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I ordered and just received one of the new RRinabox Quick Line layouts. The kit builds a two train 40"x64" 027 layout. Those not familiar with RRinabox kits, the layouts are built out of foam core. The Quick Line kit is different in that the parts are pre-cut and pre-colored. The kit builds two sections that are butted together, but which also nest together for storage. Years ago, I built the RRinabox 500 series MTH layout, and I decided to give this new kit a try. I have lots of trains that will run on 027 curves, so I figured "why not?".

Here in Florida, I do not have room for a layout at my house. I have a 5x9 layout in my sister's Florida room and I don't have room for expansion. My intent is to redo my 5x9 and incorporate this new RRinabox layout into my new layout.

I will post updates if there is any interest.

Happy railroading!

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I will post photos as I progress. I opened the box to take a look. I think it is promising. I pulled out the instructions and read through then. I don't think a kid could assemble one without adult supervision, but it easier than having to paste the plans and cut out pieces (having done that). 

The instructions provide for 8 possible layout plans. These range from a simple loop, to dual loops, to point to point, and up to a Max track version that features two interconnected loops and two sidings.

I'm not that much into operations, especially on such a small layout. I just like to watch the trains run and blow the horn or whistle now and then. Right now, I'm leaning towards a plan with two separate loops and a bump'n go trolley line. leaving out the switches would allow me to run some fat wheeled prewar and Marx on it. It is more flexible than I thought it might be in terms of track plans.

Where one loop crosses over the other, it shows a vertical clearance of 4". Not much, but probably adequate for most 027 equipment. I like that one track goes down, while the other goes up, meaning each loop only needs to rise or descend 2" to gain the 4" clearance. This keeps the grades from becoming too steep.

I will post some photos as I go along. It might take me a while to build as I'm old, not in the best of health, and tend to take my time anyway. Plus I learned on the first one that allowing adequate time for the glue to dry between various stages and making sure that things are assembled right the first time helps the overall satisfaction.

Happy railroading!

Mowingman, they are currently $299.95 plus a little more for shipping. To me it is not that unreasonable considering what you get. Most of us settle for a plywood plains layout and this gives people a chance to have a scenic 3D layout that they might not otherwise have. There is a lot I'm sure that does into designing these kits and my experience with the MTH 500 series layout was that they are well thought out. Decent lumber and plywood isn't cheap anymore, as I found out. I'm sure some people may think they are too expensive, but it is worth it to me. Everyone is different.

Ace, my friend, not quite , but you are very close.  Good job. They are developing a "C" module that drops in between these two modules and expands it to 8' in length. I will be interested in seeing what they come up with for that.

If I decide to add switches, I will likely use 1121 or 1024 switches.

The grade is split. The outer loop goes up 2" and the inner loop goes down 2" to create 4" separation where one track crosses the other.

Hi Mike,

What does the manufacturer instructions recommend is used to support the kit? A frame with attached legs, lightweight foldable banquet style tables, what exactly? Also since it's obviously lightweight foamboard with much "hollowness" beneath the trackbed, once you've assembled it and have trains running please keep us abreast of its noise level compared to typical layout construction? Hope the base doesn't resonate the sound of the running trains like a drum base,  the body of a guitar, or to a lesser degree -  Fastrack.

Last edited by ogaugeguy
Mike Donahue posted:

... If I decide to add switches, I will likely use 1121 or 1024 switches.

The grade is split. The outer loop goes up 2" and the inner loop goes down 2" to create 4" separation where one track crosses the other.

Something to consider with the old 1024 switches: they look cool, but the all-plastic swiveling switch points may cause smaller locos to stall. Photo shows manual switches 1022 above, 1024 below.

With the grade split I figure the grades are about 4.5% on that layout. The 4" clearance is pretty close but doable for O27 equipment. That upper spur looks poised for a connecting module. Keep us posted on your progress!   

100_2690

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Last edited by Ace
Mike Donahue posted:

Well, when I built the MTH version, I just set it on a folding table, which worked fine. The instructions show it sitting on a dresser, folding table, or about anything else you want to set it on.

Mike, although being built with lightweight, relatively thin foamboard vs. traditional wood layout materials and construction, I assume there's no appreciable, noticeable rise in noise level from the trains running over the track or else this wouldn't be your second build using the RRinabox system. Correct?

Last edited by ogaugeguy
Mike Donahue posted:

Ace, my thought with the 1024's is that my fat wheeled Marx 999 should run through them. On the other hand, if I use 1022's I can avoid having to mount and wire controllers since they are power routing.  Manual switches should be fine on such a small layout. Decisions, decisions.

The old Marx O27 switches handle fat-wheel locos and have the advantage of metal rails all the way through the switch for better electrical continuity. I've modified some Marx switches for power routing, and converted some to manual throw.

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They were "junk" switches I got for free. Cleaned them up and they work fine.

Further discussion here:     https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...-1590-metal-switches

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Last edited by Ace

I saw the ad for this in the new October issue at the book store, the website is not laid out very well, on the phone it is almost unreadable, but on the computer it doesn't look bad. The pictures only show the O-27 layout, not the Z or N or HO scale layout or (what I really would like to see) the On30 layout... Great idea though, anything to give options for newcomers...

The track plan and layout remind me of the old Model Railroader 'HO Railroad that Grows' that was in 5x9' or so, not the same, I know, but the 'look' is similar, especially the upper track crossing over the lower on a curve...

I don't know if this link is allowed here but a plan of it is here on this discussion:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/212619.aspx?pi314=2

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