Low cost layout leg adjuster

Build low cost leg adjusters for your layout


Having been asked where did I get the leg adjusters from on my own layout and replying that they were home made, I though I would share the information for anyone who would like to make the same items for themselves.

Parts list for the leg adjusters (per adjuster)
1. 1 x Door stop (synthetic rubber these days)
2. 1 x 6M bolt 100 to 150 mm in length
3. 1 x large washer to suit 6M bolt (penny washer)
4. 2 x 6M full nuts
5. 1 x 6M T nut
6. 2 x 1 and 1/4 inch No 6 wood screws (not essential see text below)

Adjuser photo
Photo of finished adjuster		 Adjuser detail
Sketch of parts detail

Assembly
Start by getting the 6M bolt inserted into the door stop. This will be a threaded fit into the door stop and you will need to tightly grip the door stop in one hand while using a ring spanner in the other to screw the bolt into the stop.
When the head of the bolt starts to disappear into the door stop there will not be enough head showing to continue using the spanner.
At this stage place the large washer over the bolt and thread one of the 6M full nuts on until it and the washer are against the back of the door stop.
Again hold the door stop tightly in one hand and this time use the spanner to further tighten the 6M nut. This will draw the head of the bolt further into the door stop until it is down far enough to be well clear of the front surface.
Spin the second 6M nut onto the bolt until it is down near the first one. This will be the locking nut later on.

Now you can start preparing the layout leg to receive the T nut and the adjuster.
Using a 8mm drill bore a hole to the depth needed to take the length of bolt that you have used with the door stop and with a small hammer drive the T nut until it is siting level on the base of the leg. If your layout is going to be moved about a lot then it is worth adding the two wood screws seen on the photgraph. This is because the tangs that hold the T nut in place are into the "end grain" of the wood and not as secure as they would be if into a cross grain. The two screws help to prevent the T nut pulling out which can happen if you have the adjuster extended to it full extent.
Although I have not tried this, it may be possible to apply a small amount of one of the "No Nails" type of adhesives between the "T nut" and the foot of the leg on assembly to replace the above mentioned screws.

Using the adjuster
The height of your model can be simply adjusted by screwing the bolt in or out using the door stop between your fingers. Once the correct position has been achieved then with an open ended spanner tighten the locking nut against the T nut to make the whole assemble secure.


John Essex Heywood Model Railway Group

This page created 10th May 2011