Here's a list from my web site of tools and 'stuff' that you
might need at a show.? It is written from the point of view of a
layout organizer.
What To Take
???? "So they loaded up the truck and they moved to Beverly..."
If you've ever been to Summer Camp you know the first rule-- PUT
YOUR NAME ON EVERYTHING! Goes double for a train show when one
re-railer ramp looks just like the next! Put a paint stripe in
'your color' on things. Use a paint pen and write your name or
initials on the bottom of every engine and piece of rolling stock
you plan to bring! Put your name on your modules. This can be
up-front and gorgeous-- you -want- everyone to know you built it,
don't you??
The remainder of this list gets into a lot of minutia; things that
you might need if you're organizing a major show. You won't (or
shouldn't) need a lot of these things all the time!? It includes
everything to re-build almost anything: power-pole cables;
self-destructing modules; and getting the computer running.
This is overkill for most shows-- most of the problems this list
can fix should never have shown up at a show in the first place!
??? PERSONAL COMFORT
??????? Foodstuffs/drinks
??????? -- Try to keep the foodstuffs out of sight
????????? -- ideally, don't eat at the layout! ?
????????? -- don't talk with your mouth full
??????? Tall stool
??????? -- You want to be able to sit but keep your head at the
same height as visitors
?????? ???? to your layout.? Otherwise, you have to stand up to
talk to people.
??????? -- I found a >guitarist's folding gig stool< that
folds nearly flat
?????? ???? and was as tall as my 'tall stool'
??? POWER
??????? Surge Protector for the DCC and computer equipment
??????? Circuit-breaker-protected power strips
??????? Extension cords
??????? -- power strips and extension cords MUST be commercial,
UL-certified!
??????? Cord covers to run cords across aisles
??????? -- gaffer's tape to hold them down (gaffer's tape removes
cleaner than duct tape)
??? COMPUTER Stuff
??????? Laptop computer for JMRI - AND POWER SUPPLY!
??????? computer interface &c
??????? Printer for labels
??????? Printer for paper
??????? drivers &c for printers you've dragged along
??????? cables for printers, JMRI, etc.
??????? power supplies for anything that needs them
??????? Labels, paper, etc. to feed the printers
??????? ink, ribbon, etc. for the printers
??????? USB hub and power supply
??? STATIONERY AND OFFICE SUPPLIES
??????? Sticky Labels (non-computerized OK)...
??????????? ...to label modules (removable)
??????????? ...to label cables (perm)
??????????? ...to label tools (perm)
??????? Zip-lock bags, assorted sizes
??????? -- coil individual cables in a bag!? Avoid the tangles!
??????? -- collect similar items in a bag
??????? Marking pens
??????? -- some permanent, some dry-erase (writes on glass)
??????? Binder clips
??????? Easel
??????? Flip chart pads
??????? Markers
??????? -- dry erase for white board! ?
????????? -- Keep the permanent markers hidden, or they'll be used
on the white board!
??????? White board
??????? 3x5 cards
??????? 4x6 cards
??????? Pens, pencils, etc. etc.
??????? Booklet Stapler
??????? Heavy-duty paper punch
??????? Batteries
??????? --AAA
??????? --AA
??????? --9v
??? ADHESIVES, GLUE, and TAPE
?? ???? 5-minute epoxy
?? ???? Super-type glue
?? ???? Elmer's carpenter's glue (it can be the pocket-sized
bottle)
?? ???? Gaffer's tape
?? ???? Duct tape (but not for holding wires to the floor!)
?? ???? Scotch tape
??? WIRES AND CABLES
??????? Loconet
??????? Power Bus Wires
??????? -- DC
??????? -- DCC
??????? Extra power-pole connectors
?? ?Crimper for power-pole inserts
??? DCC SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
??????? DCC base/controller/etc. etc. stations
??????? UP5s for outside lines
??????? UR91 and UR92 Wireless Access Points
??? DCC WIRE SUPPLIES
??????? Phone cord crimper
??????? Wire stripper / cable stripper
??????? Wire for hookup and repairs
??????? Soldering iron, solder, soldering iron holder, etc.
??????? RJ12 (RJ25) Plugs
??????? Silver-Satin 6-conductor phone cable
??? CLEANING SUPPLIES
??????? Paper Towels
??????? Alcohol
??????? GooGone
??????? Brasso
??????? Paint brush for dusting modules
??????? Rerailer ramps
??? WHEEL CLEANING STATION
??????? -- paper towel looped over section of track
??????? -- powered to clean engine wheels
??? DCC PROGRAMMING STATION
??????? -- 'test track' connected to DCC
??? MODULE SUPPLIES
??????? Bag of 1/4-20 bolts in assorted lengths
??????? 1/4-20 T-Nuts (as spares)
??????? height gage
??????? -- this can be blocks of foam or wood 2-3/4" square
??? TRACK SUPPLIES
??????? Kato Insulated rail joiners
??????? Kato UniJoiners
??????? Kato Power Joiners for ?emergencyí power drops
??????? Assorted Track to fill in places where they're needed!
??????? --some tiny, some larger; bring some bridges!
??????? Dremel tiny wire brushes (for cleaning track ends)
??????? -- use 'pin vises' to hold these
??????? Multi-Meter
??????? -- Or Continuity Tester with Kato Connector and probe
??????? Clear nail polish- to daub on turnout frogs if they cause
shorts
??? TOOLS
??????? Tiny Tools, for fixing engines & rolling stock
??????? Drill & bits
??????? -- if cordless, bring the charger!
??????? Screwdrivers = flat, Phillips, square drive, etc.
??????? 10-in-1 tool
??????? hammer
??????? Chalk line 100'
??????? tape measure 100'
??????? 4' level (for leveling tables)
??????? 2' level (for leveling modules)
??????? Needle-nosed pliers
??? TABLE TOOLS & SUPPLIES
??????? Shims / carpenter shims
??????? -- paint some black for top-of-table use
??????? Black Garbage Bags (for emergency table covers)
??????? No-bolt table-top lifts
??????? -- 1-1/4" blocks, lifts table from 2-3/4" to 4"
????????? -- 2x4 block with Forstnered hole
????????? -- assumes tables have peg-legs
--Paul E Musselman
.
On 2/24/24 6:27 PM, Bruce Alcock wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Paul mentioned having a set of tracks, various lengths, to fill in
gaps.? Someone else mentioned something about tools.? lt seems
like putting together a list of tools that people take to shows
would be a good idea which can then be transformed into a
Newsletter article.? So exactly what length of track pieces would
you recommend having available in your T-TRAK toolbox?? How about
other items to carry? We have a track cleaning wand, levels, and
brochures among other items. Please do a reply with what you take
to a show in your T-TRAK toolbox.
thanks
?-bruce
|
Paul mentioned having a set of tracks, various lengths, to fill in gaps.? Someone else mentioned something about tools.? lt seems like putting together a list of tools that people take to shows would be a good idea which can then be transformed into a Newsletter article.? So exactly what length of track pieces would you recommend having available in your T-TRAK toolbox?? How about other items to carry? We have a track cleaning wand, levels, and brochures among other items. Please do a reply with what you take to a show in your T-TRAK toolbox.
thanks
?-bruce
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
Exactly! Again, unless you are going to use this situation on a CONSTANT basis (home layout?) where it is desired to maximize the size of the layout on the table (no “waste space”) just use “gap filler” tracks and be done with it. IF your home layout is a bunch of T-TRAK modules,? build special sized modules to fill the gaps left by standard size modules to maintain scenic continuity. Even IF tables are NOT double butted sizing issues may arise. Everyone should now have enough info to deal with them. I’ll do a TALKIN’ T-TRAK on this when I do a layout presentation (requested by several folks). ? ??????????????????????????????? T ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of PaulMmn
Sent: Saturday, February 24, 2024 5:40 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [T-TrakGlobal] Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables? It's not going to come out perfectly even, no matter what you do! Don't try to cram -exactly- 96" of modules on a 96" table! --Paul E Musselman . On 2/24/24 2:37 PM, Terrence Moore wrote: Aka my “Junction Length Straights” (597 mm) for use in a loop opposite “Jackson Junctions:. ? A loop would need 2 on each side of the loop (total 4)? ?( 4 singles + 2 “junction length straights” = 95.8” on a 96” table which will be close depending on module construction leg placement, table edge roll and table edge taper) or other options . . . ? ??????????????????????????????? T ? ? ??????????????????????????????? ? ? Another possible solution is to build two straight modules the length of Jackson Junctions and place them opposite each other. That will give you enough "shortening" to account for the difference between 8' and 8x modules.
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
It's not going to come out perfectly even, no matter what you do!
Don't try to cram -exactly- 96" of modules on a 96" table!
--Paul E Musselman
.
On 2/24/24 2:37 PM, Terrence Moore
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Aka my
“Junction Length Straights” (597 mm) for use in a loop
opposite “Jackson Junctions:.
?
A loop would
need 2 on each side of the loop (total 4)? ?( 4 singles + 2
“junction length straights” = 95.8” on a 96” table which
will be close depending on module construction leg
placement, table edge roll and table edge taper) or other
options . . .
?
???????????????????????????????
T
?
?
???????????????????????????????
?
?
Another
possible solution is to build two straight modules the
length of Jackson Junctions and place them opposite each
other. That will give you enough "shortening" to account
for the difference between 8' and 8x modules.
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
Aka my “Junction Length Straights” (597 mm) for use in a loop opposite “Jackson Junctions:. ? A loop would need 2 on each side of the loop (total 4)? ?( 4 singles + 2 “junction length straights” = 95.8” on a 96” table which will be close depending on module construction leg placement, table edge roll and table edge taper) or other options . . . ? ??????????????????????????????? T ? ? ??????????????????????????????? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Dave Ferrari via groups.io
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2024 10:53 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [T-TrakGlobal] Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables? Another possible solution is to build two straight modules the length of Jackson Junctions and place them opposite each other. That will give you enough "shortening" to account for the difference between 8' and 8x modules.
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
Another possible solution is to build two straight modules the length of Jackson Junctions and place them opposite each other. That will give you enough "shortening" to account for the difference between 8' and 8x modules.
Dave Ferrari
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
No Paul, your diagram explains my verbal attempt very well and I should have posted one in the first place. Team work ? ? ??????????????????????????????? T ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of PaulMmn
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2024 4:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [T-TrakGlobal] Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables? So you did!? I need to read more closely! --Paul ? On 2/23/24 3:56 PM, Terrence Moore wrote: This was my comment about not double butting tables to allow for table relocations. ? ??????????????????????????????? T ? ? ? One thing that hasn't been mentioned is how to align the tables to compensate for oddly-sized modules!? The tables in the upper-left and upper-right have been misaligned to compensate for a little bit of module fun. In the lower-left corner, there's a larger misalignment, which will leave a larger area at the end of the vertical table unused.? This can be used for flyers and other handouts; signs about the group, etc. --Paul E Musselman
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
So you did!? I need to read more closely!
--Paul
On 2/23/24 3:56 PM, Terrence Moore
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
This was my
comment about not double butting tables to allow for table
relocations.
?
???????????????????????????????
T
?
?
?
One thing that hasn't been
mentioned is how to align the tables to compensate for
oddly-sized modules!?
The tables in the upper-left and upper-right have been
misaligned to compensate for a little bit of module fun.
In the lower-left corner, there's a larger misalignment,
which will leave a larger area at the end of the vertical
table unused.? This can be used for flyers and other handouts;
signs about the group, etc.
--Paul E Musselman
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
This was my comment about not double butting tables to allow for table relocations. ? ??????????????????????????????? T ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of PaulMmn
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2024 3:46 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [T-TrakGlobal] Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables? One thing that hasn't been mentioned is how to align the tables to compensate for oddly-sized modules!? The tables in the upper-left and upper-right have been misaligned to compensate for a little bit of module fun. In the lower-left corner, there's a larger misalignment, which will leave a larger area at the end of the vertical table unused.? This can be used for flyers and other handouts; signs about the group, etc. --Paul E Musselman
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is
how to align the tables to compensate for oddly-sized modules!?
The tables in the upper-left and upper-right have been misaligned
to compensate for a little bit of module fun.
In the lower-left corner, there's a larger misalignment, which
will leave a larger area at the end of the vertical table unused.?
This can be used for flyers and other handouts; signs about the
group, etc.
--Paul E Musselman
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
Paul, I also carry wood shims, clip leads, and lots of other bits!
Geoff
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
This is why the layout organizer should have a box of assorted
track pieces, enough to compensate for any weird 'gaps' between
modules!
That, and an assortment of 1/4x20 bolts to compensate for
less-than-level tables!
--Paul E Musselman
.
On 2/23/24 12:45 PM, Dave Sefcik wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
This
was the configuration from our recent two day WGH show in
Indianapolis. There were five, eight foot tables; three in a
row and one each butted to the outside edge of each end table.
We needed to add two 64mm pieces (not shown on diagram), one
on each side, to fit the tables.?
If
this is what you’re up to a double track 124mm piece
should cover the gap but real life may require 29 mm
pieces too. If this is going to be a common
occurrence a small “gap filler” module could be
created OR an oversize single. This is why it is
best not to double butt tables.
?
IF you
could spread the tables single modules could be used
instead of the gap fillers. The modules at the end
of the middle table would span the table gaps at
each end.
?
62mm
track pieces were used at Trainfest to mate standard
corners and 17” junctions in the layout.
?
???????????????????????????????
T
?
?
?
?
?
?
Todd,
I have considered smaller modules as an option - the
size would be around 10.5 inches to fit a single 8'
table. It hasn't happened yet though.
Geoff
On
Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 09:40:43 PM
EST, Todd Blose via <bloseclan@...>
wrote:
Some
of us have seen out if spec modules, e.g.
one about 4" wide, to cover a gap.? This
was at a National N scale convention.? If
for your personal space, remember, it's
your world:)
?
On Thu,
Feb 22, 2024 at 6:29 PM, Geoff Dunn
via
I
have space constraints that
require that the sides of the
outer tables must abut the end
of the crossing table. I guess
I'll live with the gap.
Thanks for the response. Geoff
On
Thursday, February 22, 2024
at 05:19:24 PM EST, Terrence
Moore <terry.moore@...> wrote:
The
quickest and easiest way
to deal with a U shaped
layout is to butt the
tables together with the
middle table end up
against the left leg table
(for example) and the
right leg table end butted
up against the side of the
middle table. I suspect
you are talking about a
standard T-TRAK loop
layout on single tables
(not double wide tables
and large corners and
junctions. The mismatch of
measurements you mention
are why you never put the
middle table/s between the
end tables. IF there are 2
tables lengthwise between
the end tables they can be
gapped in the middle with
the modules spanning the
gap to get a useful
length.
??? ??? T
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf
Of Geoff Dunn via
Sent: Thursday, February
22, 2024 3:52 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [T-TrakGlobal]
Fitting 8X modules on 8
foot tables
I'm curious how others
deal with a U-shaped
layout, with an 8' table
between the two side
tables.? An 8' table is
96" long.? 8X of standard
length modules is 97.64".?
Having the 8' table
between the two side
tables means the layout on
the 8' section will be
1.64 inches too long, and
will push the vertical
parts of the U off the
side tables, or it means
that the tables will have
a 1.64 inch gap between
them, making the
underlying table somewhat
less sturdy.
One option is a pair of
special, slightly short
modules.? Has anyone dealt
with this issue in another
way?
Thanks for any
suggestions.? Geoff Dunn,
Albany NY NTrak
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
Thanks Dave. Good to hear from you.
Geoff
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
This was the configuration from our recent two day WGH show in Indianapolis. There were five, eight foot tables; three in a row and one each butted to the outside edge of each end table. We needed to add two 64mm pieces (not shown on diagram), one on each side, to fit the tables.?
If this is what you’re up to a double track 124mm piece should cover the gap but real life may require 29 mm pieces too. If this is going to be a common occurrence a small “gap filler” module could be created OR an oversize single. This is why it is best not to double butt tables. ? IF you could spread the tables single modules could be used instead of the gap fillers. The modules at the end of the middle table would span the table gaps at each end. ? 62mm track pieces were used at Trainfest to mate standard corners and 17” junctions in the layout. ? ??????????????????????????????? T ? ? ? ?
? ? Todd, I have considered smaller modules as an option - the size would be around 10.5 inches to fit a single 8' table. It hasn't happened yet though.
Geoff
On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 09:40:43 PM EST, Todd Blose via <bloseclan@...> wrote: Some of us have seen out if spec modules, e.g. one about 4" wide, to cover a gap.? This was at a National N scale convention.? If for your personal space, remember, it's your world:) ? On Thu, Feb 22, 2024 at 6:29 PM, Geoff Dunn via I have space constraints that require that the sides of the outer tables must abut the end of the crossing table. I guess I'll live with the gap.
Thanks for the response. Geoff On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 05:19:24 PM EST, Terrence Moore <terry.moore@...> wrote: The quickest and easiest way to deal with a U shaped layout is to butt the tables together with the middle table end up against the left leg table (for example) and the right leg table end butted up against the side of the middle table. I suspect you are talking about a standard T-TRAK loop layout on single tables (not double wide tables and large corners and junctions. The mismatch of measurements you mention are why you never put the middle table/s between the end tables. IF there are 2 tables lengthwise between the end tables they can be gapped in the middle with the modules spanning the gap to get a useful length.
??? ??? T
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Geoff Dunn via
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2024 3:52 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [T-TrakGlobal] Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
I'm curious how others deal with a U-shaped layout, with an 8' table between the two side tables.? An 8' table is 96" long.? 8X of standard length modules is 97.64".? Having the 8' table between the two side tables means the layout on the 8' section will be 1.64 inches too long, and will push the vertical parts of the U off the side tables, or it means that the tables will have a 1.64 inch gap between them, making the underlying table somewhat less sturdy.
One option is a pair of special, slightly short modules.? Has anyone dealt with this issue in another way?
Thanks for any suggestions.? Geoff Dunn, Albany NY NTrak
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
Thanks Terry. Steve's comments and your diagram point out that I'm looking at this backwards. It appears the metric-based module set will have a gap within the layout, and the gap will not be between the tables under the layout. That should be easy to fix.
Thanks again to everyone who responded. I think I'm set now. Geoff
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
If this is what you’re up to a double track 124mm piece should cover the gap but real life may require 29 mm pieces too. If this is going to be a common occurrence a small “gap filler” module could be created OR an oversize single. This is why it is best not to double butt tables. ? IF you could spread the tables single modules could be used instead of the gap fillers. The modules at the end of the middle table would span the table gaps at each end. ? 62mm track pieces were used at Trainfest to mate standard corners and 17” junctions in the layout. ? ??????????????????????????????? T ? ? ? ?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Geoff Dunn via groups.io
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2024 7:46 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [T-TrakGlobal] Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables? Todd, I have considered smaller modules as an option - the size would be around 10.5 inches to fit a single 8' table. It hasn't happened yet though.
Geoff
On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 09:40:43 PM EST, Todd Blose via groups.io <bloseclan@...> wrote: Some of us have seen out if spec modules, e.g. one about 4" wide, to cover a gap.? This was at a National N scale convention.? If for your personal space, remember, it's your world:) ? On Thu, Feb 22, 2024 at 6:29 PM, Geoff Dunn via groups.io I have space constraints that require that the sides of the outer tables must abut the end of the crossing table. I guess I'll live with the gap.
Thanks for the response. Geoff On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 05:19:24 PM EST, Terrence Moore <terry.moore@...> wrote: The quickest and easiest way to deal with a U shaped layout is to butt the tables together with the middle table end up against the left leg table (for example) and the right leg table end butted up against the side of the middle table. I suspect you are talking about a standard T-TRAK loop layout on single tables (not double wide tables and large corners and junctions. The mismatch of measurements you mention are why you never put the middle table/s between the end tables. IF there are 2 tables lengthwise between the end tables they can be gapped in the middle with the modules spanning the gap to get a useful length.
??? ??? T
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Geoff Dunn via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2024 3:52 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [T-TrakGlobal] Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
I'm curious how others deal with a U-shaped layout, with an 8' table between the two side tables.? An 8' table is 96" long.? 8X of standard length modules is 97.64".? Having the 8' table between the two side tables means the layout on the 8' section will be 1.64 inches too long, and will push the vertical parts of the U off the side tables, or it means that the tables will have a 1.64 inch gap between them, making the underlying table somewhat less sturdy.
One option is a pair of special, slightly short modules.? Has anyone dealt with this issue in another way?
Thanks for any suggestions.? Geoff Dunn, Albany NY NTrak
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
Todd, I have considered smaller modules as an option - the size would be around 10.5 inches to fit a single 8' table. It hasn't happened yet though.
Geoff
On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 09:40:43 PM EST, Todd Blose via groups.io <bloseclan@...> wrote:
Some of us have seen out if spec modules, e.g. one about 4" wide, to cover a gap.? This was at a National N scale convention.? If for your personal space, remember, it's your world:)
On Thu, Feb 22, 2024 at 6:29 PM, Geoff Dunn via groups.io <geoffdunnsoccer@...> wrote: I have space constraints that require that the sides of the outer tables must abut the end of the crossing table. I guess I'll live with the gap.
Thanks for the response. Geoff
On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 05:19:24 PM EST, Terrence Moore <terry.moore@...> wrote:
The quickest and easiest way to deal with a U shaped layout is to butt the tables together with the middle table end up against the left leg table (for example) and the right leg table end butted up against the side of the middle table. I suspect you are talking about a standard T-TRAK loop layout on single tables (not double wide tables and large corners and junctions. The mismatch of measurements you mention are why you never put the middle table/s between the end tables. IF there are 2 tables lengthwise between the end tables they can be gapped in the middle with the modules spanning the gap to get a useful length. ??? ??? T -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Geoff Dunn via groups.io Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2024 3:52 PM To: [email protected]Subject: [T-TrakGlobal] Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables I'm curious how others deal with a U-shaped layout, with an 8' table between the two side tables.? An 8' table is 96" long.? 8X of standard length modules is 97.64".? Having the 8' table between the two side tables means the layout on the 8' section will be 1.64 inches too long, and will push the vertical parts of the U off the side tables, or it means that the tables will have a 1.64 inch gap between them, making the underlying table somewhat less sturdy. One option is a pair of special, slightly short modules.? Has anyone dealt with this issue in another way? Thanks for any suggestions.? Geoff Dunn, Albany NY NTrak
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
Some of us have seen out if spec modules, e.g. one about 4" wide, to cover a gap.? This was at a National N scale convention.? If for your personal space, remember, it's your world:)
On Thu, Feb 22, 2024 at 6:29 PM, Geoff Dunn via groups.io <geoffdunnsoccer@...> wrote: I have space constraints that require that the sides of the outer tables must abut the end of the crossing table. I guess I'll live with the gap.
Thanks for the response. Geoff
On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 05:19:24 PM EST, Terrence Moore <terry.moore@...> wrote:
The quickest and easiest way to deal with a U shaped layout is to butt the tables together with the middle table end up against the left leg table (for example) and the right leg table end butted up against the side of the middle table. I suspect you are talking about a standard T-TRAK loop layout on single tables (not double wide tables and large corners and junctions. The mismatch of measurements you mention are why you never put the middle table/s between the end tables. IF there are 2 tables lengthwise between the end tables they can be gapped in the middle with the modules spanning the gap to get a useful length. ??? ??? T -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Geoff Dunn via groups.io Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2024 3:52 PM To: [email protected]Subject: [T-TrakGlobal] Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables I'm curious how others deal with a U-shaped layout, with an 8' table between the two side tables.? An 8' table is 96" long.? 8X of standard length modules is 97.64".? Having the 8' table between the two side tables means the layout on the 8' section will be 1.64 inches too long, and will push the vertical parts of the U off the side tables, or it means that the tables will have a 1.64 inch gap between them, making the underlying table somewhat less sturdy. One option is a pair of special, slightly short modules.? Has anyone dealt with this issue in another way? Thanks for any suggestions.? Geoff Dunn, Albany NY NTrak
|
Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
I have space constraints that require that the sides of the outer tables must abut the end of the crossing table. I guess I'll live with the gap.
Thanks for the response. Geoff
On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 05:19:24 PM EST, Terrence Moore <terry.moore@...> wrote:
The quickest and easiest way to deal with a U shaped layout is to butt the tables together with the middle table end up against the left leg table (for example) and the right leg table end butted up against the side of the middle table. I suspect you are talking about a standard T-TRAK loop layout on single tables (not double wide tables and large corners and junctions. The mismatch of measurements you mention are why you never put the middle table/s between the end tables. IF there are 2 tables lengthwise between the end tables they can be gapped in the middle with the modules spanning the gap to get a useful length.
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Geoff Dunn via groups.io Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2024 3:52 PM To: [email protected]Subject: [T-TrakGlobal] Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables I'm curious how others deal with a U-shaped layout, with an 8' table between the two side tables.? An 8' table is 96" long.? 8X of standard length modules is 97.64".? Having the 8' table between the two side tables means the layout on the 8' section will be 1.64 inches too long, and will push the vertical parts of the U off the side tables, or it means that the tables will have a 1.64 inch gap between them, making the underlying table somewhat less sturdy. One option is a pair of special, slightly short modules.? Has anyone dealt with this issue in another way? Thanks for any suggestions.? Geoff Dunn, Albany NY NTrak
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Re: Fitting 8X modules on 8 foot tables
Steve, you are correct, it's actually not 8', because of the inside corner modules. But the issue remains, as you point out, that there is a mis-match between the 8' table and the 7X plus corners of module length. The gap is small but it means the tables don't touch, making things slightly less resistant to bumps and such. I was hoping to avoid a gap but maybe it's just going to happen.
Thanks for the response.
Geoff
On Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 04:42:24 PM EST, Steve Jackson <steve.jackson@...> wrote:
Hi Geoff,
If I understand your description, you are basically talking about a layout that looks like a capital "I" and concerns about the central table being too short (whether it is 6' or 8').
The problem is more complicated than what you describe simply because to transition onto the central module you need inside corners or junctions. So, I used that transition module to fly from the top and bottom tables onto that central table. I leave an appropriate gap under that transition module to make the math work. It is generally a very small gap (<2") so it isn't a problem.
On Thu, Feb 22, 2024 at 3:52?PM Geoff Dunn via <geoffdunnsoccer= [email protected]> wrote: I'm curious how others deal with a U-shaped layout, with an 8' table between the two side tables.? An 8' table is 96" long.? 8X of standard length modules is 97.64".? Having the 8' table between the two side tables means the layout on the 8' section will be 1.64 inches too long, and will push the vertical parts of the U off the side tables, or it means that the tables will have a 1.64 inch gap between them, making the underlying table somewhat less sturdy.
One option is a pair of special, slightly short modules.? Has anyone dealt with this issue in another way?
Thanks for any suggestions.? Geoff Dunn, Albany NY NTrak
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