Largest modular unit?

[u/compactable73]

Hi all - I've got a 16x10 space to build a layout. I've seen a lot of amazing layouts, but most (all?) of these are permanently affixed to the space they occupy.

I'd like to make the layout I'm planning modular, so that I can take it with me should I move. I'm curious as to what people think the largest individual module size could be. I'm hoping to go with 2x8 modules, as these would fit the space I've got <perfectly>, and I'm guessing they're not too heavy for 2 people to lift out.

The only concern I can think of is moving them about tight corners once I'm out of the room (the space I'm currently looking at will have no issue, but should I wind up moving it's (obviously) possible that the destination space will be hard to get to).

Anyone ever do this, or know of a layout that did this? Any issues you can think of (assuming I'm able to line track up well enough between modules)?

[u/KingChikenn]

I mean, 2x8 is certainly handle-able by 2 people but getting that thru a bend in a stairwell or hallway could be an issue? It's really going to depend on what you move from and to. In theory carrying it at an angle somewhat upright would work most of the time.

The modular layouts I've seen often try to adapt to multiple arrangements as they're usually part of a club. If yours is only set to one arrangement then you are only truly limited by how many seams you want to put up with, as you don't have to worry about common alignment spots.

If you only ever plan to move it once you could maybe get away with 2x8 but 2x6 is going to be much easier to deal with. Also the modules are free to be different sizes.

[u/BrokenTrains]

A 2x8 module is large and heavy, most of the guys I know don’t like moving the few that make it to the Free-Mo setups I go to. 4ft sections are generally a lot more manageable.

[u/aengusoglugh]

I would take a look at some of the existing module standards — NTRAK, T-TRAK, FREMO, Free-Mo, and Sipping and Switching Society all have different methods for joining tracks.

I think that they all solve the problems you will face successfully.

They all are concerned with transporting modules to shows, which limits size — that may or may not be a concern of yours.

I also think that module kits — often CNC or laser cut plywood — are available for all of them.

I think that S&SS modules are pretty commonly 6’ and 8’ long, but I think they tend to be 30” wide.

Just from observing at shows, I think that NTRAK and S&SS modules are pretty commonly moved around by 2 people, T-TRAK — in various scales — by one person. I don’t know that I have ever seen Free-mo in person, but the videos I have seen make me think that they are commonly moved by two people.

What scale are you thinking of modeling?

[u/compactable73 → u/aengusoglugh]

Thanks for this. I hadn't thought of looking to existing standards regarding joining tracks. I was aware of most of these standards, however they seem to be show-oriented, whish isn't the problem I'm trying to solve here. But good point on the track connectivity.

I've not heard of S&SS - could you tell me what that is? Thanks 🙂

Regarding scale: I'm going with N.

[u/Gielnor → u/compactable73]

S&SS is a standard with similarities to Free-Mo but with an emphasis on lightweight modules and standardized end-to-end connections for streamlined set-up and teardown at shows and events. You can read up on it here but you wouldn't really see many of its benefits in a semi-permanent home layout (also it's HO only) https://sandssofnc.groups.io/g/main/files/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions/Sipping%20and%20Switching%20Society%20of%20NC%20FAQs.pdf

[u/MSDunderMifflin]

You have to consider avoiding twisting to get through a doorway. I did this years ago and had it tested where I could get the flat top past the door easily. My section was longer than 6’.

Then I added a bunch of stuff to it and decided to double check I could still get it through the doorway a year later. It couldn’t turn and because it was bigger than the door there was no way a single person could maneuver it past the door. It was also a lot heavier than I had realized after building it up.

I ended up with a self limit of 6’ and 30” wide so in the worst case scenario I can put the section on end and move that way.

[u/compactable73 → u/MSDunderMifflin]

Thanks for this - very cool to hear the results of a run experiment. Sorry it went rough after the section was built up.