Trenton Transportation Company

[DKS]

Oh boy, here I go stealing ideas again.

That's precisely why I publish my modeling--to share what I've learned with others. And I've certainly done my share of "stealing."

Loads more starting here: http://davidksmith.com/modeling/index.htm

[Chris333]

Wouldn't you know I saved many of the photos myself    Someone was asking about them so I up-loaded myself:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VFE8D7yRXpviG2Av7

[paultccrn]

DKS..your models are always inspirational...especially after I've read your blog of all the tribulations --health and legal-- that have befallen you.
Yet your track plans and models motivate everyone who sees them to try new things, learn new techniques... And you do all this with a smile on your face and a cat on your shoulder!

PMTaylor RN
GRN&LSR

[VonRyan]

As the custodian of the TTC, I see part of my job being to get the layout out where the masses can see it. But, since the layout doesn’t have a box/case/crate for transport I normally only bring it to the Atlantic City N Scale Gathering each year.

This year was different though. I was talked into bringing the TTC to the NSE convention in Bethlehem, PA.
It was a white-knuckle ride, but the layout was surrounded by a thick blanket and had a pillow behind it to keep it from sliding around.

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The table card was designed by my graphic designer girlfriend and includes a QR code that directly links to the TTC’s page on DKS’s website.

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[Chris333]

Step one. Cut a hole in a box.

[Cory Rothlisberger]

So glad I was able to look at this beauty in person...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I've had some thoughts on your transportation predicament with it.

What about building something for it to slide into? Would it be possible to add some threaded inserts to the gator foam to provide some "feet" that can also be used to hold it into a container?

[VonRyan]

I've had some thoughts on your transportation predicament with it.

What about building something for it to slide into? Would it be possible to add some threaded inserts to the gator foam to provide some "feet" that can also be used to hold it into a container?

You’re pretty close to how I want to box it for transport. My biggest thing is that ideally I’d like the base of the layout secured to the box in case someone unfamiliar picks up the box the wrong way or worst-case-scenario in case of a rollover during transport. Pad the top of the inside of the box and any structures that are too loose should be safe too that way.

[wm3798]

I face a similar dilemma with the Newport and Rock Falls.
The first thing I did was add a semi permanent skyboard to the back.  (It has to be semi permanent to allow for access to the battery packs... I am presently working out how I might create a [DC] in a Box, that I can plug into the layout, rather than the slightly ungainly, but completely self contained battery boxes behind the fascia, but that's a tale for another time).

I'll need to get a sheet of 1/4" plywood and see what I can come up with.  I built a stand for it, so it's up at eye level for most viewers, but it needs to be heavier to be stable.  I don't want the layout to weigh a ton when I'm moving it...  The trick will be working it around the external handles and the control panel that's mounted at the front.



Apart from dealing with safe transit, it's quite portable and easy to display and operate (provided the batteries are fresh!)  I'm glad to see you've got the TTC out on tour.  Maybe we should coordinate for N Scale Weekend, to showcase David's work all in one place.

Lee

[packers#1]

What I’d do then is figure out what the base of my box is going to be and then clamp that down with the layout to a table with one edge overhanging, then figure out what size threaded insert I’m going to use. Then put that size drill bit in a drill and drill two holes through the box base and layout base. Insert the threaded inserts and bolt the base and box bottom together, then flip and repeat for the other side. Then build the box around that base.