"Frame work" refers to a module's structural frame including endplates, interior supports, legs, and braces. There are no requirements to use specific materials or construction methods; however, the basic trade-off is sturdiness versus weight. To date, frames have been built from dimensional lumber, high-quality plywood such as birch, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Other more exotic materials are possible but have not yet been used by Calgary Free-Mo (wood/foam sandwich, aluminum, honeycomb structures, etc.). We have had great success using a frame constructed from 3/4 G1S plywood. See drawing below.
Generally, dimensional lumber is discouraged due to warping issues.
We have found several things to suggest with respect to building the module:
The nominal module height measured from floor to top of rail shall be 50", adjustable from 49" to 51", with selected public shows using compatible modules at a child-friendly height of 42". Members are strongly encouraged to have a means of displaying at both heights, thus the leg pockets which will allow for legs to be interchangeable for the different height standards. Alternatively, building such height adjustments into the legs themselves can accomplish the same goal.
Suggestion: the height adjustment range of 2" is a minimum; a larger range is acceptable and highly recommended.
See Endplate specifications (below); otherwise free. As a note for ease of use, it should be noted that a module over 6' in length becomes very hard to handle by one person; both in size and weight. If you plan to build a module over 6' in length you should consider making it in two or more sections.
24" wide, 6" tall from bottom to scenery top surface; roadbed and track adds 3/8" to top of rail. See drawing above. Single track must be centered on the endplate.
Endplates MUST be parallel to each other, and perpendicular to track both vertically and horizontally. They must be as flat as possible (e.g. not bowed, twisted, etc.). Material must be solid and sturdy for C-clamping to adjoining modules.
Double track endplates are 26" wide; the two tracks are centered 2" apart, each centered 1" from endplate centerline. Rail tops of both tracks are at the same height, 3/8" above the scenery top surface.
Endplates MUST be perpendicular to track both vertically and horizontally. They must be as flat as possible (e.g. not bowed, twisted, etc.). Material must be solid and sturdy for C-clamping to adjoining modules.
Track spacing may deviate from 2" centers within a module (e.g. broader through curves).
See NMRA standards for spacing specifications.
Some legacy modules have more than one track at a 24"-wide endplate. Mating them with 26"-wide double track modules results in small fascia offsets.
Each module must have legs that support the module. A module must stand secure and level independent of other modules. Each leg must include vertical adjustment of plus and minus 1" minimum to compensate for uneven floors (e.g. rail top height above floor must be adjustable minimum of 41" to 43" and 49" to 51", depending on setup height). If painting the legs use the same paint as the fascia.
Fascias must be smooth and made of a solid, sturdy material (plywood, hard board, Masonite, etc.). Fascia must be 6" tall at the endplates continuing this height 6 3/4" in from the face of the endplates. If the module is flat across the entire length, the fascia will be 6" tall from top of module to bottom of fascia. If the module has rivers, hills, canyons, gulleys etc. that show at the edge of the layout, construct the fascia accordingly to provide a neat and clean edge appearance and a means to attach skirting. Mount a 3/4" wide strip of "Velcro" loop material the full length of the module on both sides. The bottom of the strip to be 6" down from rail height. Used for attaching skirting.
End plates and fascia shall be painted Behr Satin Enamel Wall and Trim, Behr base number 513 Deep Base; Mayan Green* All other exposed wood, frame work or base scenery on the top surface to be painted with Behr Flat Super Scrub Dried Bark.* It should be noted that the top of the module must be painted with the Dried Bark so that if any other scenery products happen to come off, there will be no bare wood showing.
C-clamps are used at the endplates, positioned near the endplate center (directly below the tracks). Alternatively, use two clamps spaced equally apart from the centreline to provide additional stability.
Suggestion: Use "deep-throat" C-clamps to apply pressure closer to module top and draw track ends together.