"Tea" - Trak Modules.

[chessie system fan]

I brought this up earlier in the recent T trak thread, but now that I'm ready to build something I thought I'd start a new thread.

I accidentally discovered that Michael's sells a tea tray that's 12" x 14" --which is the size of a single T trak module! And they're only $8 list price (though I got mine on sale closer to $6!).  With it being Black Friday territory, I see that right now they're 30% off at $5.50 each.

https://www.michaels.com/product/12-x-14-wood-serving-tray-by-make-market-10715199?michaelsStore=5192&inv=2

If that wasn't enough good news, it's actually well-crafted.  Comparable trays from Walmart or Hobby Lobby are more sloppily constructed and have a more "shabby chic" appearance.  The Michael's trays are perfectly square, have sturdy joints, and the outside surfaces are sanded smooth.  It lies perfectly flat on my dining room table.  It is exactly 12" across. It's length is 13 15/16."  But 1/16" at the module's rear makes no difference.



For reference, the standard width of a T trak module is 12 1/8."  I'm okay with the tray being slightly too narrow as that will allow me to use a fascia on each side, which will help keep my scenery neat at the edges.

http://ttrak.wikidot.com/t-trak-n-single

T trak modules are 2 3/4" tall, but the trays are only 2" tall.  I think that's a positive as it will allow for more scenery options.  Fortunately, I already had some of this 3/4" lumber on hand that will get me to the correct height.



I measured 1 1/2" from the front to place the board and tracks at the right depth.  Here is a mockup reference photo. 



But before tackling that, I needed to attack the feet.  They could be a little nicer, but they get the job done just fine.  I'll do better next time.



So this is where I'm at so far.  I will update this thread once I get a little farther along.

[wm3798]

Very cool.
I reckon you can scab a couple together to make corners, no?

Lee

[chessie system fan]

In theory, they should be able to become corners with a few additions and modifications.  I'll find out for sure after I complete this one. 

[muktown128]

Thanks for posting this.  This may be just the thing to get me off my butt and do some modeling. 

[chessie system fan]

It's hard to beat easy and cheap.

[keeper]

It's hard to beat easy and cheap.

That's true!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

It's hard to beat easy and cheap.

The ol' sore dick deal!

[chessie system fan]

Nothing photo-worthy to report yet, but construction is proceeding.  I need some help from the brain trust here.  I need to laminate 1/16th of something on either side to get the width correct.  Whatever it is needs to be 14" x at least 10" (but 12" would be better).

The catch is I'm trying to be cheap.    Short of buying a whole 4'x8' sheet of plastic from Home Depot for $30, I can't find anything decent in plastic or wood.  Anyone have any leads on alternatives?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Dollar store foam core?

Craft foam from Michaels or JoAnn?

[POVC]

Look in the "signs" aisle at Home Depot; they have plastic signs like "For Sale", "Keep off the Grass", etc.

Website lists several 10"x14" aluminum signs for about $3.50 each

[dem34]

Look in the "signs" aisle at Home Depot; they have plastic signs like "For Sale", "Keep off the Grass", etc.

Website lists several 10"x14" aluminum signs for about $3.50 each

I use plastic ones from the dollar store for all my roads.

[chessie system fan]

Great suggestions, but finding signs that are 1/16th thick has proven difficult.  That's 0.060" thick, and signs are closer to 0.015." and laminating them isn't cheap. Evergreen sells slightly oversize 0.060" sheets, but it'd cost me $20-$25+.  And foam core board is plentiful in 1/8th, but I haven't seen any 1/16th thick (though my search hasn't been exhaustive).   Craft foam might be a possibility, though I'm hoping there are more sturdy alternatives. 

[160pennsy]

Great suggestions, but finding signs that are 1/16th thick has proven difficult.  That's 0.060" thick, and signs are closer to 0.015." and laminating them isn't cheap. Evergreen sells slightly oversize 0.060" sheets, but it'd cost me $20-$25+.  And foam core board is plentiful in 1/8th, but I haven't seen any 1/16th thick (though my search hasn't been exhaustive).   Craft foam might be a possibility, though I'm hoping there are more sturdy alternatives.

How about Basswood sheet from Hobby Lobby $3.49 Dimensions: Length: 24" Width: 4" Thickness: 1/16"

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Hobbies-Collecting/Balsa-Hobby-Wood/Basswood-Sheet---1-16-x-4-x-24/p/29804

[MK]

I think he needs 14x10 or 14x12.  That's the catch unless he can CA the 4" pieces together along the edges and be ok with that.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

And foam core board is plentiful in 1/8th, but I haven't seen any 1/16th thick (though my search hasn't been exhaustive).   Craft foam might be a possibility, though I'm hoping there are more sturdy alternatives. 

What about soaking it in glue?