A New beginning!

 

3/16/15

 

A New Beginning with Lessons Learned!

 

After moving the modules around for 3 years including 3 model shows and moving residences 3 times last year they have held up well. The original built modules were well built but there was definitely room to improve on areas that we had difficulty with. I have decided rather then keep making extensive structural upgrades, I would start fresh and design a whole new project.

 

The main thing that is noticeable is that the new project will consist of one large module, rather then a few smaller ones. The reason for this was although the modules were designed to work together, the more features that were added, (streets, rails, turns) the more the joints effected reliable operation. The old modules were around 3' long and 2.5' deep, and were designed for easy transport. The new single module will be 8' long and 2.75' deep.

 

 

In addition to the size changes I decided to change from a MDF Fiberboard to a double sided plywood to help with how it is effected by the construction adhesives and temperatures or moisture.

 

 

 

Once the plywood was cut to size and temporarily attached to the frame, I used a large piece of paper I purchased from the local craft store to lay out the new design. I find it easier to do this because you can change the lines with an eraser rather then having crossed out lines that can be confusing when its time to make cuts. It is also handy for remarking limits that are covered by paint or scenery.

 

Due to the size of the new module, to make transport easier I added 2 removable handles on each side. I also limited it to 8' because of the ability to fit in a standard 8' pickup bed or trailer. check back soon for updates!

Out with the old, In with the New

 

3/09/15

 

 

Out with the old, in with the new!

 

 The spring season is here and change is on the way. I learned yet again, many lessons including its best not to rush construction of new modules before a model show because you won't get the quality you are after. I gave this all a lot of thought and drew up many sketches and I have come to a decision. I am going to completely dismantle all of the modules, and save what I can. I am starting the redesign from the ground up. It will include a whole new base system and rather then being a few separate modules, it will be just one. Incorporating everything that I have learned to redesign the whole process and some new products and ideas.

 

 

Here you can see some of the last pictures I took of the modules. They were good to me and I was happy with them. My ideas were just growing and I was running out of room to grow. The more I added, the more operations became less reliable.

  

 

Enjoy the pictures, by the time you will be reading this it will be nothing but a memory and what can be salvaged many find its way on to the new Boston Module Project.

 

I plan to take many more pictures and videos during the building of the new Module so that I can share the lessons I've learned with you and hope you will find interest in Faller Car System, Model railroading or animation of model scenes!

Springfield MA Model Show 2015

 

3/01/15

 

 

I attended the 2015 Model show in January in Springfield MA and it was a great time as usual! Got to see great friends we only see once a year.




 

As usual I was rushed to get the modules finished in addition to the third module I incorporated to this years display. All though it was much unfinished by my standards I hope to achieve, it came out okay to display. Here you can see the almost completed MBTA bus rounding a corner to a side street. (Photo Andy Madden)

 

I experimented with installing in-street track for the future Green Line extension and have learned some lessons that I can use to correct problems I had with the Faller car system passing over the rails. The display was shared in the 1-87 vehicle club area during the show. You can visit their website at 1-87vehicles.org where you can see these and many other great pictures from the show.

 

 

( Photo by Andy Madden )