The Modular Bug is Buzzing in my Ear

[eric220]

OK, I think I should make an admission before I spend any more time thinking this plan over.  MC Fujiwara's Free-moN efforts have had me thinking about getting into the modular scene.  This is not the first time I've considered building modules.  I own a 1:144 Saturn V that was supposed to go on an NTrak module, and I tried to start NTrak clubs in both high school and college.  I'm now a little torn.  I really like what MC has done, and I'd love to join up with his band of Free-moN'ers.  On the other hand, I'd still like to build that Saturn V module some day, and I don't think that would fit in on a Free-moN layout.

At the same time, I've been doing a lot of research of late on the Oakland, Antioch, and Eastern, and how it would fit in with my version of the transcontinental PRR.  One scene that I'd love to model, but don't have room for on my layout is the crossing of the Sacramento River between Mallard (Bay Point) and Chipps.  The OA&E (and successor Sacramento Northern) did it with a car float operation.  If the PRR were using the route, it would have built a bridge.  Given that the Sacramento River is a shipping route for ocean-going traffic, it would have to be a pretty good size drawbridge of some kind.  I'm imagining a vertical lift bridge, and I'd love to take a crack at modeling it some day.  I've posted this link before: http://goo.gl/maps/u86f1 It shows the location where the still-visible but abandoned former OA&E mainline split off from the (still active) ATSF and SP mains at Bay Point to go to the Mallard side of the carfloat operation.

See where I'm going with this?

My thought is to build a set of NTrak/Free-moN interface modules around this scene, with the Free-moN line being the OA&E, and the NTrak line being the ATSF/SP (plus one).  I've got an idea that would allow crossovers from the Free-moN track to the NTrak tracks, but would also keep them separate so that the Free-moN layout and the NTrack layout could be operated independently without interfering with each other.  It would be a true interchange between two separate railroads.

I recognize immediately that there are some issues, not the least of which is the height difference between NTrack and Free-moN.  I don't think that they are insurmountable, but like I said, I'd like to float the idea before putting too much more thought into it.

Thoughts?

[eric220]

I also have to acknowledge that I'm in the middle of building a pretty large layout, so now might not be the smartest time to take on a new project.  I'm not too worried, because I really enjoy the design phase, so this is liable to take awhile to get going.

[MichaelWinicki]

I think it's a terrific idea Eric.

I gotta say the module idea has a lot of merits and the scene you're contemplating sounds like a winner.

[Bsklarski]

Forget the Saturn V. You should do the space shuttle and launch tower. Its the same scale. Then use LEDs to light it up.

[kc9jts]

Thoughts?

Sounds like a very interesting idea; keep us up to date.

Nick
Omaha

[seusscaboose]

I also have to acknowledge that I'm in the middle of building a pretty large layout, so now might not be the smartest time to take on a new project.  I'm not too worried, because I really enjoy the design phase, so this is liable to take awhile to get going.

You can do both... The basement empire will Never be completed....

EP

[davefoxx]

You can do both... The basement empire will Never be completed....

...nor offended.   

[eric220]

OK, so no one has yet said,

OMGWTF ARE YOU THINKING?!?!? 

So...  Here's my thought (12" grid):



This would be a 12' long module divided into three sub-modules.  It would include the NTrak optional 6" in the back.  The black tracks are the Free-moN connections, with A going to the bridge, and B most likely going to staging.  The joint between sub-modules 2 and 3 could accept additional sub-modules with all four tracks running next to each other.  With a set of crossovers on sub-module 2, the NTrack tracks could serve as a yard in a purely Free-moN setup.

I have made a small change versus the prototype.  The real OA&E went under the ATSF and SF.  Given that the alternate history is that it's a run-up to a bridge, it only makes sense that the new alignment would go up and over.  It also reduces the climb to the Free-moN standard height to 8" instead of increasing to 12" if they go under.  My thought would be to model the abandoned underpass inside the new curve.

[M.C. Fujiwara]

Muhahahahhahaha!
Gotcha!
Free-moN Love is spreading like... like.... a Free-moN layout!

Was wondering how you were going to work the underpass in, as dipping down 1 1/4" (while the main raised 1/2") would have taken 5' in itself.
(and then 5' back up)
Do-able, but lengthy.
(Free-moN standard: 2% min grade, and in reality that's too steep!)

If you're able to come down to the Great Train Expo this weekend we can chat in person about your project.
And you can bring your recent fine brass additions to your roster and some cars and run them!
Just download WiThrottle (free) and you can use your iPhone as the throttle (we be WiFi).

Otherwise, after the show I'll play around with some designs & we can meet up and talk about how to work in all you want (do-able, but tricky, with the various modular standards in play).

Worse come to worse, I'll build a small Free-moN module benchwork for you and then you'll be hooked!
Muhahahhahah!

[Dave V]

Sorry I'm late to the party...

I say don't do it.  Stay on task.  If you lose your focus you will almost assuredly consign the basement empire to a permanent state of plywood and cork.  You have a substantial investment in time and money on the current layout...  I say get it to basic scenery before dabbling elsewhere.

Then again, I tend to be a very task-oriented person.

Just sayin'...   

[davefoxx]

Gosh, that Dave Vollmer can be very persuasive.  I must admit after some further consideration that I probably agree with him.  You have a lot of work on the current layout ahead of you.  It is probably better to continue to focus your energy (and the Gandy Dancers') on the PRR.

DFF

[eric220]

I definitely agree that my primary focus right now needs to be on the basement empire.  Having said that, I am interested in getting into the modular scene eventually.  I've been thinking about it, and I thought I'd float my ideas.  There's plenty of time to design, redesign, rework, rethink, and reengineer the modules before I build anything.  My priority at the moment is to get the basement empire to a point where it can be operated.  Before any scenery goes in, I want to spend time operating it.  I want to be sure that the track plan is going to work before I ballast and scenic.  That phase seems like a good time to build a few modules and learn/experiment with scenicing techniques.  It may be a year or more off, but when it comes to that point, I want to have a good plan in place for my modules.  That means that I need to do some pre-planning, and since I'm thinking about it now, I figured it was a good time to start.

[Dave V]

You don't have to convince me...  You just have to convince yourself.   

[MichaelWinicki]

The thing about doing a larger layout is that there are many points during construction where it becomes a real grind to get through.  The old MR catch-phrase "Model railroading is fun"... Well there are times when you're doing a large layout when it isn't so much fun.

With the modules you can go out have some informal opps sessions with others that enjoy the hobby and see your stuff run, instead of it sitting around in boxes or on shelves.

We've seen folks get bogged down building a large layout– and having the modules allows you to enjoy the hobby on a different level.

[GaryHinshaw]

Good points being made.  There is no doubt that building modules would be fun, but would slow down progress on the Empire.

The frequency with which you refer to the SN scene makes me think you should have incorporated it into the layout.  Is it possible to redesign things so that these modules are part of the Empire, but removable for shows?