N scale modelling inspiration and resources
Wow, doesn’t time fly?
Back in January I wrote a post about how I built a light-weight and relatively cheap T-Trak module using Gatorboard. Since then almost three months have passed but in that time I’ve finally decided what to model and have actually made a start.
So what did I chose to build on my first module?
Continue reading “Building On My Gatorboard T-Trak Module”I recently become very interested in building T-Trak modules. As it’s winter and I lack workshop space I need to be able to build the modules inside the house with simple tools using a strong, light material.
Using foamcore board seemed like the ideal solution. I’ve built experimental modules/layouts in the past using the kind of foamcore that can be found in the average hobby or art store but I’ve never been completely satisfied with the results. They tended to warp when damp/wet and the material never seemed as strong as advocates of the method made out.
Then I got my hands on some Gatorboard…
Continue reading “A Gatorboard T-Trak Module”In previous posts I’ve discussed the rules I’ve adopted that will govern module size, the type of track I’ll use and the minimum switch/curve radii of the trackwork but there’s one more thing to consider and that’s scenery at the module edges.
As a group of modules that make up a layout can be arranged to create a number of different formations you obviously don’t want a situation where a road on one module runs straight into a river or the side of a building on an adjoining module.
Continue reading “Module Design: Scenery”Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been playing with potential module plans in a track planning application called XTraCAD and starting the process of converting real world locations on Annacis Island to N scale modules.
I’ve quickly realised that even in N scale, compromise will be necessary…
Continue reading “Module Design: Managing Expectations & Compromises”
Now that I’ve started finding some interesting locations it’s about time I started thinking about the steps needed to turn those location into working modules.
I suppose the first thing to think about is track. The FremoN-RE modular standard I’ve adopted offers plenty of guidance (a.k.a rules) on what’s acceptable. However I’m already thinking I’ll probably need to bend at least one of these rules to build what I can see in my head…
Having chosen a modular standard, the first thing you need to do is start cutting…
No not really, the first thing to do is read the standards document because this will usually give you very strict guidelines on the dimensions of the endplate. The endplate is where different modules will be connected together and for this to happen easily and reliably, the endplate needs to be uniform on all modules of the same standard. As it’s such a key part of the module, it makes sense to design the rest of the framework around the endplate.
Continue reading “Designing The Framework Of A Simple Module”
Once I’d decided I’d like to have a go at building some modules the next step was to decide which modular standard I would use.
After many hours reading the different standards it became apparent that many focused on putting as many tracks as possible onto relatively small boards with tight curves to maximize the available space. Don’t misunderstand me, I don’t think there is anything wrong with that, but I already knew I wanted to create modules that were as realistic as possible.