Modules

Straight Modules

A straight single module, with an Engine Shed scene.

This one has clear Perspex added for protection during transport and at exhibitions.

We examined the modular standards used by some of the other groups, but none seemed to be quite right. The most commonly used standard is the American N-Trak, this is very good, but we ruled it out because a) it does not use the standard Peco track spacing, and b) it has a rather unprototypical 3 tracks. The English standards we found generally used a rather unadventurous 2 tracks. So we devised our own standard, which uses the full potential of N gauge, a 4 track mainline. Many of the features and measurements are closely based on the N-Trak system.

Side view of module

To keep things simple, the size of board was set at the 1200 x 600mm of a piece of Sundeala. The framing is planed 4" x 1", this allows for legs to be folded up inside. The legs are palinode 2" x 2", with height adjusters. The layout height is 1015mm to the top of the board. A 230mm high back scene is set 150mm from the back of the board. Modules are joined together using G-clamps, this avoid problems with inaccurately positioned dowels.

The individual can have as few or as many tracks as they like behind the four main running lines.

The module shown has recently been updated to a country scene

The track spacing is 27mm, which allows Peco points and crossings to be used without modification. We have standardised on Peco Finescale track, laid on 3mm cork sheet. As can be seen on the diagram, there is a space at the front, this allows for 2 further tracks or a platform. The track is stopped 50 mm from the end to allow for 100 mm joining pieces. These joining pieces allow for slight discrepancies between different modules.

Top view of module

The electrics are again based closely on N-Trak, the basis being a complete electric circuit for each track, totally independent of the others. Multiple connectors are not used, because if one is dodgy, it could put the whole layout out. Each track has a pair of feed wires, running the length of the module, with an appropriate number of connections to the rails. Note that the running rails are not used as the primary means of conveying the current. Each wire is terminated by a Speaker DIN plug, male on the right, female on the left. This means that using a Y shaped piece of wire, with male and female connectors, a controller can be added between any two modules.

The choice of track-plan, scenery, buildings etc that goes on a module is totally down to the individual, as long as the ends line up we don’t mind. We have some modules that have stations, some that have engine sheds, some that have complete branch lines, and some which are just countryside. Some people have built modules that are designed to go together as pairs, in which case the join between them does not have to be to the standard.

Corner Modules

A corner module, with an ancient stone circle

We also have a standard for corner modules, which are a squashed hexagon shape. We currently have 10 straight modules and 4 corners, which means that if everyone turns up we have a continuous run of around 50 feet. Our modules are in various stages of scenic completeness, but with the recent addition of three fiddle yard modules, we can now attend exhibitions.

The Goods Yard Module

The goods yard module that is being constructed is a double module. The main part of the yard is built on one of the corner modules. The adjoining straight module comprises the headshunt and crossovers to the main line. By utilising two modules, reasonable length goods trains can be accommodated in the yard.

The goods yard has its own independent controller. The wiring allows trains to enter or leave the yard either from the yard controller or the main line controllers. The yard can therefore work in isolation from the rest of the layout and allow shunting movements to be performed while main line running takes place.

The track layout is relatively simple: there are four roads feeding from the headshunt. Prior to constructing the module consideration was given to methods of automatic uncoupling. There are strategically placed electro-magnetic uncouplers concealed beneath the tracks in each road. Their positions are marked by barrels, pallets and people in the yard so that unfamiliar operators can easily find their location. These uncouplers are used with automatic uncoupling systems such as Peco and MBM where the uncoupling takes place directly over the magnet. There is also an electro-magnet at the beginning of the fan of roads to allow for automatic uncoupling after the device has been activated. Isolated sections at the end of each road also allow trains to be uncoupled from engines and shunted in the yard.

Scenery for the main part of the yard has been kept relatively simple. The yard itself was constructed from Polyfilla® mixed with black powder paint. This was spread over the whole yard to top of rail height and the tracks were then cleared and cleaned to allow running. Mixing powder paint with the filler means that the surface can be sanded without the need to repaint. It also means small chips and knocks will not reveal white filler.

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The golf course end of the Goods Yard module.

Note that as this is built as a double module, and will always be together, it is permissible to have modified joining arrangements.

This picture shows that there are six tracks going across the join, rather than the normal four.

The goods shed was scratch built from Plasticard. It is based on the goods shed at Brockenhurst (SR) (which still exists, although it is now an Italian restaurant). The trees in the background were made using the traditional wire and horse-hair method of construction whilst the pines in the foreground are proprietary models.