It all happened back in September. Four of us took a road trip up to the N gauge show, Leamington. A few weeks before, I ahd purchased a KATO SP Daylight GS4 and Coach set and was looking for inspiration. Don was new to modelling and was bowled over in amazement at the variety of layouts, especially the large modern image ones of 20 feet plus, allowing the long rakes to vanish into the scenery. A week or so later, we went with JohnDMJ down to the N gauge group at Sompting to have alok at their modular layout. Don and I were really taken aback by what we saw (John, being a meber had seen it all before and wasn't phased!) Here, before our very eyes, we saw a masive layout that we could achieve (and very quickly)

Modular ideas

Looking at the N gauge groups modular layout, we were impressed. The layout was made up from small blocks/modules that individuals had constructed, each depicting a scene. These were then bolted together to make something that was about 35 feet by 20 feet and allowed a very long run. 3 main tracks looped around, with other bits of track on the individuals boards.

We could do one of these modules we both thought. Then our thoughts turned toour own layouts/stock. Well, I would need to build a few, I said. Don agreed. I said, I am not sure about the nature of the scenery, I would need it to be more uniform (than the patchwork effect of modular systems). Ok said Don, what about making long thin boards that connect together and then just bolt scenery boards alongside, that way, we get something running quickly (with basic track and minimal scenery).

We did some measuring and later that week popped down to B&Q. After some cutting and sawing and spending about £40 each, we had 4 square corner sections (600x600mm) and 12 long rectangular sections (8" x 4') giving us each a run of about 30'. We then ordered track and fishplates and waited.

Research

I had heard of modular systems in the states and came across Ntrack. I also had heard of FREMO. When I looked at the Fremo site, it seemed that they had built their modules on similar proinciples - in that scenics would use a given set of colours to give a sense of uniformity - just as we wanted. My part of the layout will be USA, Don's will be UK and Joh n is (an expert in this area) building the fiddle yard (at least 3m in the roads to hold the 18 car daylight and GS4) he is adding trainsafe connectors and I am certain that we will have some Swiss inspired modules at a later date.

Track laying

The track arrived and I then started to evaluate how to connect track/boards etc. I built a hole drilling jig and drilled out all of the boards, John supplying bolts for the sections. I started by making up a master module, so that all other tracks would align.

The dimensions are all governed by a Kato track gauge/railer. The first track is laid 50mm or 2 Kato TG widths from the board edge. The gauge has 3 sets of spacing, used to put in the other two lengths and maintain uniformity. Ends of the rails at the board edge are soldered to copperclad sleepers, pinned to the baseboard. A chamfer will be filed at the board ends like the FREMO AmericaN standards.

I have finished all my straight boards and have done 1 of 4 corner boards.

Connections between an individuals personal boards will be with bolts, where possible, these will also be used to connect two peoples boards will use G clamps if alignment is out.

Electrical connections

This is still to come.

Check back soon!

Matt