The Lauan module project (or Louanne, as we've come to know it) was originally conceived after one of those shows, you know, when a week after putting the modules back in the house , your arms and back are still a little stiff. Over several dinners, and too many cheeseburgers, Bill C, Geren and myself, had discussed just about every construction technique that we could imagine. Then after viewing others ultra-light module ideas, including the "Sipping and Switching Society" ( see our links page) Inspiration finally took control of me. 5mm Lauan plywood in of itself is too flimsy. However, if laminated to another piece, it gets stiffer. Another concept I was familiar with, due to my day job, is how steel sheets are also very flimsy. But if arranged in box shapes and properly braced, can become the frame of a car or truck. We can do that with wood, right?

	Here is the very 1st outing for Louanne at a club meeting. This is the top view, looking toward the back side of the module.
	The splines running lengthwise are the basis of the sub roadbed and will support the track. The cross braces with all the holes leave plenty of space for routing wiring.
Also notable, is the 1x4 end pieces. I initially felt that they would be needed for their extra strength when the modules bolt together. I was wrong. The next Louanne module will be 100% luan.
	Here's a look at the bottom. The long sides are double laminated, the leg mount areas triple laminated thick, and all the cross braces are trimmed and notched so they all fit snugly together. The parts are then liberally glued with Elmer's wood glue, then stapled together.
The module then received a a top deck of 3/4 inch blue foam, track and wiring. Now all that is left is for my 12 year old son to finish the scenery. Its about 3/4 done now, and has already been to a few shows, and freaks out everyone who lifts it either before or after the show. Nobody can believe how light it is!