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I'd like to introduce a newly formed modular club in the Tidewater area of Virginia.   The club is called Kids Run Trains and over the last 2 months, they have been assembling a modular layout using the Lionel Fastrack Module design.   I wanted to share some pictures of the layout.  We started with just 3 modules designed to function as a Timesaver layout that can be incorporated into a larger layout.  Last night we finished assembly of the remaining modules that create roughly a 9 ft by 20 ft layout.   We used reversible curves because they offer greater flexibility since they can be used as inside or outside curves.  We aren't done yet, but are getting closer.   Our goal is to debut this layout at the Tidewater Division of the NMRA Annual Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Sep 27th & 28th.   If you have construction questions or hints, please let me know.   Check us out here too www.facebook.com/kidsruntrains

completed modules
completed modules angled
KRT LCCA SE #3
IMG_0667

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Images (4)
  • Completed Modules
  • Completed Modules
  • On display
  • Timesaver modules
Last edited by Pennsy Man
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Nice job. Looks like you're well on your way on the construction. The only hint I would toss out would be to get the module tops painted before putting the track down. We use a dirt-brown interior latex on our modules. As Peter already mentioned, check out our schedule on the website. We'd enjoy seeing you in the Richmond area.

 

Gilly

Thanks for all the encouragement!  The track you see in the pictures hasn't been secured yet but was just set out to give us an idea how it would look.   We still have sanding, painting, and more to do before we put track down!  We are just excited it has gone from an idea on paper to something real.

 

If you guys head down to Virginia Beach for the NMRA show in Sep, we should be setup and running.  Please stop by and say hello!

Originally Posted by albertstrains:

  Did you use the Lionel Fastrack template for modules?

Al

Al,

   Yes we did.  Actually, we had the template reproduced out of steel to ensure it doesn't break.   By having it made out of steel, it also doubles as a drill guide, not something I wouldn't try with the original template.   We have tried to stay as true as possible to the original design.  There are some places where we have deviated, but nothing that would prevent us from mating our modules with someone else's.   Please let me know if you have any other questions.

 

Thanks

Russ

As electrical support on this project, I can say without a doubt that this has been the fastest I've ever built a layout in my life. Russ' experience with wood fabrication has been paramount to getting this project rolling.

 

The electrical arrangement on these modules is a no-brainer. Simple, straightforward, and if done properly, effective.

It has been a while since the last update, however progress has continued on the modular layout. Since the last update, all the modules have been stained and painted and all the wiring harnesses have been assembled. This week we will be attaching the track and wiring harnesses. Thanks to the support of everyone who has helped this project along, we will have a working layout very soon!!


Our next work session will be the 28th at 7 PM.   We will be attaching the track and adding the harnesses.
 
Don''t forget to mark you calendars for 27 & 28 Sep, when we debut the KRT layout the Tidewater NMRA show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.  If you are interested in participating, please let me know.   Having trains is not a requirement!   Wanting to have fun and learn and share the hobby is!
 
 
 

Painted modules 2

Stained modules 2

Wiring Harnesses 2

Attachments

Images (3)
  • Painted modules 2
  • Stained modules 2
  • Wiring Harnesses 2
Last edited by Pennsy Man

Hi Pennsy Man,

I'll bet the kids are excited and you, too, when it comes alive. Great project and milestone!

 

I used another harness, cut in half, with one end attached to a module terminal block, the other wires connected to the power source(s) following the module wiring color specs.

Then, you can just connect the power with the harness connectors.

 

I also found that a little shot of WD-40 makes the harnesses easier to connect\disconnect.

 

What did you use or fabricate for leg brackets? Seems to be the main catch.

Originally Posted by Moonman:

Hi Pennsy Man,

I'll bet the kids are excited and you, too, when it comes alive. Great project and milestone!

 

I used another harness, cut in half, with one end attached to a module terminal block, the other wires connected to the power source(s) following the module wiring color specs.

Then, you can just connect the power with the harness connectors.

 

I also found that a little shot of WD-40 makes the harnesses easier to connect\disconnect.

 

What did you use or fabricate for leg brackets? Seems to be the main catch.

Thanks for the tip on how to hook up our power source.

 

As for the brackets, we were lucky enough to have someone able to fabricate them per the drawings in the Fastrack manual.   They are working great.   We did alter the adjustable feet though went with carriage bolts and t-nuts vice the recommend feet and inserts.   Cost was one factor for this change, but the carriage bolt allows us to adjust them from the side with a wrench without having to pick up the module.

 

Thanks again for the comments!

I am really interested in the leg bracket fabrication. I was not able to find a cost effective way to do that.

A forum member in the UK fabricated the new style bracket, which is a cost effective, but I don't like that it most the pressure point to the center or corner of the leg.

 

You can take it off-line @ my email in my profile if you like.

Thanks.

The leg brackets are the majority of the cost in these. They're heavy as crud and could potentially be made of other materials rather than steel. We used Lionel's own design and fabricated from two pieces of angle iron welded together. This eliminated the use of the press.

 

I am working out some details that could eliminate the use of the corner brackets all together.

 

We still have yet to attach all of the harnesses to each section, but I'm quite pleased with the effort so far.

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