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For the use of SWAG modular layout contributors

Module layout at SWAG members day


tim-minay

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hi there,

not sure if this has been previously discussed, but having seen it done before, I was wondering if it would be possible for some members who are attending to build a module layout, where we each build a small board (say 3ft x 1ft), using basic code 100 track, and colaborate them all together at the members day? possibly build each module around south west themes?

 

thanks for your time, just an idea!

 

Tim

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  • RMweb Gold

Hi,

 

Presuming you are referring to the Taunton Members Day on Sunday 17th April 2011?

 

If so, I am happy to consider an overall 'modular display' submission from a group of members, but this has to be an overall 'footprint', unless individual members wish to exhibit something as a stand-alone layout/display, in which case all you need to do is contact me in the usual way.

 

So, if you want to have a connected-up modular display, you will need to get organising! One note of caution, however, is that space for the 2011 event is beginning to fill up, so I can't guarantee that anything large will be able to be fitted in in 2011, although there are always future years to think about!

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I'm up for this, just need to find a suitable subject and the details of the module, through track placement, elec connections, DC or DCC, method of connection to next module etc

 

But sounds like a lot of fun

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One thing to bear in mind is timescales - I'd really need to have a final confirmation of 'footprint' for the overall combined modular display by the end of January, please, if you are thinking of 2011 (and as I said, I can't guarantee space for next year). If, on the other hand, you want to aim for April 2012 (a whole lot less stressful, I'd have thought!), then you've got until the end of January 2012 to let me know the final details (although it would be good to keep track as the year goes by, so that I have some idea of how many other layouts I would need to invite - I generally like to get this sorted by the previous summer).

 

Thanks.

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It only takes a couple of weeks to build a 1ft x 3ft module....

 

Suggestion for connections :

 

Track height to be EXACTLY 4" from table to top of rail (Code 100)

Nearest rail to be 4" (+/- a little bit) from front edge of module.

If the modules are to be double track - tracks to be EXACTLY 2" centre to centre.

Modules connected by 4" bridges of plain track, which include soldered fishplates at each end. Each module builder also HAS to supply bridge/s for one end.

Each module to have a/two 2- wire connection point/s, clearly indicating which connection is for which of the two rails.

Power to be supplied via track / connection wires from one end of module layout (for twin tracks at the Receiving end of the layout).

 

HTH

 

Stu

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • RMweb Gold

Hi all,

 

I would like to formally announce the 2012 Taunton Member's Meeting Module Layout !

 

This, hopefully, will consist of a set of individual modules, connected together to make one long layout.

 

I've been volunteered to organise this (but am willing to accept help !!!) and so would like to start by proposing a set of proven module standards to which modules should be built. These were used by the Your Model Rail forum at their show in September this year, and I believe are an adaptation of those used by the Cheshire Railways Modeller’s Group.

 

Scale : 4mm / 00 Track - Code 100

Track height to be EXACTLY 4" from table to top of rail

Nearest rail to be 4" (+/- a little bit) from front edge of module.

Double track - tracks to be EXACTLY 2" centre to centre.

Modules connected by 4" bridges of plain track, which include soldered fishplates at each end. Each module builder also HAS to supply bridge/s for one end.

Each module to have two 2- wire connection point/s, clearly indicating which connection is for which of the two rails.

Power to be supplied via track / connection wires from the Receiving end of the layout.

Module size to be 1-2ft deep and 2-4ft long.

 

So, the leading question is – who would like to build such a module for the 2012 party ?

 

Other than the track / and size restrictions, there is no limit as to what you model on your module – steam / diesel / electric / UK / overseas / fantasy.

 

As time progresses, the project will need a firmer commitment to enable CK to plan the room requirements, but initially can you reply in this thread if you'd like to get involved ?

 

Cheers

 

Stu

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I will have a go , I think I should be able to get something up and running in 16 months , I have had a couple

of ideas in mind since this was first mentioned . It should be easier than trying to build a full exhibition

layout .

 

Can we clarify the wireing side of things , you say , two 2 wire connections , does this mean two flying tails ,

eg, one at each end of the module to act as power transfer as opposed to just using the fishplated bridge ?

 

If this is what is meant , could we specify a connection standard , like + supply to nearest edge rail . And

to find an easy way of connecting each module with some type of plug that is easy to come by and cannot

be crossed over , hope that is clear . :D

 

OOhh , I am getting quite excited now . :P

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Hi Mike,

You are correct about having connections at each end of the module, to supplement the fishplates. I will clarify this more tomorrow, but in short each set of wires would need a four-way choc block connector, then it will be a simple case of having pieces of 4-way cable to connect the blocks together. I'll also propose a colour standard for the four wires.

Cheers

Stu

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To clarify the wiring requirements :

 

Each rail should be wired as follows (as viewed from the front of the module ) : Black / Red, Green / Blue

Both choc blocks should be wired in the same way , from the front, left to right : Black / Red, Green / Blue

 

post-7025-0-13412400-1293699797_thumb.gif

 

What wire you use between the rail and the choc blocks is up to you, but the wiring at the choc blocks must follow the convention above.

 

The choc blocks themselves can be fitted to the rear of the module, or left, as Mike suggests, on flying leads - again this is your choice.

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Thanks for that Stu , it seems like a nice easy solution .

 

No doubt I will have more stupid questions along the way . Actually I have just thought of one ,

how will you arrange things if you have a mix of single and twin track boards ?

 

Cheers for now .

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...how will you arrange things if you have a mix of single and twin track boards ?

 

Hopefully they will all be twin tracks...

From the experience of the YMR show, just running the trains back and forth between the two fiddle yards kept the viewers happy - the transition from one module to the next was interesting enough on its own. If there was only one track it would cut down this movement by a huge amount.

 

Another observation was that although several of the modules had pointwork and additional track, these were not used - the trains were just run straight through.

 

I accept that the Member's Days are unlike any other exhibition, and maybe slow running of trains, one at a time, may suffice, but by building twin track modules, to a recognised standard, then other 'normal' exhibitions can use the same module layout concept in the future, and twin tracks will almost certainly be more useful.

 

Having said that, Mossley Terrace is a twin track, but has been used as a single (probably much easier than using a single track as a twin ! ).

 

Stu

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Stu...

 

Is there minimum radius?

 

....As in if I want to do curves within a 4' module, obviously back to the correct dim's at the ends.

 

Or must the track be straight between each end?

 

- Oh, yes, I might be up for one of these.... in 2012.

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Sandy,

 

Yes, you can do anything you want between the two ends; curves, even gentle hills, but even 4' is not a lot to play with (though it seems huge to me !)

 

But it will have to be OO, I don't think a change of gauge to EM would work too well...

 

Stu

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is the 4inch track hight to the top of the rail or the bottem of the sleepers ??

 

"Track height to be EXACTLY 4" from table to top of rail" - this is so the modules line up and there are no bumps or hills which might cause slippage or derailments.

 

The 4" allows under track scenery, eg canals, under passes.

 

Stu

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.....But it will have to be OO, I don't think a change of gauge to EM would work too well...

It's OK Stu, It won't be EM, I have some code 100, 'OO' track leftover from a 'clients' layout provided for Christmas :)

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I'm not likely to be involved (too far away, too old etc) but following this idea/proposal with interest.

One point puzzles me, when modules are butted up to each other, how will they be fixed to prevent movement in use? (To each other not to the table)

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"Track height to be EXACTLY 4" from table to top of rail" - this is so the modules line up and there are no bumps or hills which might cause slippage or derailments.

 

The 4" allows under track scenery, eg canals, under passes.

 

Stu

 

We discussed this with the proposed O guage modular layout (which has once again stalled!) ... my only thought would be the use of a 6" height to allow for anyone wanting to use Tortoise (or similar) motors ... may be worth considering for this as well?

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