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Am in the process of setting up the modules that I made for a 2metres 40mm wide by 7 metres 20mm long layout. It will be in N scale. Question is how do you join your modules together - bolt them or as I'm thinking G clamps. To my way of thinking the clamps would make it easier to pull apart if necessary but would it be as sturdy as bolting them together.
Our club has been using C clamps on our HO scale modules for 25 years now. Ease of use and how quickly they can be applied and removed are the main benefits. No trying to fit bolts/nuts together under a table too!
Semi-permanent or portable? I use a splice plate of Masonite glued to the bottoms of adjoining modules. It does have to be cut usually to move modules.
If I were moving modules around a lot, I'd use C-clamps or Quick-Grip (tm) Mini bar clamps.
We use clamps for our NTRAK modules, which is quick and easy, but they WILL slip slightly if the modules are bumped/wiggled/ect. Over a weekend, it is seldom an issue, but over time the shift can be a factor. Bolts are a lot less convenient, but if you use proper bolt/hole combinations, you never need to worry about the modules shifting. Rico's idea gives you the best of both....the pins prevent slippage, but the clamps give you quick release.
Thanks gang. I think I'm leaning more to the clamp idea. I saw a setup that was bolted and it took forever to take apart. I will try Rico's idea and see how it goes
If you go with the guide and clamp thing, here's how I did mine.
Clamp the two modules together after you align everything then drill two holes thru the module ends. Keep them towards the outside but not too close to the framing.
Then push a couple dowel pins part way into the holes, one in each hole and from diferent directions. Apply wood glue to the ends sticking out then push them all the way in. Make sure the glue only contacts the one module frame.
Now when you take the modules apart they will match up with the dowels.
The downside to this is that when they are apart you'll have the dowel pins sticking out, to avoid damaging these I made dummy ends that would clamp over the dowels for handling.
Good luck, show pics~!
We have used 3" long door hinges on our club layout for several years with excellant results.
Just clamp the modules together once, screw down the hinge across tthe connection and remove the pin to get the modules apart. You may need a large nail or punch to start the removal of the hinge pin.
