Projet module bois en kit Maketis

Maketis has been created to propose you a new range of scenery products for the model train and generally made by craftsmen or small manufacturers. But how realize a scenery, or putting the first pieces of tracks without an adapted support/layout and with the good height?

Sure, when you have tools, workshop and know-how, this step is not difficult... but this is not the case for everybody and Maketis is happy to present you this project in order to delete this woodwork for the people who are afraid about this activity or don't have enough time and place.

The specifications are very simple but never proposed :

• design a wooden kit module/layout, precut and easy to build with a simple screwdriver or a cordless screwdriver for example.
• possibility of delivery with a carrier from our web site thanks to a specific carboard packaging (also available during the exhibitions)
• propose a first modular version with enough place for the modeler in order to realize a respectable plan of tracks with consequent scenery (as a station or railroad depot). So, a surface of 120x60 cms (47,2x23,6 inches)
• height of the module up to 120 cms (47.2 inches) but at first the module will be suggested without legs (optional)
• Answering to Morop standards but without obligations
• maxi Weight 20 kg (without legs)

Firstly, we were looking for some woodworkers and develop our project. We proposed them this version :

This approach took time, because it's not a current "furniture" for a classic woodworker, it was necessary to prepare the work or the design to be sure that we really obtain what we wanted. The results were goods generally but did not answer completely to our specifications.

We wanted to keep a kit model ready to delivery such as a commode you bought from a big specialized signs website.

We managed to find a specialist using the last technologies of cut with a digital milling machine and we were able to share our needs with an engineering office. The project increased in power since September and we finally make the first prototype at the end of December, which we present you now.

This prototype offers many advantages and more than ou specifications.

• All the module faces can be connected.
• Two widths correspond to a length and allows multiple combinations of connections, see examples of presentations as below.
• Thanks to a set of tenon and mortise joints on every parts, the assembly of the module is very simple and exceeds our expectations, every part is designed to be assemble in a single sense, impossible to make a mistake! This assembly coupled with a sticking with a wood glue is very resistant and will have a good resistance for a long time.
• The belt is strengthened by slot-in corners and allowing the stability of 4 legs in stainless metallic tube.
• Addition of white faces, which are cleaner for the presentation and mask the connections.
• For transport reasons, impossible to keep the sizes 120x60cm, we come to an agreement for a module 118x59cm
• The module will be delivered with legs and will have a height up to 125 cm. Legs are adjustable in height

Gobal view on the reinforced corners and the input systems for the legs :

Assembly of the prototype in Maketis shop and presentation during Saint Mandé (near Paris) fair in january 2017.

This presentation was welcomed by modelers and even members of associations, the press and the french federation.

We noted their feelings and the evolutions they would prefer ? We keep mainly two ideas :

- propose more depths and with levels of 10 cm, with a minimum of 30 cm. (60-50-40-30cm)

- propose in option some "cheeks" and a headband for the installation of lightings as a "show case".

If we meet success with this first version, we'll certainly keep in mind these evolutions.

Concerning the price, for the moment we announce a price estimation between 185 and 170 € (include delivery at home in France) and a reduction of 15€ if you can pick up to the shop or during the fairs. But we need more time to confirm this condition.

The firts moduls will be manufactured in March if we didn't meet some problems.

We hope this project will motivate your modeltrain projects that you have in mind (old projects or extension) !

See you soon !