I would like to start a module layout as I live in a small apartment and plan on moving so instead of waiting for a bigger space I figured modules were a good way to go since then I could start now rather then wait, but I was wondering if there was some standards as to the spacing of the mainline and or any other standards that I should know before starting so connecting modules later on would be easier? I am o scale so this is new to me, any info would help. Thank you.
Stevin
Yes, there are standards for modules, depending on the scale you’re interested in. For HO scale, go to the NMRA web site and you can download their standards. The NMRA HO standards are adopted from the N-Trak standards, which are available from that group’s web site.
The NMRA HO standards are here:
http://www.nmra.org/standards/modules/ms_intro.html
and the N-Trak standards are here:
if you are just going to build the modules for your own layout and not to be used elsewhere…then the track centers can be anywhere you would like for them to be.
If you intend to maybe use them at times with a local modular club, I would check with them. Not all local clubs use the NMRA standard. An HO club I used to belong to used a three track set up with the track centers being 2,4 & 13 inches from front edge of the module. Another club here used 2, 4, & 12. There was a set of adapter modules built so that these 2 clubs could run together
There are other things to be considered as well…electrical, module dimenions, & height
Truoble with existing standards are they make things more dificult than neccisary, you should see some of the wireing interfaces. Now in HO I found a club standard that was close to what I wanted and used a variation of that. You might want to cheak out the free-mo standards for O scale as they are quickly taking over the modular sceane in both HO and O, also On3.
What you may want to do is decide how big your ultimate layout may be. Then look for switching module plans and build several of them along the way. Then when you get your larger space, build the main bench work and set your switching modules in place. Then just link them together with a main line track. Each module then becomes a town or small city in your overall RR plan. This is how I started my last and present layout. Because I wasn’t going to be operating them with a club or other group of modelers, I didn’t worry about standards so to speak. I developed my own, and that was just for the wiring.
“Modules” are self-standing, 4 legged, layout sections to be incorporated within a group.
NMRA has suggestions for clubs. David Barrow recommended 15"X4’ ‘Dimino’s for versatility. 3’ semi-triangular corner dominos will accomodate up-to 34r 90o curves, 4’ up to 46"r. All fit through doorways.
Most RR’s right-of-ways are linear and long, and built to transport goods between points A to B.