joining two train tables

[tbar]

Hi, this is my first post & just registered. I have one of those Woodland Scenes 5' by 3' layouts I built some years ago. I want to add to it and have trains run from it to the new table I will build. I put up the back drop today but need to research now. The WS has mountains and tunnels with openings in the back to get to derails. This back side will be against a wall so I need to be able to take the tables apart if (when) this happens. So I need to have the tracks between the tables set up in a quick release type of arrangement. What options Do I have. Think of having a river going threw here to so bridges may be a option. Thanks for any help.

 

[MRLdave]

The way our NTRAK club does our modules, is to have a piece of track that bridges the joint, and then "fix" the joiners so they will push all the way in, flush with the ends of the rail. To do this you need to trim off some of the molded spike heads that hold the rail to the ties. When you need to separate the tables, you push the joiners back with a screwdriver or other sharp tool till the joining piece of track can be lifted out. With NTRAK we do this on both ends of the piece of track, but you can just as easily just do one end, lift that end up, then pull the piece of track off the joiners on the other end.

 

[UP2CSX]

Sounds like a couple of C clamps would work. I'd think about cutting an access hole in that mountain from the front side and then disguising the edges with clump foliage. You can use a big tree with a screw run into the base from the backside of the moutain as a handle. You'll need access to that tunnel more than you think and taking modules apart leaves you open to breaking things.

 

[Tim]

Sounds like a couple of C clamps would work.

I agree, but would add that you might drill a couple of 1/2" holes (be sure they are perpendicular to the frames that are being clamped) through the modules while connected. Then insert a dowel in the holes to ensure accurate realignment. If you glue the dowels to one half and trim them on the other side of the frame of the other module, they work very well.

Tim

 

[tbar]

Thanks all good ideas. I just realized I have a long pair of tongs for my aquarium that I can reach in about 2/3 of the mountain from the large opening on the side. Maybe one opening from the front towards the other end will solve the problem.

 

[Trucula]

Another good tip is to add rerailer track sections though-out the tunnel. This will correct 90% of minor derailments before they turn major. And will cut down the amount of times you have to get in there.

 

[PNKFLOYD]

Wow Trucula!
What a simple way to save a dislocated back trying to contort myself to get trains back on track in a black hole.
This idea is worth weeks of reading this forum for the one single idea!

Thanks to everyone who contributes answers to these questions.

Maybe you can teach old dogs some new tricks.
Mikey

 

[Trucula]

Wow Trucula!
What a simple way to save a dislocated back trying to contort myself to get trains back on track in a black hole.
This idea is worth weeks of reading this forum for the one single idea!

Thanks to everyone who contributes answers to these questions.

Maybe you can teach old dogs some new tricks.
Mikey

Thanks for the compliment but I can't take the credit. My friend's layout had a hidden loop in a mountain that you had to remove a wall panel from another room to get inside. It was my first question I asked him, "How do you get in there??" seems you'll always have trouble in spots you can't get to(Murphy's Law) and he told me he had rerailers on every other straight section because he got sick of moving furniture and a wall panel.