Alaska Shipping - Freemo-N module I've started a new Freemo-N module called Alaska Shipping. The module is 16" wide and 42" long. I started with a frame that was based on one presented by Dave Falkenburg Free-Mo N. I used 3/4" plywood for the sides, endplates and bracing. The legs are secured to the frame with 1/4" bolts and wing nuts. I'd like to make a template and route out identical endplates and leg plates. See All Photos for Alaska Shipping
Spline Subroadbed I wanted to try spline subroadbed. I used 1/8" hardboard as the splines and glued them together with Elmer's Carpenter glue. I notched an 1/8" slot at the center of each endplate, to anchor the center spline in. I also used a spacer row of spline, in order to leave slots to easily drop feeders between.
Ground Throws I'll be using Caboose ground throws on this module. I cut away the cork roadbed and instead used 1/8" hardboard as a base for the switch and switch stand. I cut slots into the base to allow room for the ground throw contacts and the throw bar attachment pins. I cut the base all the way to the end, so I would have a solid base to epoxy some PCB ties all the way to the end of the module. I'll be running rail to the ends and using alignment holes to mate this module with other modules.
Working out the scene I've been working on laying out the West End of Town. The feature will be Alaska Shipping (AMB Trackside Transfer) I think I'll be using Woodland Scenics Clyde and Dales Barrel Factory on the East side of the tracks.
Looks well constructed Greg! I think the modular approach is going to work great for you. Nice job.:thumbs_up::thumbs_up: Jerry
The Swamp That's Not I decided I wanted a swamp. So I carved out some pink foam, coated it with TrueScene Fiber, stood back and decided it looked terrible. So I filled in the swamp.
The Alley Instead of a swamp, I decided to model an alley and street front. I've always wanted to make an alley and street front scene on a hill, so I cut up a bunch of styrene and came up with a pretty decent alley. I had the outer buildings already built, but I needed a filler for the middle building, so I ran out and bought a DPM Raodkill Cafe and put it together this afternoon. I took some pictures of the street front also, but they looked terrible, so I didn't post.
Mockup I wanted to see how it will look once all the buildings get placed so I did a mockup. I think I really like how it looks. I need to find a better building for the southwest corner, right now it has Walther's Dayton Machine Shop. Maybe I'll try a gas station.
Installing the Ground Throw I wired up the contacts for the Caboose 224S Ground Throw. And Installed the turnout for Alaska Shipping. The track is glued down with tacky glue, and the ground throw is held in place with two track nails. I need to get one more ground throw for the turnout to Clyde & Dales Barrel Factory on the west side of the tracks. I went to 5 local train stores in the last two days and none of them had the Caboose 224S. Looks like I'll have to buy online.
Still Chugging Away I ran the bus wires tonight, I ran a third bus wire to handle the private track (both spurs), that will jumper up with the track bus in Freemo-N mode or be usable as the green private bus in oNetrak mode. That way I can use this module with either oNetrak or Freemo-N. I have a pair of UP-3 panels I should be installing soon, but first I'd like to fit the fascia. I've been doing a lot of preliminary scenery work, fitting buildings, streets, sidewalks, parking areas, trees, gardens, crossings, telephone poles. I've built another building DPM Roadkill Cafe, and found the final building for the module Walthers State Line Farm Supply. I need to go back and shave the legs down a little, it's just too hard to slide them in to position. Also, I'm trying to come up with a semi-permanent way to attach the buildings, I'd like to be able to pry them up to detail interiors at some point. I only have a couple of track peices installed (The turnout to Alaska Shipping and the Alaska Shipping spur). I've been trying to get all of my scenery figured out before I glue the rest of the track down and I've been trying to get another Caboose 224S ground throw to set in the second turnout. Damn this is fun!
