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Board Game Accessories - Prototype Model Trains - Custom Cutting and Engraving

Prototype Model Trains

Buildings

Train Electronics

Free-mo Fitter Rail Tool

Free-mo Track Height Tool

Leg Pockets

Optical Detector Mount

Rail Joint Bars

Rolling Stock Weight Ruler

Switch Machine Mount

Throttle Holders

Throttle Jack Faceplate

Throttle Jack Router Template

Tie Strips

Train Car Box

Track Laying Guides

Track Spacing Tool

Tray, Stacking Organizer

Zephyr Mounting Shelf

Custom Cutting


Price List

Information, Tips, Tricks and FAQ

About Prawn Designs


Leg Pockets Kit

One of the challenges of Model Trains Module is how do you connect your legs. We have used many different approaches; regular hinges, locking hinges, screw in legs, PVC legs, all kinds of things. In my opinion the best thing is a removable leg with a leg pocket on the module. The reduces the weight of the module when you are transporting it. You have to transport the legs separately, but I feel it is a better approach.

I have tried many different approaches to making leg pockets. The number one issues is the stress that can be placed on the leg pocket. Leg pockets have to be very strong. This is why I developed my leg pocket design. The corners are "double mortise and tenon". It is a "standard" mortise and tenon in one direction. In the other direction is a pin that goes through the tenon. This technique combine with lamination of a couple of layers and you have a very strong leg pocket.

The opening for the leg is 1.625" X 1.625" X 3". It is designed to take a standard 2X2.

Leg Pocket

The leg pocket is so strong I can drive my car over it. It is a small car, but still. Here is a video I took of me driving over the pocket with my Prius.

This video is also available on YouTube.

Assembly Instructions

Instructions for New Leg Pocket Design

(New August 2020)

Here are the instructions for the new style (version) of my leg pockets. I eliminated all the little locking tabs. These Leg Pockets are just as strong and easier to assemble.

This video is also available on YouTube.

Select any image to open a larger version in a new tab or see a step by step instructions with larger images. One step per page.

  1. Leg Pocket Assembly StepThe parts: Top, Front, Back, and Sides. Not shown in the picture is a 1/4" X 20 T-Nut.
  2. Leg Pocket Assembly StepTake the two inner sides and slip them into the back. The crenulations all go up.
  3. Leg Pocket Assembly StepNext slip the inner front piece with the large round hole onto the assembly. Again the crenulations all go up.
  4. Leg Pocket Assembly StepNext add the inner top piece. At this point the assembly will be some what stable.
  5. Leg Pocket Assembly StepNext test fit the side. The sides are a tight fit, be sure to press the side into the back as far as possible.
  6. Leg Pocket Assembly StepNext test fit the other sides. The sides should close all the way flat.
  7. Leg Pocket Assembly StepTake the sides off and spread glue on the inner side.
  8. Leg Pocket Assembly StepInstall the sides.
  9. Leg Pocket Assembly StepSpread glue on the front. Note, the front has three pieces; the inner one has the large round hole, the outer one has engraving on it, the middle one has 5 slots (two on each side and one on the top).
  10. Leg Pocket Assembly StepPlace the middle front on the assembly.
  11. Leg Pocket Assembly StepSpread glue on the middle front.
  12. Leg Pocket Assembly StepPut the outer front on the assembly.
  13. Leg Pocket Assembly StepSpread glue on the top and place the top on the assembly.
  14. Leg Pocket Assembly StepSpread glue on the back.
  15. Leg Pocket Assembly StepPlace the back on the assembly.
  16. Leg Pocket Assembly StepClamp the assembly and let it dry.
  17. Leg Pocket Assembly StepAfter the assembly is dry, glue the T nut into the assembly from the inside. I recommend a two part epoxy. Do not get any glue on the threads.
  18. Leg Pocket Assembly StepYou can use many different types of bolts to "clamp" the leg into the leg pocket. Bolts are not included in the kit.
  19. Mount the leg pocket into your module.
  20. Setup your modules with some friends and run trains.
Go to the top of the instructions

Instructions for Old Leg Pocket Design

Here are the instructions for the old style (version) of my leg pockets.

See a step by step instructions with larger images. One step per page.

Select any image to open a larger version in a new tab.

  1. Leg Pocket Assembly StepThe parts: Top, Front, Back, Sides, Locking Tabs, and Trash. Not called out, in the lower left corner of the picture is a 1/4" X 20 T-Nut. In the cutting process there are some waste pieces that are similar in size to the Locking Tabs. The waste pieces are marked with a diagonal line.
  2. DiceSlip the two inner sides onto the top.
  3. Leg Pocket Assembly StepSlip the back onto the top and sides.
  4. Leg Pocket Assembly StepSlip the front with the large hole onto the top and sides.
  5. Leg Pocket Assembly StepSpread glue on the front. Be sure to cover the entire face.
  6. Leg Pocket Assembly Step Slip on the middle front.
  7. Leg Pocket Assembly StepSlip in five "T" locking tabs.
  8. Leg Pocket Assembly StepApply another coat of Glue.
  9. Leg Pocket Assembly StepPlace the third front piece onto the assembly.
  10. Leg Pocket Assembly StepTurn the assembly over and apply a coat of glue to the back.
  11. Leg Pocket Assembly StepPlace the next back piece onto the assembly.
  12. Leg Pocket Assembly StepSlip in the two large, two small and one T locking tabs into the back.
  13. Leg Pocket Assembly StepApply another coat of glue to the back.
  14. Leg Pocket Assembly StepPlace the third and final back piece onto the assembly.
  15. Leg Pocket Assembly StepTurn the assembly onto one side and apply a coat of glue.
  16. Leg Pocket Assembly StepPlace a side piece onto the assembly.
  17. Leg Pocket Assembly StepSlip a T locking tab onto the side. Turn the assembly over and repeat on the other side.
  18. Leg Pocket Assembly StepClamp the assembly and let dry.
  19. Leg Pocket Assembly StepAfter the assembly is dry, glue the T nut into the assembly from the inside. I recommend a two part epoxy. Do not get any glue on the threads.
  20. Leg Pocket Assembly StepYou can use many different types of bolts to "clamp" the leg into the leg pocket. Bolts are not included in the kit.
  21. Mount the leg pocket into your module.
  22. Setup your modules with some friends and run trains.
Go to the top of the instructions



Ordering

To place an order send an email to orders@prawndesigns.com . Include a list of what you want to order (Part Number and Description) and your shipping address. We will get back to you with an estimate of when we will have your order is ready to ship and shipping costs.

Some items are available in the Prawn Designs Etsy Store.

Please read the Laser Cutting and Engraving FAQ page for details on laser cutting and engraving side effects.



Part Number Title and Description Price Image

Leg Mounts

PD-21031

Free-mo Leg Pocket Set, one pair, kit.

Two Leg Pockets, enough for one end of a module. Bolt and leg not included.

$15.00 pair Leg Pocket