LEGO Fun

[John]

The gravel unloading platform on the layout is a 3D-printed structure (a work in progress) and fairly fragile. Since the tracks are attached to the structure, I decided to make it removable. That introduced a new challenge: how to realign the tracks accurately when putting the assembly back in place.

Fortunately, my grandkids love LEGOs—and I occasionally "borrow" a few pieces for layout projects. This was one of those times.

Here's how I used LEGO bricks to solve the alignment issue:

    Mounting Holes: I used a Dremel to create mounting holes in the sub-roadbed on each side of the track.

    Base LEGO Placement: I epoxied a thin, square LEGO plate into each hole—upside down—so the studs faced down into the epoxy.



    Track LEGO Mount: Once the epoxy set, I snapped a second LEGO piece onto each base. I then epoxied these upper LEGOs to the underside of the track. I kept the ties in place and added extra epoxy for strength.




    Removal Slot: To make removal easier, I milled a small slot into the upper LEGO, allowing a flat blade to pry the structure up without damage.

[Scottl]

What a great idea.  Thanks for sharing.

[Bendtracker1]

Nice solution John.
You gotta love LEGOs.

[Dave V]

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[peteski]

[mu26aeh]

So not right @Dave V   

[Dave V]

So not right @Dave V   

Hey, I got permission from a mod as long as I pixelated it! 

[John]

Hey, I got permission from a mod as long as I pixelated it! 

Must have been ED

[Dave V]

Must have been ED

The LEGO guy doesn't have ED, that's for sure...

[John]

See if I ever post any more modeling tips

[Dave V]

See if I ever post any more modeling tips

LEGO guy was really into your modeling tip though. Please don't let him down!

[peteski]

The LEGO guy doesn't have ED, that's for sure...

From what I've been told, the Lego guy needed Viagra (and obviously it worked). 

[Dave V]

LOL, watching my respect points on that post wither away... Well, not every post can be Pulitzer-worthy.

In all seriousness though, @John , that's a really creative solution. I confess that I have considerable trouble thinking about non-model railroading materials when I'm trying to solve problems. I think the closest I get to is the old drinking straw smokestack trick.

I am curious to see how you're able to scenic in the LEGO bits and still have the pry hole accessible. I would recommend painting the LEGO assemblies some sort of aged concrete color but only scenicking in the permanently-fixed LEGOs.

Also, any concerns about keeping the rails in gauge over the gravel pit itself?

[John]

Good idea on paining them.   The track on the pit is epoxied to the grate.  But I need to go back and re-@attach that small section in the image.  I will also put a couple of pc board ties in some strategic places to help.   

Im always on the lookout for alternate materials. For example, some of the thick for,sale signs are cheaper than then”hobby” stuff and come in .040”. 

[Dave V]

Im always on the lookout for alternate materials. For example, some of the thick for,sale signs are cheaper than then”hobby” stuff and come in .040”.

Oh yeah, now that you mention it... All the roads on the Juniata Division 1.0 where made from plastic garage sale signs I got at Lowe's.