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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
 

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.

-Steve

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
 

Further to my previous note . . .

This note doesn't allow me to insert pictures so please see the attached files . They say a picture is worth 1000 words . . .

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
 

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
 

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.

-Steve

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
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

开云体育

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

?

?

?

?

?

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
 

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
 

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.?



On Fri, Feb 23, 2024 at 10:46?AM Terrence Moore <terry.moore@...> wrote:

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

?

?

?

?

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Geoff Dunn via
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 <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
 

Thanks Dave. Good to hear from you.

Geoff
 

开云体育

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:

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.?



On Fri, Feb 23, 2024 at 10:46?AM Terrence Moore <terry.moore@...> wrote:

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

?

?

?

?

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Geoff Dunn via
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 <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
 

Paul, I also carry wood shims, clip leads, and lots of other bits!

Geoff
 

开云体育

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
 

开云体育

This was my comment about not double butting tables to allow for table relocations.

?

??????????????????????????????? T

?

?

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
 

开云体育

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

?

?

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
 

开云体育

No Paul, your diagram explains my verbal attempt very well and I should have posted one in the first place. Team work ?

?

??????????????????????????????? T

?

?

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

?

?

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
 

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
 

开云体育

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

?

?

???????????????????????????????

?

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.

?

Dave Ferrari

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