D&J RailRoad
Professor of HO
A few years ago, I built 60 feet of modules as a mainline yard.
Going from one end to the other, it consisted of a 2' offset module, a 6' module that had all the #6 turnouts of the yard throat. 4 yard tracks to the inside of the layout, the two track mainline and 2 tracks to the outside of the module. The 6' module also expanded from the standard 24" wide to 30" to accommodate the yard tracks. Continuing on, the next module was an 8' module, then a 4' then a 90 degree curve at about an 86" radius built in three modules. The mainline was superelevated. Next was another 8' module, three 4' modules, another 6' module with the turnouts to bring all the tracks back into the mainline, then another 4' module and another 2' offset module.
2'
6'
8'
4'
curved X 3
8'
4' X 3
6'
4'
2'
In the planning of these modules, I also designed a transport case that would be stored on a table in my garage then transferred to a flatbed trailer for transport to shows. The whole thing loaded was around 450lbs. I had to develop a roller system using 1 1/2" PVC pipes to get it from the table to the trailer.
After the first few shows, I discovered that setting up all the modules was very hard on my back. Leaning over the modules connecting all the rail joiners between the modules. I decided to scale down the size of it all and dismantled the two 8' modules. They were the first choice because the wood was starting to hockey stick.
The next couple shows weren't any easier, so I dismantled a couple more 4' modules.
Still, I was in quite a bit of pain doing the setup. I decided it was way more module than I could really manage, so I gave the whole thing to another member who had a 20' enclosed trailer. He couldn't take the transport case because he didn't have room in the trailer and it was way bigger than needed. I brought the transport case home and dismantled it, leaving me with a large pile of lumber.
The first picture below is the transport case nearly built. The second picture is the transport case on the storage table on casters. The transport case would ride on an open trailer so I had tarps covering it to keep things dry.
I began building a scaled down transport case for the few remaining modules.
The first picture is the base frame with the 300lb capacity casters.
The second picture is the completed transport case. It will ride inside an enclosed trailer so weather proofing isn't necessary. It's a bit taller than necessary and I'll prolly take about a foot off the top.
This is a little over 8' long and 30" wide to accommodate the wider modules. All the legs for the modules will go on the very bottom after I fill the opening in with more plywood. The backdrops will ride up on the very top where I'll put a plywood cover.
Going from one end to the other, it consisted of a 2' offset module, a 6' module that had all the #6 turnouts of the yard throat. 4 yard tracks to the inside of the layout, the two track mainline and 2 tracks to the outside of the module. The 6' module also expanded from the standard 24" wide to 30" to accommodate the yard tracks. Continuing on, the next module was an 8' module, then a 4' then a 90 degree curve at about an 86" radius built in three modules. The mainline was superelevated. Next was another 8' module, three 4' modules, another 6' module with the turnouts to bring all the tracks back into the mainline, then another 4' module and another 2' offset module.
2'
6'
8'
4'
curved X 3
8'
4' X 3
6'
4'
2'
In the planning of these modules, I also designed a transport case that would be stored on a table in my garage then transferred to a flatbed trailer for transport to shows. The whole thing loaded was around 450lbs. I had to develop a roller system using 1 1/2" PVC pipes to get it from the table to the trailer.
After the first few shows, I discovered that setting up all the modules was very hard on my back. Leaning over the modules connecting all the rail joiners between the modules. I decided to scale down the size of it all and dismantled the two 8' modules. They were the first choice because the wood was starting to hockey stick.
The next couple shows weren't any easier, so I dismantled a couple more 4' modules.
Still, I was in quite a bit of pain doing the setup. I decided it was way more module than I could really manage, so I gave the whole thing to another member who had a 20' enclosed trailer. He couldn't take the transport case because he didn't have room in the trailer and it was way bigger than needed. I brought the transport case home and dismantled it, leaving me with a large pile of lumber.
The first picture below is the transport case nearly built. The second picture is the transport case on the storage table on casters. The transport case would ride on an open trailer so I had tarps covering it to keep things dry.
I began building a scaled down transport case for the few remaining modules.
The first picture is the base frame with the 300lb capacity casters.
The second picture is the completed transport case. It will ride inside an enclosed trailer so weather proofing isn't necessary. It's a bit taller than necessary and I'll prolly take about a foot off the top.
This is a little over 8' long and 30" wide to accommodate the wider modules. All the legs for the modules will go on the very bottom after I fill the opening in with more plywood. The backdrops will ride up on the very top where I'll put a plywood cover.
Last edited:
