Originally posted by Bill Pontin
Where my two modules join I want to make up my own 5" track joiners that blend with the main lines. This is only for the joint between my two modules, I know that our club will take care of the two ends with their array of sized sections. I've tried one suggestion where adding tape under the ties and ballasting over it. Seems kind of flimsy and I don't think it will stand up to many setups and tear downs. Any suggestions?
Hi Bill,
I think you are on the right track
with wanting to create a more realistic transition from one module to the next.
I was thinking that you could chop out a section of the module roadbed and then mount the three 5" tracks on a thicker and more durable base that you can balast.
You would be making a piece about 5" x 3/4" x however wide you need to accomodate the three tracks. Then you would chop out a section on the end of the module to accomodate this "bridge". So you would chop out a section 2 1/2" x 3/4" x however wide you need to accomodate the three tracks from the end of each module.
Build alignment pins into the "bridge" and alignment holes into the module to help secure it all in place.
You will also want to make a block that will fit this chopped out section. That way, you will still be able to join this end of the module to other modules in the event that you only bring one of the modules to a meet instead of the two.
As far as seasonal expansion and contraction go.... Wood and fibre components will expand in the humidity and contract in dry weather. It is a matter of moisture and humidity. Wood tends to swell across the grain, not so much along the grain. So you shouldn't notice any changes if you are using it strictly for framework. If you are using styrofoam. There should be no change at all.
It is usually more humid in the heat of the summer and dry in the cold of winter.
Metal is not effected by humidity (except for oxidization). The thing that effects metal (i.e. the rails) is temperature. It expands in the heat and contracts in the cold.
As long as you are always setting up in an area that is close to normal room temperature. (70 F 20 C) there shouldn't be too much expansion or contraction.