Gallery

Here's a decent overview of Brian's module - lots of activity and some neat ideas, well executed!. Photo by James Altobello

written by Mat Chibbaro

The “seed” for this layout lies in my son Brian’s interest in cars (the road kind, not the rail kind). He has quite a collection of micro-machines vehicles from widely different eras. During one of our trips to the annual “Cruisin’ Ocean City” weekend, we came up with the idea for this layout, where any vehicles of any model year would look good. Thus began Brian’s graduation from the pipsqueek division to his first Ntrak module. Although I helped along the way, Brian did almost all of the construction.

We decided on a 2’x4’ size. To make the frame as light as possible, we used 1”x4” pine for the short ends, and ¼” thick plywood for long sides. I cut the pieces with my power tools, then Brian assembled them with drywall screws. I cut some scraps to form the pockets for the removable legs. We sized these pockets so one thickness of 2” foam would sit on them and be flush with the frame top. Brian mounted a teenut to accept the eyebolt which holds the legs, then he assembled these pockets with more drywall screws.

For legs, I donated Brian a set of the removable legs that I make for the lighweight frames I sell. They are made with ½” EMT. The carriage bolt levelers on the bottom are held by a dowel/insert nut assembly.

The Ntrak lines sit on a length of ¼” plywood, which is supported on the bottom by pine stiffeners approximately ½” x ¾” in cross section. The rest of the area in the frame is recessed 2” thick foam for removable scenery, ala Gil Brauch, our illustrious life member #1. We painted a base coat of gray latex paint on both foam pieces, since much of the scenery would road surface.

To plan out the roads & structures, we first decided on the backdrops we’d use (from Instant Horizons), and then took cues from that. For instance, a road in the backdrop fades into the horizon at the intersection of the 2 backdrop pieces. We located a front-to-rear road here. This would also dictate the location of the grade crossing of the Ntrak lines, for which we used atlas rerailers. To the left of that, in front of the factory on the backdrop, we’d have an industrial scene. The remainder would be an urban setting, with lower buildings and a park closer to the viewer. After Brian built some the structures, we tried different locations, and decided on the locations & widths of the rest of the road grid.

When all of Brian’s structures were done (He built all except for the gazebo and the large hotel), we could get the exact sizes for the blocks. He cut out matte board blocks to serve as sidewalks & structure bases, then painted them with a beige color. When dry, we glued them in their correct locations.

I then showed Brian how to weather roads with an ordinary pencil and a finger; he thought that was really cool. The final step on the roads is the lines. We got yellow & white paint pens, then Brian made the lines with the help of a straightedge. When the roads were done, Brian added the grass in the park area with ground foam. After we were sure the roads & the park looked good, the structures were mounted using full strength matte medium.

As of this writing, Brian has started to add details. He has a lot more to go, with figures, cans, boxes, junk, old newspapers, etc, expected to complete this module. The structures still need to be named. Brian adds his vehicles to the layout during shows; they are not glued down.

This city does not have a name, even though the module does. In fact only one road has a name: Noll Avenue. This is where Brian likes to place his prized possessions, vehicles painted by fellow club member Noll Horan, including a model of the ’57 Chevy Noll used to own.

Once again, another thanks to all the club members that have accepted Brian & Stephanie into the group in our true “Semper Gumby” atmosphere.