Module Construction Begins!

Tonight I cut some roll cork to fit the plywood decks I cut for the first two modules.  Since the modules will depict track in city streets, a couple of spurs, and two small yards they will be flat with no change in grade for the tracks.  As such I am using simple box frame construction with plywood tops.  I am using cork to dampen the vibration and resonance of running trains.  Since the modules will depict flat urban scenery I chose to lay a sheet of cork on the plywood to keep everything level.

I had cut the plywood tops a week or two back so they were ready.  I unrolled the cork and trimmed two sheets to fit each of the two pieces of plywood allowing a small overhang all the way around on each piece.

Once I had the cork cut I coated the cork and each piece of plywood with liberal coats of contact cement.  I used an old canvas drop cloth to protect the floor.

I used "nonflammable" contact cement.  It cleans up with soap and water making it easy to clean the paint brush I used for application.

I waited about 40 minutes for the cement to dry somewhat and get tacky.  Once it was ready my wife helped me set the plywood panels over their respective cork sheets.  You only get one shot at this with contact cement so we were careful to maintain the cork overhang on all sides before carefully lowing the plywood onto the cork.  We then pressed each sheet down to make sure the contact cement was grabbing good.  I then flipped each panel over and trimmed the excess cork from around the edges using a hobby knife with a #11 blade.

Once trimmed each panel has a nice flush edge so the module fascia will be able to fit snugly.

Next I will move to the framing and attaching the plywood tops to the modules.  I hope to get that completed this weekend along with assembling the module leg sets.  Check back for updates!