Domino Construction - Model Railroader Magazine

I have always referred to mine as modules, but it appears that the MRR gods have now dictated that they be called dominos.

The size is arbitary to fit your needs. I also will make mine from 3/4 inch plywood members. HD will rip a 4 x 8 sheet in half free which makes it for easy loading into my 'burb and into the shop. I bought a 10" Skilsaw table saw with fine tooth blades for cutting plywood, and then I will  rip them into 3-7/8th widths x 8 feet lengths. Four by eights are to big, bulky and heavy for me so I will use two sizes, 3 x 4  and 3 x 8. The saving over paying HD to rip up all of the slats pays for the saw.

I will use cross braces (girders) on 12 inch centers with diagonals in the 4 corners to keep them square. This is basically open grid bench work without the "L" girders which I don't find to be necessary.

Since I will have underpasses, streams, and other scenic areas below track level the sub road bed will be 3/4 plywood on risers. Cork roadbed and flex track will be installed as needed.

Now that my garage has been finished off and air conditioned, I will be building an 8 by 18 foot double track oval as a testing and break in track. It will have a 12 foot opening on one side where I can install the module (oops, domino) that I am working on so that I will be able to operate on it while it is under construction.

The dominos will have 2 x 2 legs with adjustment bolts for leveling because my garage floor slants. I was fortunate to obtain some kitchen cabinets that my re-habber neighbor took out of some kitchens. The oval track will be supported on those which gives me plenty of under the table storage.