Page 10 - November December 2013

Solent Summit layout at the Meriden convention N scale modular by Gosport group
Photo: Rod Welch
Next task was the drilling­out of holes to facilitate installation of the metal dowels used to maintain exact alignment on the three inner facings of the module. Once drilled, the dowels were inserted, but they were slightly proud of the rear of each 9 mm end board; as previous experience with metal dowels showed that they would sometimes displace themselves into the actual body of the module board following some use, I cut out squares of plywood (each with a hole to allow the back of the dowel to fit), and used wood glue and clamps to stick them to the rear of each dowel fitting, to prevent subsequent movement.
Once the glue had set, the next step was to attach the board ends: two without dowels for the two module ends, and three sets of two for the inner boards. Prior to gluing, small indents were cut out of six foam board ends for the square extensions that protected the dowels, so that the end boards were flush when attached.
With that complete, No­Nails was again applied, and each ply end offered to each board, making very sure that the male–female dowels were a matching pair, and that the lip of the end was perfectly level with the top of the foam board. Once set, holes were drilled and countersunk, again into the 15 mm wooden corners at either side of each end board, and screws inserted. Where needed, another screw was inserted where the sides met the 15 mm inserts for the track, to maintain a straight edge. Once dry, each board was then tested against its mate, to ensure that there was a firm, steady and snug join between boards.
Next step is to attach folding legs; only one board will have a pair of legs and be able to stand on its own (this will be the inner LH board which does not have any pointwork); once it is erected and standing, the three other boards, with one set of legs only, will be attached to it, one at one end, and two, elephant­style, at the other. Then, suitcase connectors will be used to keep the three inner faces of the module tightly together, with the dowels providing perfect alignment.
For the next part of the story, watch this space!
10 rOUNdHOUSe