Endloop Modules

The end loops were not exactly the first thing I constructed when I began my layout.  I new I needed to refresh my very minimal skills with a hammer, nails and a saw.  So I decided to build flat deck to set on sawhorses to build my modules.  I knew I needed to have things as square as I could make them and sure enough that was easy enough to do.  I did learn, however, all about warp.  My flat deck was not flat!  Lesson learned.

After that experience I new I needed more practice before beginning module building for real.  Additionally, I recognized I would need endloops in order to run trains at home.  So I designed and built two endloops as shown in the photos below.

 Click on the photos to see larger photo.  Click back to return.

I was for the most part successful.  Both endloops were square and without warp.  Moving forward with this success, I put down track so as to meet the Z-Mod standard.  I hooked them together and ran trains.  I had to do a little fixing on one of the endloops because I did not get the track down as good as needed.  While handling and running trains, I learned how delicate the ¾” foam is around the perimeter of the modules.  Consequently, all new modules I have built now have a ¾’ by ½” wood trim around the perimeter of the module to protect the edges form the inevitable “dinging” that happens.  Another lesson learned is that a solid sub roadbed is very important to having quality track.  Therefore, all new modules have ¾” plywood roadbed beneath the roadbed.  I use cork roadbed now but I want to try other materials to settle for myself the question “What is the best roadbed?”  The answer to this and many other related questions is, to me, in the “eyes of the beholder.

I have on many occasions started thinking about how I want to improve and scenic these endloops.  Making a mini-yard is where my mindset is right now.  But so far some competing project jumps to the head of the long list of priorities.  We shall see.  

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