Greetings from South Germany
Hi, I am Ulf from South Germany and an software engineer and model railway enthusiast. Although originally only focussed on Z Gauge (which is much more common in Germany as it fits in smaller flats) I always was quite impressed by the Horny Live Steam locomotives - which I could finally get. Unfortunately its was quite gummed and the electric engine nearly disintegrated... but afer some hints from this page and a nearly complete disassembly it finally made its first runs yesterday. This page is amazing and I really appreciate the detailed work and instructions oif it!
Best regards
Ulf
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Hello all,
Thank you very much for the warm welcome!
I really like the idea of a joint layout of modular trackbeds, as it gives the opportunity to have a large layout and meet with other enthusiasts. In Germany I know of the "Hallenechtdampftreffen" which took place in the past in Sinsheim and now at the model toy fair in Friedrichshafen once a year. There they also support modular layouts fro live steam - but this more focussed on larger scale. I also appreciate the idea of having a plstic sheet as a cover for the modules. As the steam locomotives always tend to "oil" the surface this would be a good way to clean up the layout. As you asked me as an mechanical engineer (honestly I am working much more in the areas of software engineering nowadays) I could give you two small hints: From the photos the plastic looks a little bit cavernous - so there is a chance that the oil seeps into the plastic. I had very good experience from using POM for technical suraces - you also use it in mechanical engineering. It can be milled quite easily and has a dense and easy to clean surface - but it is probably much more expensive - maybe you could use a thinner or used sheet.
In addition I would recommend add some thicker cables between to connectors - as the steam locomotives take a high amount of current I would assume that the losses in the tracks would be quite high if you combine a lot of modules.
Maybee someone could roughly define the dimensions and connectors of the modules so that everyone could bild their own modules at home. I would be happy to join a meeting in the UK - if that fits to the holiday plans of my family!
Best regards and Greetings
Ulf
PS: just a small photo from my old Z-layout - built about ten years ago...