Eric220's Free-moN modules

[DKS]

M.C., better check the geometry of those wings... the ends aren't 45 degrees.



Not off by much, but could wreak havoc if built that way...

BTW, if built as one piece, the overall dimensions would be 35 x 52 inches.

[railnerd]

M.C., better check the geometry of those wings... the ends aren't 45 degrees.

Not fatal, as there is no angle requirement for 45º or 90º modules in Free-mo...

[M.C. Fujiwara]

M.C., better check the geometry of those wings... the ends aren't 45 degrees.

Not off by much, but could wreak havoc if built that way...

Thanks for checking, David.

When actually built we'll figure out the right geometry.

And if it's off by a degree or two?
Then it might actually work out better and match up with our 44-deg, 61-deg and 15.5-deg modules   

Might wreck havoc for NTrak, but not Free-moN 
(Well, not until we have the 100-module hookup in Portland 2015  )

[DKS]

Not fatal, as there is no angle requirement for 45º or 90º modules in Free-mo...

Might wreck havoc for NTrak, but not Free-moN

Was thinking more of those Atlas 45 degree crossings. Might get just a tad funky if the module itself didn't match the angle of the track, but what do I know?

[railnerd]

Was thinking more of those Atlas 45 degree crossings. Might get just a tad funky if the module itself didn't match the angle of the track, but what do I know?

Good point. 

[M.C. Fujiwara]

Was thinking more of those Atlas 45 degree crossings. Might get just a tad funky if the module itself didn't match the angle of the track, but what do I know?

Quite a bit!

As for the crossings and the track: if the track came ramrod-straight out from the crossings without any flex or bend, then yes, the endplate angles would have to be spot on.
But given the distance a few hairs left or right are negligible, especially when the track at the endplate is squared with the ol' mirror trick:



We will, of course, endeavor to get as 45 as a vinyl record (spin you right 'round, baby!

Edit:  I get it now--You're talking about the visuals of the module edge not paralleling the straight track, while I was thinking you were concerned with the track perpendicular to the endplate.  Yes?

Never fear: we shall build it straight and true!
(or as best as possible)

[eric220]

Sorry, but it ain't gonna fly with a #7 and a curved...

Not even close. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but...

Dang, parade soaked...  More on this another day.

[nscalemike]

I've been reading along with this and was thinking about the idea of the removable wings.  I agree that they would be more trouble than it was worth and my opinion would be to do one complete module for the crossing.  I understand the storage and transportation issue with the two wings on, but why not shift the shape of the module into something that would still store/transport somewhat efficently?  Here is two ideas, although, I admit I don't know all the regulations with the Free-moN group so none of this may work.  It was just some food for thought

Idea 1:


Build the three green modules.  The two straight pieces could be stored up-side-down on top of the crossing module.  This would take a bit of creative box work to get it attached but I think it could be done. 

Then I came up with idea #2:


Again built the three green modules.  But this time the two straight pieces have their ends angled to match the crossing module.  Easier to construct the endplates, it's basically two crossing modules with one cut down the center to create the two extensions.  The track design may not work with the regs, so the yard may need modified but like I said, just another idea. 

The total size of the crossing module is approximately 37"X52".  It would likely take 2 people to move the unit when all three were attached, but, I think 1 person could carry each individual section without a problem, even from a basement.

Either way, I'll be watching your progress on this as I think these moduels are pretty neat!

Mike

[Mark W]

Quite a bit!
...
But given the distance a few hairs left or right are negligible...

Worse has happened: 


But, easily fixed with a grand ol' mirror. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I know this may be crazy, but why not look at prototype locations?

It looked like Alliance OH was mentioned earlier on. What was going on there?

There were junctions like this all over Ohio and the Midwest. There's got to be something that works and doesn't require reinventing the wheel.

[eric220]

You speak craziness. 

[VonRyan]

Why not build a plain module with a single overgrown MOW siding? 

Helluva lot easier.

[eric220]

So I had a thought.  The wings would be a challenge to build, and connect to as I've shown.  Also, as DKS pointed out (and as I confirmed with the actual pieces in a desperate bid to prove him wrong...) the wings are too small to put crossovers on.  I had the idea that if we made the wings in such a way that they could be connected together to be 48" long, they could be combined with the main module with MC's patented endplates for transport.  That would also extend each wing by about a foot.  Here's what it looks like:

[VonRyan]

So I had a thought.  The wings would be a challenge to build, and connect to as I've shown.  Also, as DKS pointed out (and as I confirmed with the actual pieces in a desperate bid to prove him wrong...) the wings are too small to put crossovers on.  I had the idea that if we made the wings in such a way that they could be connected together to be 48" long, they could be combined with the main module with MC's patented endplates for transport.  That would also extend each wing by about a foot.  Here's what it looks like:

I like this.
Certainly a worthy candidate to be built.

[DKS]

I had the idea that if we made the wings in such a way that they could be connected together to be 48" long, they could be combined with the main module with MC's patented endplates for transport.  That would also extend each wing by about a foot.

Now, that looks like a much more viable approach. It allows you to create a much more complete setting visually as well. Win.

Also, as DKS pointed out (and as I confirmed with the actual pieces in a desperate bid to prove him wrong...) the wings are too small to put crossovers on.

Haven't known AnyRail to be wrong yet...