Deluxe Layout Cubes

Unlimited Shapes & Sizes 

Standard Features

Frame
The frame has two-levels and is constructed using cabinet-grade birch plywood that is glued & screwed together. A two-level frame provides a more stable mounting surface for the fascia and/or light valances, provides more room for wiring and gives the cube a greater sense of 3-dimensional presence, hence the name 'cube'. The frame design is similar to David Barrow's (see Model Railroader magazine September 1999). The center member on the lower frame provides an ideal place to mount BusTap boards & cables. The space between the lower & upper frame conveniently provides clearance to mount electrical switches to the fascia.

Base
The base is constructed of 2" extruded Styrofoam. The base is hand-carved to perfectly match the irregular top edge of the fascia.

Fascia
The fascia is constructed using 1/8" Masonite. The top edge is cut to represent an irregular & unique "earth boundary". The fascia is attached to the frame with screws thereby making it easy to remove if needed. The fascia can be painted your choice of color - black or green is recommended. Where applicable, the fascia is curved to match the base.

Optional Features

Leg Assemblies
The leg assemblies are constructed using cabinet-grade birch plywood. They are easily removed from the cube & come with adjustable leveling feet & a painted fascia. The legs assemblies fit snugly into a "pocket" in the module frame & can be constructed to achieve virtually any track height. Cubes with leg assemblies can support the weight of adjacent cubes, therefore every cube does NOT require its own set of legs.

Base
1/4" Luan plywood sub-base
3", 4", 5" or 6" extruded foam base
Hand-carved scenic contours
Paint & texture

Backdrop
The backdrops are constructed using 1/8" Masonite. Depending on the arrangement of cubes, a backdrop may/may not be required for each cube. On corner cubes, the backdrop is curved. The top edge of the backdrops can be secured by the light valance assembly. This ensures that the backdrops lay flat without unsightly fasteners. Optional paint schemes include sky-blue, clouds and/or hill outlines.

Light Valances
Lighting plays an extremely important role in constructing, operating and viewing your layout. Two-circuit incandescent light valances are available to accommodate white (day) & blue (night) lights. Each circuit has evenly spaced ceramic fixtures and a standard plug/socket. All components are UL rated.

Lighting Controls
In order to provide the proper light levels to accommodate your mood or current activity, a complete 120VAC lighting control system is available. The system provides the ability to dim the white and blue circuits independently as well as control each cube's white circuit via an ON/OFF switch. There is also a main ON/OFF switch.

Shelving
Laminate shelving is available for display/storage. The shelves fit under the frame and rest on the leg assembly cross members.

Power Strip
A six-outlet 120VAC UL-listed power strip mounted to the lower frame.

Do It Yourself
If you want to build the cubes yourself, a set of detailed drawings is available for $50. Drawings are usually sent via email OR for hardcopies add $5.

 

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