I have completed all of the flatwork for my 5 module layout and have decided that my idea for folding legs is not sturdy enough. The benchwork is "L" girder 1x4s with some odd shapes. Here is a video link to what I have built so far: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06HCbz9vhh4 Being that I'm in the military and currently live in an apartment, I decided to make the layout modular so that I can break it down to take with me when I move, or perhaps take to a train show when completed. My original concept for folding legs was to use 2x2s on gate hinges, bolted to the flat 1x4s at the base of the modules. A folding, locking brass arm would provide the security for the legs in the down position. The 2x2s are already cut at 36" but when I did a test assembly of one leg, I felt that there was too much wobble. Now I am stuck. I need either folding legs attached to the benchwork, or detachable legs of some sort. It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I need sufficient room under the layout to maneuver and access areas as much as possible. Here are a few pics of the construction (12' x 13'): Some restrictions I have for the placement of the legs are as follows: - Legs can NOT attach to the side of the benchwork. I will be paining and finishing the sides, so any legs attached there would ruin the surface. - Legs can NOT break the plane of the benchwork, meaning no part of the leg can be higher than the lowest point of the existing benchwork. I remember a TrainBoard member offering to send me some drawings of how he built folding legs for his layout, but for the life of me I can't find the post or remember his name. How have you all solved this problem? Thanks in advance for your input.
Hello, First off, Thank you for your Service!!!! I think since you have them cut that you can still use the 2x2's. You can add a folding diagonal brace that folds down from the layout and attaches to the legs. Its going to be a little difficult to explain this.... The legs and the braces could fold up on different plains. The brace could fold up into the "Short" side section and the legs could fold to the "long" front section. The two could be attached with pins, or bolts. You could use carriage bolts through the fascia, using bushings so the legs will move freely, and wing nuts to tighten when in place. The carriage bolts could be painted and wouldn’t be that noticeable when the fascia is finished. For something slightly different you could use telescoping legs that detach from the layout when stored. You could build pockets underneath the layout to secure them. You could also use adjustable feet for when you set up at shows. I have seen telescoping legs at the big box stores, but am not sure the weight restrictions or the height. If you have the tools you could make the legs out of various sizes of metal tubing. Or you could experiment with the pvc pipe to see if it will hold enough weight. PVC might be the way to go, as they would be lighter, I’m guessing that the PVC would be strong enough in the vertical orientation to hold the weight of the layout. good luck
Hi nlaempire, I've built several modules in HO that had folding legs attached to the modules, and the result was that the modules were heavier and somewhat wobbly. When I built my On30 modules, I took the advice of Jim Fitzgerald (of Ntrak) and Don Mitchell when they gave a clinic on lightweight NTRAK modules at an NMRA National Convention, and that was to make a folding leg assembly that the module could sit upon but wasn't attached to it. I have made several different sizes of leg assemblies, most of which were hinged so that they could be folded easily for storage, but were free standing when set up. They were made using variuos pieces of 1x1 and 1x2 lumber and some used 2x2 for legs because it was easily obtainable. The modules stay light weight without needing the legs to be bolted on, and since they are made to sit on the leg assemblies rather than be attached, setup is easier and faster. Just a thought, Bill in FtL
Hi nlaempire, I do Ntrak modules but have colored out of the box when it comes to legs. The legs are a ¾” x 2” alder glued up using biscuit joinery to form an H that unfolds using twin locks similar to a card table leg. All the hardware can be had from Home Depot and they are fairly sturdy once the feet are leveled and stability grows as modules are added. Also outside the lines is: Auto alignment system so we can eliminate the normal connector tracks with module sets. Alignment is held to 0.003” using a cut off shoulder screw and bronze bearing in a resilient mount. 68” radius corners (connector track free) Module racks so the slide out, get set on their backs while the legs get unfolded, and stood up ready to place in seconds. Set up and tear down is very quick. PP block build up so all the modules hook up in one motion. Phil Agur
The legs take up 1.5 inches under the module when folded and the first set has been in use since 2005. http://www.cuttergraphics.com/N-trak/next_gen_mod.html The hardware was hard to come by in 2005 but can now be found at Home Depot
