I am going to show my ignorance on the subject here.... What is the importance of having to use "Baltic Birch ?? Does it have some magical properties or what ? Why isn't 'cabinet grade plywood' an acceptable alternative ? .
Baltic Birch plywood is preferred in cabinet making and furniture building because it has between 7 and 15 even thickness plys (depending on overall board thickness) which are free of voids or filled knotholes. This makes it incredibly strong and stable. And it is sold as a cabinet grade plywood. As I mentioned this is a great solution for this sort of application.
I as well found him on Facebook. I’m on a T-Trak group there. I didn’t know these were already assembled, I always figured they were kits. My new module should be here Friday. I also still have a Masterpiece triple that hasn’t been assembled as of yet.
Depending on the source, Baltic Birch plywood may have voids, or knots cut out, patched with same veneer material, but on inner layers only. Very strong and stable material that machines well. Good stuff! But quality 'cabinet grade' plywood is good enough for most MRR applications. I'm surprised more small modules are not made of MDF. It is very heavy for same strength, so large modules are probably not suited to MDF.
The plywood will have filled knots or "Boats" on both surfaces (not only in the inner layers) depending on the Grade. B - no "Boats"on one surface. BB & BBB will have filled knots or "Boats" on both surfaces. You don't want to pay for A grade. MDF is heavy, but they also make an "Ultralight" MDF sheet which is 30% lighter and typical MDF. Trouble with MDF, it is susceptible to swelling with little moisture even if sealed. Plus, when you nail or apply too much pressure when screwed, the surface of the material will bubble, then it needs to sanded level again.
None of the Baltic Birch manufactured modules I have ever purchased were of the lower grades. Looking at those I have, no fills of any kind on their outer surfaces. Flipping them over, I see none on their undersides, either. I have been very happy with what I acquired from Masterpiece. And am now quite sad with their leaving this part of their business.
Forgot to mention that I have ordered a double from Stuart Denniston. The shipping (UPS) is a bit stiff. Possibly because this is assembled. It is significantly more than shipments from my previous supplier.
I would be curious to know what you have been paying. What I was paying from MM was much less. I also would order at least two at a time. The last batch I got was three at once, and shipping was just over $21.00. This one module now coming, is costing $31.00 UPS (Ground?)
A couple quick notes on shipping. Since the 3 kits from Masterpiece Modules were unassembled the shipping box has a higher density than a pre-built module. Shipping rates are usually dependent upon the density of what is being shipped. Think of it like this. 100 lbs of bricks cost less to ship than 100 lbs of feathers. The reason being the feathers are less dense therefore having a higher volume than the bricks, which have a higher density weighing more and taking up less space. The other factor at play is the cost of fuel. I've been out of transportation for 15 years now but I am sure there are still fuel surcharges being applied to most everything being shipped except the USPS. Those fuel surcharges were adjusted on a weekly basis if I remember correctly.
Dimension of the box/item affect the shipping too. Try to ship an R/C airplane. Fairly light but a large box. You can remove the wings and tail feather but you can't shorten the fuselage.
I was paying $20 to $30 on the orders from Masterpiece so roughly the same. A couple $$ here or there isn’t unusual from carrier to carrier and all carriers have raised the prices due to fuel being made from some mythical expensive stuff.
I was looking at some of their N Scale planes for my layout and saw this. I know nothing about T-Trak or if they still sell them, or anything really, just ran across this. It does state Birch though. https://www.osbornmodelkits.com/t-track-modules
What I have found to date: CMR- All items out of stock, sold out. No indication of any re-stock. Denniston Design- Has a good variety of sizes and styles. Builds to order. DP Model Trains- (Suppier of Unitrack mounting screws.) No page found, link broken or page gone. Masterpiece Models- Module manufacturing now discontinued. N Scale Wherehouse- Listed as a module supplier on T-Trak Wikidot, but nothing found on their site. Osborn Models- Offers only two very basic single wide module kits. This is all I am finding right now for US manufacturing.
Osborn Models' website shows spacers (2mm ply) offered for joining two single wide module kits into a double wide module. Probably not very cost-effective, but in a diminishing field of suppliers, "any port in a storm."
Received the module I had ordered. I have looked over the module and I am more than impressed! Very well designed. Appearance is really nice and feels rock solid, without being heavy. I came to dislike 'T' nuts long ago, as they can work loose in use, so I also like those inserts for feet. I will be a return customer, without hesitation.
Tis true, good sir ... Moose may have to round up some of da guys and commence with a moose stampede @BoxcabE50 's way if'n thar aren't photos posted el pronto! Dag'nub'it, Mrs Moose is a callin' Moose fer dinner... And here Moose was all excited about finally gettin' out and stretching the ole legs...