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Modular Model Railroading. Frank Martin StARR. Types of Layouts. Fixed Layouts Designed to remain in one place Portable Layouts Designed to be transported from place to place. Types of Portable Layouts. Sectional. Modular.
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Modular Model Railroading Frank Martin StARR
Types of Layouts • Fixed Layouts • Designed to remain in one place • Portable Layouts • Designed to be transported from place to place
Types of Portable Layouts Sectional Modular • Large layout that is cut into smaller parts (sections) for transport from one location to another. • Each section can be connected only to specified neighboring sections. • All sections must be present for the layout to function • The layout is exactly the same each time it is set up • Small layouts (modules) that are easily transported from one location to another are connected together to make a bigger layout. • Each module is designed to connect to any other module. • The number of modules need for the layout to function is anything from 1 to infinite • The layout develops as modules are added.
Sectional Layouts Start with a layout that is too big to transport. Cut it into transportable size sections. Take it apart. Transport it. Put it back together If one of the sections is missing? It does not work. Section B Section C Section A
Modular Layouts Start with an easily transportable module Add more modules … Take the layout apart; take modules home Work on modules; wait for next session Next session; put together another layout Walt Bob Bob Jack Jack Dave
Modules can be Sectional Bob redesigned his module making it longer; so long that he had to cut it into sections. However, he kept to the standards at the intended modular interfaces (ends); so, More modules can still be added … Bob must bring all three sections of his module and connect all the sections together to have a module and to participate in the session Walt Bob Jack Dave
Modular Standards Are agreed upon by the group of model railroaders who are going to use them. There are different standards for different groups. The standards of one group are not necessarily compatible with the standards of another group
Modular Standards • National Model Railroad Association – Module Standards • Emphasize double-track continuous-running long-haul railroading with provisions for secondary tracks and branch lines • Modules primarily rectilinear with special oval-forming corner modules • Compiled for all gauges in conjunction with long-established and wide-spread modular groups (e.g., NTrak, NASG S-MOD) • Widely used and usually the standard for entering modules in train shows • http://www.nmra.org/standards/modules/ms_intro.html • Free-mo • Emphasize single-track point-to-point regional railroading with provisions for double tracking • Modules can be any shape; layouts are cancerous (crab-like) • Compiled for HO gauge independently from other established modular groups but heavily influenced by European FREMO and adopted by modelers in other gauges • Quickly gaining in popularity • http://www.free-mo.org/
Critical Standards These critical standards are necessary to ensure modular interconnectivity in any group The illustrations and dimensions shown here are from the NTrak/NMRA standards; dimensions in other gauges will differ.
Critical StandardsInterface Track Center Lines from Module Front (NTrak specifies from Module Back)
Critical StandardsCenter Lines on Curves (Not specified by NTrak)
Critical StandardsNumber, Size, and Configuration of Track Power Busses
Critical StandardsNumber, Type, and Configuration of Track Power Connectors
Optional Standards Some groups include other items in their standards to achieve specific goals (e.g., ability to run large modern locomotives and rolling stock and/or to engender uniform appearance among the modules). These optional standards are not critical for operations and are not included in NMRA Standards
Optional Standards Shape Length Width Skyboards Radii & Grades Other
Evolution of a Module Design For NMRA Module Standards
Modular DesignThe Basic Steps Based on: Introduction to model railroad Layout Design Elements by Tony Koester. 2002. Model Railroader Magazine http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=264 • Be railroad savvy Visit railroad sites and museums; ride trains. Perouse magazines, books, websites, etc. • Choose an interesting railroad scene. E.g.: yard, engine terminal, industry, town, etc. • Document it physically and operationally • Selectively compress and scale it to fit a reasonable space • Modularize it to chosen standards
Scale and Modularize It • Increase size by 33.3% (1’ x 6’ 1’4” x 8’). • Add an additional 8” to front (1’4” x 8’ 2’ x 8’). • Add 4 mainline tracks as per NMRA Modular Standards. • Add crossover from Track 4 to yard lead. • Divide into two sections for ease of transport.
Build It • Farnsworth • Constructed by Frank Martin, StARR, 2001 • Weathered by John Merkle, StARR, 2003
Evolution of a Module Design Using Free-Mo Standards
Scale and Modularize It • For Free-mo Conformance • Stretch 50% (2.5’ x 8’ 2.5” x 12’) to get radii and turnouts to conform • Modify ends to conform to get them perpendicular to through tracks • Straighten through tracks at interface. • Divide into three sections for ease of transport.
Build It • Epithet Creek • Constructed by: TBA
The Modular Advantage • Modules can be small • Small enough to be built in efficiency apartments or on the kitchen table. • Small enough to be stored under a bed. • Small enough to be complete and highly detailed in relatively little time. • Small enough to be relatively inexpensive. • Modules are inherently social • Connecting modules together connects one model railroader to another. • Participating in modular layout operations connects one model railroader to many others.
The End Thank you for your attention and happy modular railroading.
