave

Dave, you rule.  Thanks!

[Dave V]

I really like how that broad curve looks.  Very prototypical.  Definitely shows N scale's strengths!

[Sokramiketes]

Very interesting construction technique. How do you prepare the hardboard cap piece?

I used splice construction in my O Scale layout, but it was more trouble than it was worth in my case.

If I understand your question correctly, the spline cap is rough cut, glued to the top, then finish cut with a flush cutting router bit.  The bit has a bearing on the point to ride on the spline and cut just the cap piece flush with the sides.  Comes out nice and clean and doesn't require any fancy measuring.

That answered it. Thanks.

Is that one section to make a 90 degree corner or two sections?

One section.  Tops are cut from 5' x 5' sheets of Baltic Birch Ply, still fit nice in a minivan with the seats removed.