Free-moNebraska

[Mark W]

We decided to take a trip north and visit our friends in Minnesota for the weekend.

Quite proud of this little mess we made. 


https://i.imgur.com/rpjjo07.jpg


We got about 80% set up and operational before they kicked everyone out.  Just need to align the last leg on the left.  This is going to be an awesome set up!


https://i.imgur.com/vjRrg9n.jpg

[Mark W]

https://i.imgur.com/vjRrg9n.jpg

Here's a few pics from this set up back in November.  Not sure why the resolution is so low on these, but oh well.

Speedometer car clocked a layout round trip at 17.7 scale miles.


https://i.imgur.com/0i3bI8A.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/VyEYfqV.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/jFQjmaH.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/U8T4Ok4.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/wjZ4Hrq.jpg



After that, it's been a quite end to 2019, but things are about to get really exciting with 10 new modules to kickoff the New Year!


https://i.imgur.com/9JCC3Fg.jpg

These will mostly be curves to add length and options 'in between' the destination modules.  Starting with four 60 degree curves; two at 50 inch radius and two at 41in radius. Then, four 30 degree curves, two at 106 inch radius and two at 77 inch. Yes, there is a specific reason for these odd radii, but we'll cover that later.

[Mark W]

Looks like my math checks out!  Can't wait to see trains on this gentle curve!


https://i.imgur.com/TBh5wSR.jpg

[ednadolski]

Looks like my math checks out!  Can't wait to see trains on this gentle curve!


https://i.imgur.com/TBh5wSR.jpg

Very nice!  Could you please share some details - materials, dimensions, assembly, etc.?

That's going to look fantastic with a long train gliding around that curve 

TIA,
Ed

[Mark W]

Thanks Ed. 

I'm using my preferred technique with 5mm fascia, select pine cross members, and Birch ply endplates. Not pictured yet are the hanger ties that will mount diagonally to the cross members and keep the curve shape rigid. 

Assembly is very easy.  Start with the long edge and screw the endplates and cross members into place.  When you add the short fascia, start in the middle and work out.  The curve will form naturally.
If you look closely, you'll see that I pre-drilled all holes in both fascia and cross members. 


https://i.imgur.com/wdtio5M.jpg

It took about 3 days of calculating, measuring, marking, cutting, and drilling.  Once everything was fully prepped, it only took about 15 minutes to assemble each module. 



https://i.imgur.com/8uSkqBt.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/OGg14TY.jpg


Last note, earlier I mentioned there was a specific reason for making curves with 106", 77", 50", and 41" radius center lines.   Why?  Fascia ply comes in 4x8 sheet, ripped down to 6"x8' strips.  When you pair the fascia lengths on these specific curves and factor in your blade kerf, here is your waste: 1.6mm


https://i.imgur.com/c8mYTDR.jpg

[dem34]

The benchwork snake stalks it's next victim.

[Mark W]

Yesterday we just about tied our record high temperature for February 2nd.  Naturally we had to take things out doors for a trial setup!



https://i.imgur.com/RPX7K45.jpg

With 4 pair of curves at 30 and 60 degrees, quite a few options to go oval.  Not that we ever would, this is Free-moN after all! 


https://i.imgur.com/fxF61dI.jpg


Everything was a perfect success, especially the new 3D printed leg pockets!


https://i.imgur.com/S78xBii.jpg


All the orange (or blue) parts are printed in high strength PETG; different colors indicate different leg lengths, to accommodate pockets mounted at different heights. 


https://i.imgur.com/pbg1qAd.jpg


The foot pads simply press into a full thread bolt, and the insert accepts a standard nut, keeping hardware cost mere pennies. 


https://i.imgur.com/DjJGzAI.jpg


Here's the system map with our new curves!  Our first show of the year is the last weekend in February, back up with the Minnesota group at the St. Paul WGH show.  That gives us 4 weeks to make these new modules operational!


https://i.imgur.com/uFzZNEA.jpg

[ednadolski]

Last note, earlier I mentioned there was a specific reason for making curves with 106", 77", 50", and 41" radius center lines.   Why?  Fascia ply comes in 4x8 sheet, ripped down to 6"x8' strips.

I really like how you've engineered this.  Is that a birch, lauan, other, ... kind of  5mm plywood?   What's the smallest bend radius you've done?

(I've seen some kinds of "bending plywoods", but they are quite thin and I don't think they would be very structurally usable.)

Thanks again,
Ed

[Mark W]

The ply I'm using is made from Poplar.  For the 41r60, we had to bend the inside to 32" radius.  It wasn't too difficult, but I don't think it would go much smaller than that before cracking.

With the hanger strap in place, these modules are rock solid, and the small ones weigh less than 10 pounds!  The big ones are just 12 pounds. 

[ednadolski]

The ply I'm using is made from Poplar.

Something like this?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/RevolutionPly-5mm-Poplar-Plywood-Application-as-4-x-8/50121135

You've made me want to try this out for myself

Ed

[Mark W]

Yes, RevolutionPly from Lowes is the exact stuff I'm using. 
I'll look forward to seeing what you come up with!


Well I think we're just about at the midway point with some of these modules.  Cork has arrived!

We have a nice gentle curve around an equally gentle hill.


https://i.imgur.com/CLPXEX8.jpg


A small outcropping like you might find somewhere out in northwestern Nebraska. 


https://i.imgur.com/DRdlwVc.jpg


This one is showing an abandoned Rock Island line as it stands today, where it would be crossing BNSF tracks in south Lincoln.
This is also the site of the 1894 Sabotage and Wreck of a Rock Island express heading into Lincoln.


https://i.imgur.com/8xMKbHu.jpg

And lastly, approaching non-fictional a little, I made a spot for the Witches Castle house.  The scenery will be based on the likes of the Black Hills, and will hide my Halloween themed 3D prints.


https://i.imgur.com/Btt07k0.jpg

[MK]

Love the cliffs/rocks/outcroppings/what-ever-you-call-them in the last photo!

[Mark W]

Thanks MK, I'm quite happy with them too. Now let's hope I can dress them up just as well. 

And it's almost time for that because half of them are now operational!


https://i.imgur.com/BFyIXea.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/MSZ4ny7.jpg

I just love this wide open ess!  Still can't wait to see it in action!


https://i.imgur.com/rk1tgN3.jpg

[Mark W]

Aside from just running trains, I think carving terrain has got to be my favorite part of the hobby!  Maybe that's why I just keep building new modules.   
I decided this scene needed some extra space to really work, so we threw together a 9th new module.  And ya can't just have 1 un-paired module during transport, so a 10th new module was framed up as well.   

This set is based on a long fill west of Lincoln. 


https://i.imgur.com/ZLJDzyA.jpg


A country road is also tunneled through the fill.


https://i.imgur.com/3qCNOoL.jpg



https://i.imgur.com/WOuP9am.jpg

[lajmdlr]

The balloon modules look wide enough to add 1-2 more sidings for staging trains.