Folding module

SJ Z-man Nov 28, 2021

  1. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    For Shows, it is great to be able to swap out trains once and awhile. ZoCal (Southern California) has a 19' yard we built for the 2011 National Train Show, using three 6' sections. Its a beast to handle too.

    For us in the the Norther California, we have a couple of 3-4' passing tracks and a 3' stub yard. Just not long enough. I was planning to build some more 6' end modules but you don't get much more than 8' using the 180 degree loop. New modules would let me try to fit in a folding 3-piece 6' section but it still needs a 36" wide return loop but it is still a plain yard.

    Then it binged on me that I could run it down the middle of a new 6 end and a another 6 module, with normal meandering track work and scenery to blend it in. But 1-2 shows a year and no way to run it in the house sucks as it just sits with $1000+ of turnouts, track and scenery/details.

    In the mean time, I was thinking just a 1/2 with module (Z-Bend Track is 24" wide) that folds up and we already have a Tee-like module. I got my new larger table saw and am close to several quality lumber places so I can make this quickly happen. The only issue is would be our same 50" high, long and narrow so quite easily to bump, needing some side panels to keep the trains on top !

    I was in a Michaels with the Firelady ;) and stumbled on an already way to go product from ArtMind. 6'x9" (2 folding 3' hinged sections). https://tinyurl.com/9cv7h4a2

    VERY sturdy when pinned open. Unfortunately, the1.5x1.5" framing was MDF so it had some warping but exactly what I was thinking. It could easily be made into 3 or 4 sections. $20 !!!!

    ArtMinds 627823 6'x9'' folding module_1.jpg

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    ArtMinds 627823 6'x9'' folding module_9.jpg

    ArtMinds 627823 6'x9'' folding module_4.jpg

    ArtMinds 627823 6'x9'' folding module_5.jpg

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    ArtMinds 627823 6'x9'' folding module_8.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    Kez, Kurt Moose, bostonjim and 3 others like this.
  2. mdvholland

    mdvholland TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Jeff, are you so far up north that your artstores are bilangual, just like in Canada? :LOL:

    Seriously, it looks like a nice and affordable base for maybe a connection between modules. However, how are you going to handle or store it when it is scenicked? Or is that not your intention?

    Matt
     
  3. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Jeff,

    great idea for a transportable fiddleyard or so.
    I am with Matt, how do you think to integrate this in a layout and how to support it by some folding legs?
     
  4. CNE1899

    CNE1899 TrainBoard Member

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    Jeff,

    Nice idea and great use of existing product. Finding new uses for stuff is creative.

    Scott
     
    bostonjim likes this.
  5. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    My current layout has a Spur tap, another could be used elsewhere or a new 'T' tap module.

    Legs could be made, but with our 50" height . . . either 'sticks' (very unstable), frames (takes up space but 3/4" thick each), folding legs (2x24" but I tried this before and was wobbly due to mid-hinges, even a piano hinge). Almost needs a 3~4' wide platform at the end, then the mid ones can be simple.

    Since this would look like a stub module, backing out is a no-no. So now I need a balloon or 180* circle at the end (makes for the stable leg concept ;) ).

    Or, (n):whistle: . . (y) I could make a standard 24" wide Z-Bend track) mate to my current 6' one (makes for easy stacking for transport) and then the new 3x6' end module could host 5' of track fed by the new long module mate, giving me up 6~8 feet of yard. I could sneak the return loop with 220~245 mm radii inside my larger main lines.

    I'll plot it up on SCARM.

    Just have to sit back and figure my I'm doing this for 1~2 shows a year and not for my in-house !
     
    CNE1899 likes this.

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