alignment module

While i was constructing the staging yard module it occurred to me that it would be handy to also build a master alignment module. Others who were building similar modules could then carry home with them and align their module end track to this master alignment module . This would then ensure that all the modules and their end track pieces would align with each other …..

To this end i had constructed a small mini module , about 250 mm in length and using two Fremo 500mm end faceplates …..

I then attached it to the end of the staging yard module ……

and noticed a slight defect in the module end which prevented it from aligning perfectly in height . This defect was probably brought about by excessive sanding during the painting process …..

anyhow , i added the cork roadbed, sanded the paint off and after masking the area around the crest , leveled it up with humbrol filler…..

i then proceeded to sand down and level the alignment module, the humbrol filler and the staging yard module in one fell swoop……….

i then proceeded to add the tie plates using the install jig , lining it up with the engraved track and center lines in the cork ……

this time i had cut off one of the tie plates with a gap of around 12 mm from the edge ……. later on when the track is installed and cut , i can slip in rail joiners into the gap which in turn will allow better alignment with the adjacent modules

once the glue dried i drilled in the holes and put in the screws …….

i then test fitted the track section and aligned it using a jig which would help keep it straight, i glued and weighted down the track….

once the glue setup i cut the track with a Zona saw and separated the module ….

in the 12mm gap i had left at the modules edge , i was able to insert half cut rail joiners …..

which will help track on other modules to align both horizontally and vertically ……..

here is the finished product …. a mini module in its own right ………