Let me add my two cents on trailer weight.
WE have recently added 14 or 15 C clamps. WE were out for a recent
layout. We probably now have a few extras that could allow us to remove
the big heavier ones. We need several for trolley and other add ons
though so getting a maximum count could be difficult. For add ons,
not the clubs, we could require the owner to bring clamps ( probably could
give out some of the ones the club does not want.)
WE have recently added two dozen or so legs. here again, we could
ask the owners of add ons to bring their own legs. this does add some
complication to the set up and tear down though. For all but the largest
layouts, we do have extra materials. We could limit the size that we
have in the trailer. the new legs have been made from the firing strips
at Home Depot and are lighter in weight that pine 1x2s so that is good.
WE have very little "rock " ballast but some. It does add weight as
does the wood doors on the bottoms. I have removed some of these doors
(since they do not really work well) and added the boxes. You have to
take off several of the braces to make an impact. I am not sure the rock
represents a lot of weight. If the owner is so inclined or is redoing a
module, we could encourage light weight ballast in the future.
We do have several sky boards that we have not used in quite a while,
probably 4 or 5. We do not really need them and they do not look real
good. The owners could again bring the ones that they want to use is we
reduce to the ones we like and use every layout. I just made another but
will bring it home each time.
I like Mikes idea, for a trip, knock the weight down and see if the
trailer does better. we used to be able to go the speed of
traffic.
We could make a big impact if we abandoned the bollards. They get
pushed up to the layout every show anyway.
If we limit the number of modules in the trailer, how do we decide which
ones. Several of us have multiple modules. the club has
several. Should we start with the club's, add the corners, trolley, open
flat add ons, switches, sidings, and then add one from each member???
The member would have to carry the rest on there own?? would there be
enough for the basic layout we want? Would we vote on which
additional modules got into the trailer? Just questions for
thought.
Would the club want to get a loan for a new trailer? Raise
dues? Could be $5,000 to 6,000 for a new one.
It is good to have these email conversations so all ideas are
welcome. It helps us think up better solutions.
Scott