Modular Model Railroading

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Modular Model Railroading

• Frank Martin
• StARR

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Types of Layouts

• Fixed Layouts
• Designed to remain in one place
• Portable Layouts
• Designed to be transported from place to place

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.htm
  l
• 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/

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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.

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Critical StandardsHeight from Floor to Top of
Rail
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Critical StandardsHand Laid or Commercial Rail
Code
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Critical StandardsTrack Clearances Horizontal
and Vertical
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Critical StandardsInterface Track Center Lines
from Module Front (NTrak specifies from Module
Back)
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Critical StandardsTrack Setback From End of
Module
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Critical StandardsCenter Lines on Curves (Not
specified by NTrak)
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Critical StandardsTrack Centers for Parallel
Tracks
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Critical StandardsNumber, Size, and
Configuration of Track Power Busses
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Critical StandardsNumber, Type, and
Configuration of Track Power Connectors
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Critical StandardsMethod of Physically
Connecting Modules
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Critical StandardsBridge Tracks between Modules
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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

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Optional Standards

• Shape
• Length
• Width
• Skyboards
• Radii Grades
• Other

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Evolution of a Module Design

• For NMRA Module Standards

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Modular DesignThe Basic Steps

• 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

Based on Introduction to model railroad Layout
Design Elements by Tony Koester. 2002. Model
Railroader Magazine http//www.trains.com/mrr/defa
ult.aspx?caid264
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Books, Magazines, Websites, etc.
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Books, Magazines, Websites , etc.
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Books, Magazines, Websites , etc.
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Get Idea from Books, Magazines, Websites, etc.
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Physical and Operational Documentation
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Scale and Modularize It

• Increase size by 33.3 (1 x 6 ? 14 x 8).
• Add an additional 8 to front (14 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.

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Build It

• Farnsworth
• Constructed by Frank Martin, StARR, 2001
• Weathered by John Merkle, StARR, 2003

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Evolution of a Module Design

• Using Free-Mo Standards

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Get Idea from Books, Magazines, Websites, etc.
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Physical and Operational Documentation
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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.

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Build It

• Epithet Creek
• Constructed by TBA

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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.

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The End

• Thank you for your attention and happy modular
  railroading.