Building the WFS Part 2

(Originally published on the Micro Model Railroad Cartel Blog.)  

Using Foam Core Board For The Layout Sections

I constructed this micro layout from foam core sheets.  The sheet size is 20 inches x 30 inches and I chose black foam core sheets (About 3 sheets total used for all sections).  I used a construction method I received from a PowerPoint presentation by Prof. Klyzlr* on a past episode of Model Rail Radio.  One slide illustrates Chris Ellis’ method of using flat modules connected with foam core clips (Clipboard Modules).   Some really nice illustrations by Jack Trollope, which were included in Prof. Klyzlr’s presentation*, aided me in putting this all together.  I modified the dimensions to fit my needs and used Pacer Industries Formula 560 Canopy Glue to fasten the parts together.  The left section’s dimensions are 7.5 inches wide by 30 inches long with a box depth of 40mm.  The right section is 7.5 inches wide by 24 inches long with a box depth of 40mm as well.  The left staging section (not pictured) is 2 inches wide by 13.5 inches long with a box depth of 40mm.  The right staging section (not pictured) is 3.5 inches wide by 28 inches long with a box depth of 40mm. 
Below are photos of the main modules under construction. 
 
 
 
 
The clip is really good at holding the two sections together.  So far, I am not experiencing any warping.  That may change with the addition of scenery.

Up Next:  Laying Track

*Due to copyright, I am not able to post Prof. Klyzlr’s PowerPoint presentation, “Foamcore Modules: A Different Approach to Layout Construction.”

The Warrior Express Train Show

The Wetterau Food Services Micro Layout made its first trip to a local train show yesterday. It was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed the experience.

The Warrior Express Train Show (February 11, 2017)

 Tom

Building the WFS Part 1

(Originally published on the Micro Model Railroad Cartel Blog) 

The Inspiration and Track Plan

The Wetterau Food Services layout is based on a grocery distributor that once existed in the town of Desloge, Missouri.  The structure and tracks still exist, but it is no longer a grocery distributor or receives rail service.  This location is the inspiration for a micro layout I am currently building.  Although the track arrangement is very close to the actual prototype, this layout will not be a faithful model of that prototype.  This location was once served by the Mississippi River & Bonne Terre, Missouri & Illinois, and the Missouri Pacific Railroad.  Today, the line is owned and operated by Union Pacific.

Reference Photos of the Prototype:
 
 
 
 


 HO Track Plan:

Up Next in Part 2:  Using Foam Core Board For The Layout Sections

Road Trip 1

The Wetterau Food Services Micro Layout will be operating at the following train show:

The Warrior Express Train Show
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Fox C6 High School
751 Jeffco Blvd.
Arnold, Missouri 63101
10 am to 3 pm

Tom