Thu 30 Aug 2007
As a member of the Small Layout Design Special Interest Group I was recently introduced to a fledgling group called Snackboxes or SnackTrak ‘ a ‘dedicated’ group of modellers who are toying with the idea of creating a new modular railroad standard based on wooden box sold by IKEA known as the ‘snackbox’. In truth, the group was started on a lark, but interest has been growing as people consider the possibilities of a modular, small/micro layout club. The idea seems to have merit, as it takes into consideration the budgetary concerns of some members, the limited woodworking experience of others, and wraps into a tidy guild that fosters creativity and camaraderie.
Recent discussions have focussed on implementing a standard for the modules. The fundamental problem is that the box is 22″ x 14 5/8″ x 5 7/8″ ‘ offering only a little more then two square feet of modeling space. If you consider the standards that other clubs employ (like Ntrak), you start to realise that too strict a standard will greatly limit modelling possibilities. With this in mind, I’ve put forth the suggestion for a ‘slot-standard’. This idea differs from regular club guidelines by proposing that individual modules need-not be joined inline, but rather they can be offset from one another. Each module could have a horizontal slot cut in the end ‘ just like the handle. Carriage bolts would be passed through the slots, and secured easily with large washers and wing nuts. The beauty of this system is that it builders needn’t worry where their rails are located on the module, only that that they meet the ends of the modules squarely.
Here is the image I uploaded to the Snackboxes group for review. I’m seriously considering building one of these modules! Any takers on starting a local club?
