Thieu inspired me. As Robert Ray would say, 'I played hooky' today. I needed a back up End (turn around) module, in case others could not make it to shows. We also have an X+T module, designed by Lajos Thek and built by Don Fedjur. These can be configured as a 'T' or 'X', allowing for more modules to join in. First. Z-Bend Track modules were concepted by the late Bill Kronenberger and use a 24" module end with 2 pairs of track on each length of the module, 1" apart (like märklin track). Other than that, you can make any shape, angle or whatever, as long as it ends with the Z-Bend Track 24" standard. Since I have several boxes of Atlas Flex track, time is wasting away. What a pleasure to have longer sections and flexible! I've built a dozen using MTL flex but the short sections have limitations and look better (smaller, more-to-scale rail head) than the Atlas Flex. Its all about time now. Using the Atlas version of the SCARM 'free' CAD software (Atlas version has only Atlas track), I whipped up a 36" wide x 48" long module, allowing for 12"-15" radius curves, which helps when running 100 car trains. Since Atlas has LONG rail joiners (I could cut them down, but again, time), I designed the near ends of the flex track to be straight. I have 4" of flex track left when finishing the outer loop.
Starting with the track locations for the Z-Bend Track standard of 9" & 10" from the center, and 2-1/8" starting point (for the rail ends) and 5" from the end before curves start. In the above drawing, the turnout is immediately at the start, instead of ~3" further in. We have successfully run with turnouts on the immediate starting point where it should be ~3" further in from what is shown. But, it makes it very easy to damage the turnout when installing the Expansion tracks between modules.
Next, the standard calls for the track to start at 2-1/8" from the end (see second crossing line) and, for the roadbed to be sanded down. This is to correct for: märklin/Peco plastic ties (sleepers) larger than MTL flex. This forces the märklin expansion track to angle up, like a wedge. Modules not level/aligned or, different roadbed märklin expansion tracks that are bowed, can be pressed down, below track level, to correct the shape Note that the roadbed has a taper (lower on the left), again to help with module alignment (many reasons) and reshaping the märklin expansion tracks. And, the roadbed is removed under the beginning of the track, so the first tie (sleeper) of the expansion track is not 'wedged' in.
John, Over the years; work, kids, school, booming economy, etc. tapped put a lot of the available time. Rob's now retired, moved and getting setup for 'Back 2 Z', Matt's retired and looking for a home base and will be available for shows, I'm getting ready to retire next year, just before the National Train Show in Salt Lake City. With a new large house, I will be able to setup up some of the modules along with the wifie's N scale so will lead many more posts. I have so much Z that it would be a shame not the have it all running !! But this will spread the BAZ BoyZ will now be further spread out yet still together !
Atlas posted that the Right Hand turnouts arrived and the Lefts, next month. So, good timing on building the module for November.
I have six modules. Like you guys, I am hoping to retire in a couple years, and then I can travel with my modules.
