Re: TTAT Trailer

["Ira Schneider" <ira_schneider@iname.com>]

Ed,

We need all of the modules that are in the trailer.  In the recent past we have been able to set up layouts which used
all but one or two modules.

We probably only need one set of ABCD-ABDE transition modules, even though it is nice to have two sets.
Actually, we have used the second set mainly to extend the layout (i.e. putting the transitions back to back).
These could be replaced by ABCD or ABDE modules.  We are also carrying your set of bridge
transition modules in the trailer, even though we usually use them only when you bring the bridge
module.  Again, we have used them in the past back-to-back simply to extend the layout.

We are much more flexible with 6 corners than with 4, since we can set up either an oval or an L-shape.
However, the old corners should either be refurbished or rebuilt.

We are short of legs and clamps when we set up a big layout.  Either legs have been disappearing
or we have added modules (including scenery modules) without adding legs.  The same with clamps.

It is not clear which skyboards we use regularly.  We just pick some from the set we have.
Most of the time, we don't use the winter scenes.  The heavier skyboards (i.e. the ones with the
building fronts attached to the boards) are some of the nicest boards we have.  We shouldn't
get rid of them just because of weight.

One of the things we might consider to lower the weight is to replace the wooden storage compartments
on the modules with plastic boxes.  I don't know how much this would help (since I don't know how
many modules have the wooden compartments and how much each weighs).

If we are so concerned with weight, we shouldn't encourage people to add ballast made of gravel to
their modules.  If we want ballast, we should use the rubber ballast, which is much lighter.
Again, I don't think this would make much difference.


Ira