More thoughts on the module design:
I did not want to add a frame or bracing to the front of the module because it would break up the layout into a series of scenes. I needed to have support to keep the module stable and strong. The solution was simple, put away the plywood and go with dimensional lumber.
My design is based around framework from 2x2, 1x2 and 1x3 lumber:
The blue represents 2x2 lumber which gives a sturdy vertical support along the backside. The red represents 1x3 pieces that are the main supporting braces for both the scenery base and for the overhead.
The green represents the 1x2 pieces which are secondary support for the 1x3 braces. The 1x2 and 1x3's are combined at right angles to make the familiar L girder bracing popularized by Linn Westcott. However, instead of L girders spanning the full length of the module I instead use the girders as cross braces.
The main difference between this design and the previous design is that instead of a 30" overhang, I plan to have a vertical 1x2 with bracing about halfway down the cross braces on each end. Structurally, this cuts the overhang roughly in half and the brace will give the back framwork some leverage that puts the lumber under tension rather than compression. This design allows for the trains to pass in front obscured, resulting in an uninterrupted view of the layout.
A curved, panoramic backdrop for each module instead sets the scene. One thing I left out of the diagram is that there would be several 1x2 cross braces along the bottom framework which will support the foam scenery base.
The addition of pink or blue foam on top of the cross braces provides a solid and light scenery base. Additional layers can be added to give a varying ground elevation within each module.
Each module can then be completed with very light plywood along the top and possibly the sides and bottom. The 2x2's along the back will do a good job of protecting that side by itself.
The addition of track, scenery and structures plus a lighting system in the valance completes the module. The design protects everything that is within the module while also making the layout look more professional. The backdrops, curving towards the front at each module end, frames the scene while also allowing trains to pass obscured. I'd prefer that the space between the vertical support and the front of the layout be enough that two tracks could be laid down, allowing for sidings to be constructed.
I did not want to add a frame or bracing to the front of the module because it would break up the layout into a series of scenes. I needed to have support to keep the module stable and strong. The solution was simple, put away the plywood and go with dimensional lumber.
My design is based around framework from 2x2, 1x2 and 1x3 lumber:
The blue represents 2x2 lumber which gives a sturdy vertical support along the backside. The red represents 1x3 pieces that are the main supporting braces for both the scenery base and for the overhead.
The green represents the 1x2 pieces which are secondary support for the 1x3 braces. The 1x2 and 1x3's are combined at right angles to make the familiar L girder bracing popularized by Linn Westcott. However, instead of L girders spanning the full length of the module I instead use the girders as cross braces.
The main difference between this design and the previous design is that instead of a 30" overhang, I plan to have a vertical 1x2 with bracing about halfway down the cross braces on each end. Structurally, this cuts the overhang roughly in half and the brace will give the back framwork some leverage that puts the lumber under tension rather than compression. This design allows for the trains to pass in front obscured, resulting in an uninterrupted view of the layout.
A curved, panoramic backdrop for each module instead sets the scene. One thing I left out of the diagram is that there would be several 1x2 cross braces along the bottom framework which will support the foam scenery base.
The addition of pink or blue foam on top of the cross braces provides a solid and light scenery base. Additional layers can be added to give a varying ground elevation within each module.
Each module can then be completed with very light plywood along the top and possibly the sides and bottom. The 2x2's along the back will do a good job of protecting that side by itself.
The addition of track, scenery and structures plus a lighting system in the valance completes the module. The design protects everything that is within the module while also making the layout look more professional. The backdrops, curving towards the front at each module end, frames the scene while also allowing trains to pass obscured. I'd prefer that the space between the vertical support and the front of the layout be enough that two tracks could be laid down, allowing for sidings to be constructed.
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