Category: Layout Construction

Benchwork, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Improving Gradients

traiNmaster

I read in many forums as well as from various modular standards such as FREMO, Ntrak, etc., it was uncommon to have multi-levels. In fact, gradients were typically kept to minimal (please correct me if I erred). Ntrak did specify a “mountain division” track . On the other hand, segmented layout is actually a layout broken up into many equal or unequal sections without common end-profiles that allow for interchangeability. In essence, this is what my layout germaN160 is. I have in total 8 modules – 6 standard modules and 2 end modules. Each module supports 2 levels. My challenge … Continue reading Improving Gradients

Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Build #07: Flex Tracks as Planning Tool

traiNmaster

In my previous post – Build #06 Track Laying Visualisation – I started working on the track laying for 2 segments, or to be exact, marking the lines for the tracks. This might should overboard or too much planning but I liked the overall process of the hobby. The hobby is not just about collecting trains and running them in circles or whatever configurations. As I build my layout, I am also learning more about railway operations and how for example tracks were laid and why they were laid in certain ways. I do some research and talk to modellers … Continue reading Build #07: Flex Tracks as Planning Tool

Benchwork, German Railways, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Concept Development: S-Bahn Underground Station

traiNmaster

I am pretty satisfied with the results of the track laying visualisation. I made some adjustments to the track positions to ensure I have some buffer space between adjacent tracks. 4 of the 6 tracks would be elevated starting from the end of Segment A-H; thus, I made sure that I have some buffer when I saw them – I am using cookie cutter method, whereby you cut and lift a portion of the roadbed for elevation. One of the major adjustments was the tracks leading to the proposed S-Bahn underground station. This station could hold up to 3 coaches per track and with tighter than expected radius. … Continue reading Concept Development: S-Bahn Underground Station

Benchwork, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Build #06: Track Laying Visualisation

traiNmaster

We had good weather this weekend in Frankfurt. So it was worthwhile to go out and enjoyed the sun for one day. Strictly no construction. I was sure my neighbours enjoyed the peace and quiet Saturday that they did not have for 3 weekends. Despite no sawing and hammering, work still goes on in germaN160. In fact, it was back to the drawing board. I took out my track plans and examined the track arrangements and configurations at Segment A and its adjacent Segment H. I am now working on the bottom level aka Ground Minus 1, which is 110cm … Continue reading Build #06: Track Laying Visualisation

Benchwork, Layout Construction7 Comments

Build #05: Up, Up and Awake ……

traiNmaster

After 3 weekends and countless back pain, I am glad that all modules for Segment E to H and Segment A were finally completed and ready for assembly. I took them out to the garden to enjoy early spring sun. I am happy how the overall construction turned out. Turning the Idea into Reality This weekend I built support legs for standard modules. The end modules do not need any support legs (other than Segment E end module, which will have a cross bar for support (see pics below). As I mentioned in my previous post, I was concerned about the stability of … Continue reading Build #05: Up, Up and Awake ……

Benchwork, Layout ConstructionLeave a comment

Build #04: First Stress Test, I Meant the Module

traiNmaster

Yes, it was about time to do some stress tests on my module. After spending 2 weekends cutting and putting the parts together, I should test my module construction before I proceed. I do not want to repeat the same mistakes that I made during the last 2 weeks. So here are my self-evaluations. If you could also evaluate through the photos that I have uploaded and what I have described, all the better. I welcome your comments. Standard Module per Segment B-D, F-H (92cm x 30cm x 15cm) This is how the segments would look like when I join … Continue reading Build #04: First Stress Test, I Meant the Module

Benchwork, Layout Construction2 Comments

Build #03: Working 9 to 5 for germaN160

traiNmaster

Oh, what a truly exhausting day, body and fingers now aching. Today I spent 9am to 5pm working outdoor. I still have some energy left to blog about it so here are a few thoughts that I wanted to offload. I started my day at 9 with a visit to the wood mart. I got an extra sheet of 10mm 2.5 x 1.7m plywood. This second sheet has been cut into 8 pieces for me so I could focus on cutting them to smaller sizes later. I wanted to get extra sheet now so that I do not need to … Continue reading Build #03: Working 9 to 5 for germaN160

Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book2 Comments

Standards on germaN160

traiNmaster

While waiting for the weekend to come and my second batch of plywoods (order sent), I decided to put down on print the standards that I am adopting on my layout – both as a reference for myself and for those who would like to adopt some forms of standards. I am following the recommendations from NEM as well as the best practices (after consulting many expert modellers in both HO- and N-scale). You might be wondering why all the fuss over conforming to some standards and take the fun off model railroading. Well, better to take the fun off now … Continue reading Standards on germaN160

Benchwork, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book3 Comments

Build #02: Lots of Measuring and Cutting for Module Parts

traiNmaster

This year’s weather was rather unusual. It was a relatively “warm” winter, between 5C and 12C, and occasional shower. The last 2 weekends were wet; thus, disrupting my plan to work outdoor. I do not have a proper workshop (note to self: make sure there is a small room for workshop when looking for new house) so I have to be satisfied with a makeshift workshop under 5C. In 3 hours, I managed to measure and saw module parts for Segment F, G and H and base for Segment A. This was my second time using Dremel DSM20, still more … Continue reading Build #02: Lots of Measuring and Cutting for Module Parts

Layout Construction2 Comments

Build #01: Plywood for Segment Modules

traiNmaster

Hello 2o14! It is time to start building. I spent the last quarter of 2013 building a diorama from actual plywood instead of carton cardboard and it was definitely good learning experience for a newbie. Most importantly for me is to be comfortable in handling the power tools (thanks Dremel for the DSM20 and Dremel 3000) and to work with woods. The next question would be why don’t I finish the diorama first before starting something – the idea of leaving something half done. As I mentioned before, the diorama is my test lab. The purpose was and is to learn as I … Continue reading Build #01: Plywood for Segment Modules