Dear Joey,

Interesting video, thanks for posting. Have to ask, did you consider cutting trapezoid sections rather than arcs to gain better usage of the source sheet material?

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

PS the tab-in-slot construction looks good, esp being "designed-in".

Nice video, entertaining as your videos always are, and informative.

A question:  At approximately the 9:40 mark, you mentioned cutting out the 1/2 inch base by hand - what tool did you use to make the (circular, not that it matters) cut?

I've used Gatorboard for years for a variety of applications, including bases for structures, and for roadbed (straight).  Never thought about it in the fashion that you have introduced.

Thanks!

Al Carter

Joey,

How much of a price difference is there between a 4x8 sheet of 3/16 Gatorboard vs plywood? I'm seeing packs of 15 go for around $1,000 which brings a sheet to around $70, excluding oversize shipping. Not to mention the inability to get just 1 or 2 sheets of the stuff for that price. I'm assuming as a print shop owner you get better pricing due to volumes used versus us incidental buyers. Any good sources you can point to besides me driving up north 30 miles to your shop? :)

Prof Klyzlr - quick answer is yes, I considered the alternative shapes and used them on previous projects that were plywood. Most likely, the traps would work out more efficiently if I were cutting from the parent sheet by hand. With the recent Gatorboard projects  that I cut on the laser, I had to cut the parent sheet into pieces that I could fit on the laser. In this case, the difference with the arc allowed me to add in the clamps on the same cut job. 

Hi Al Carter, those 1/2" bases were cut with a simple box cutter. I just drew a circle from a center point.

Hi Yaron, depends on what plywood you are are using of course, but good plywood can be expensive. The real difference for me comes in when work/time is considered. Setting up saw horses or a table, getting the tools out, having someone help you.... and of course....the mess! If you are looking,  I don't know if he lists them on the website, but you can certainly call my supplier which is Walker Supply in Rockville, MD. Walkersupply.com -  I take my trailer down every few months.  If you do, ask for Kent Walker and tell him I sent you. He'd probably give you a deal. if not,  I think Uline has them in (If I remember correctly) cartons of 3? 

Joey

very nice!!!

LOL, that reminds me of "worlds lightest steam roller" , and wondering who really wants a light one? ...DaveB

I once built a small N scale version of the original Gorre and Daphetid plan from dollar store foamcore. I think one would have to go with better quality stuff but it occurs to me that, if properly engineered and supported, one could do a small, low turn count helix with foamcore. Just throwing it out there. Maybe more trouble than it's worth.

Joey nice design and build and video.  Very cool.  Bet you’d sell some helix kits if offered on your web store  

The helix is my greatest model railroad fear. Even more than ballasting turnouts :)

Don’t let the haters get you down and hopefully they don’t dissuade you from sharing future projects here.  

jeff

I did a quick scan of the video and my first thought was, how do you dial in a planet (see SG-1)!!!  It looks like you got yourself a star gate there.  ​ 

Regarding reliable operation on a 22 inch radius, it appears that it depends on 4-axle geeps and 50' or shorter freight cars.  Well and good.

But what if you want to run 89' flat cars and 85'  auto racks and passenger cars and six axle tunnel motors?  What radius could I reliably run trains with these rolling stock in them?

are who Joey said, people who are lugging it to shows. It needs to be portable.

HO - Western New York - 1987 era
"When your memories are greater than your dreams, joy will begin to fade."