Looking for some module specs. I have a large basement but I will be moving in a few years and want something that can be moved without being torn apart. Ive never built a modular railroad before so if anybody has some specs for modules and would like to share them I would gladly take them, thanks!!!
The NMRA has standards for HO scale modules, and an organization called N-Track are the ones who originally adopted standards. The NMRA just converted the N-Track standards to HO scale.
If you’re never going to try to participate in a modular setup at a train show, there’s really no reason to use the NMRA or N-Track standards.
For our HO scale club, we disregarded NMRA standards and built our modules on 4 inch thick styrofoam blocks that are 2 x 8 feet, and set them up on fold-up picnic tables. This makes each module light enough for one person to handle.
Do you mean true modules, which may be connected to other modules built to the same standard by other people? Or sections, which don’t have a standard track interface at the ends? Sections and modules are not the same thing, although many people use the words interchangeably (which is not accurate).
Even if you don’t choose to build to standard track interfaces at the ends, the modular standards may be a good guide to benchwork, wiring interconnection, and other construction elements.
HO Scale Standards
Free-Mo
Google search listing many standards
N Scale Standards
NTRAK
Free-Mo N
… and there are many others beyond those linked.
I’m not going to directly answer your question, but instead put forth some thinking points.
Do you really want to move your layout? Moving a layout is a relatively painful process, even when well-planned in advance. And the pain comes on top of all the other pains of moving a household. I learned this by being a member of Uncle Sam’s frequent relocation club.
Constructing a movable layout adds significant planning time, additional benchwork, additional wiring, and sub-optimal use of existing space. Which is fine IF the layout is one you really want to keep at the next location. Just be aware that modeling interests tend to change when you change locales. Workmanship improves with time and practice - do you still really like the stuff/layout you built 5 years ago? And spaces are never the same from one house to the next.
Summarizing, if you are a person whose layouts tend to last 10+ years, then go for a movable layout. But if you typically start over every 3 years anyway, my advice would be to build a small layout in your current basement - a layout you can toss if it no longer suits your interests when you move.
There is a distinct difference between modules designed for modular layouts, and layout sections built to be moved once or twice. Module standards are set to ensure one person’s modules will properly mate with another’s at a “setup” in a large space. There are at least several modular standards for nearly every scale and gauge. For a given scale/gauge the modular standards vary based on the
I followed the David Barrow “domino” approach, not modular in the sense that each 2’ x 4’ domino is fully interchangable with the others for track spacing and such, but each follows the same construction, is at the same height, and can be readily mated with another. I created my own specs.
The commercial benchwork such as Sievers and other makes follows that general idea.
The main advantage to the domino approach is that you can construct benchwork before even thinking about a track plan, the tops can be taken to the workbench for particularly tricky tracklaying or wiring, and – to speak to your purpose – it would be at least possible to cut much of the layout into its segments if need be. More likely, I would remove the track and scenery but at least salvage the benchwork and it could be reused, either on site or at a new site.
If that is what you are thinking of, as opposed to joining an Ntrak or HOtrak group where interchangability is the goal and you have to follow their specs, then you can create your own standards rather readily. I like the 2’ x 4’ size, even though it tends to use more lumber than would otherwise be needed, because I can pick up and move the domino “chess pieces” around the room quite easily. I figured out what the room could hold and THEN started designing my track plan.
Dave Nelson
I second Fred and Dave’s posts, excellent points!
For the Orig. Poster (OP): depending on your skill level, length of time in the hobby and what you want to achieve with your modelling, you can do several things (which I will leave up to you to decide). Recently, I’ve been bitten by the FreeMo bug; having a small (2x12) HO switching layout that can be operated by itself, or be part of a much larger layout, is pretty cool. If you like switching, may I suggest the Beer Line layout? Construction is covered in MR and should answer most of your questions, and as long as the interface points are the same, you can redesign it however you like (even rearrange it to suit different room shapes). I always thought it would be neat to build a basement layout (small to medium-ish size) with FreeMo ends so a whole layout can be incorporated in a local FreeMo setup.
Don’t dream too wide-eyed, moving modules isn’t a piece of cake, but it is totally manageable if you plan for it. Some are heavy, some have lots of wiring connections to make/break, some need lots of legs (which need to be adjustable), moving them could be a problem (how big is your vehicle, can you fit it all in, etc), don’t forget the structures/loose details. Unless you can fasten several modules together, plan on making a lot of trips back and forth to your car/ truck/ trailer. All that being said…I think it’s totally worth it if you are prepared for it, and it sounds like you’re off to a good start.
Maybe check your local (current and if possible, your new location) groups/clubs for any modular layouts they may have. There’s nothing wrong with building one module, just to get you into a club, while you design, plan and build your ‘main’ layout (but please don’t ‘throw a module together’ just to get into a club. Once you have setup a few times with a group, you will have probably made a few friends (who can help move all those mo