cromptonnut

Wel​l, after arranging to meet PaulRhB (above) for a separate issue this afternoon at 3.30pm, I was slightly surprised to see the message above at 3.00pm!

​A hasty rummage through a pile of bits in the spare room (pending shed arrival) I unearthed "Brockhole Curve" and its legs.  I assembled this on our front patio (somewhat uneven paving slabs) and dug out my Kernow 205 and DCC setup from other boxes, and about 10 minutes later Paul arrived clutching a small curved module.  Five minutes later the two boards were clamped together and the train ran between the two quite happily (the only problem being dirty track - couldn't find the track rubber - and not a 'standards' issue) so it proves that "Dave" and "Freemo" modules will work.  Interestingly, although his board was typically American in scenery, as we both used Woodland Scenics scatter they didn't look too silly next to each other (the addition of a few items of construction machinery, and overlook the fact there's no fence wouldn't have been an issue at a meet), he used code 83 track whereas I used code 75 track.
 

Obviously anything 'too American' might look a bit silly, however it does at least prove that there is potential for interoperability.  Unfortunately we didn't get to test much further given that the weather looked as if it was going to rain any moment so a hastily "unassembled" and within 30 minutes we had finished the test.

I think the Peco tool is the settings we should use, after all for 20p it's hardly a deal braker and something most of us should have anyway.

Don't forget Crewkerne too... http://www.semgonline.com/location/crewk_01.html

 

Crewkerne Station's brief moment of fame came when, on 24th April 1953, Merchant Navy class locomotive 35020 Bibby Line hauling the 4.30pm Exeter Central to Waterloo service broke its crank axle while passing through the station at about 70mph. In the ensuing mechanical disruption a flying brake block struck a stanchion supporting the platform canopy, causing part of it to collapse, while another brake block struck the bridge abutment. Fortunately there were no human casualties. It was this incident that precipitated the rebuilding of the Merchant Navy class. The station canopy was rebuilt later and the changes are still recognisable today.

Greetings​ from across the border in SECAG.

​Some of you may know that I organised a modular meet a couple of years ago in Surrey. I've subsequently moved to Hampshire near Andover, and am looking at organising another modular meet for Spring 2019.

​I wondered whether any of you may be interested in bringing something along and joining in the fun?

The discussion so far is here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/133238-modular-meet-2-hampshire-date-tba-but-early-2019 where we are at the early stages of discussion.

I'm not entirely sure where the borders of SWAG are so I hope I haven't trodden on anyone's toes... 

​Many thanks

​'Nut

Hi​ all

​For those of you who haven't realised I've moved and am now living in Hampshire, I'm looking at organising another modular meetup for April or May 2019.

Please wander over here for discussion if you are interested: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/133238-modular-meet-2-hampshire-date-tba-but-early-2019/#entry3128214 

​Many thanks

​'Nut

Depending on work yes and I can always bring up the Freemo yard which is 15ft long as another end. It's got a runround and three 10ft dead end tracks alongside.

Give​ how close geographically we are, it would be interesting for us to meet up at some point with one of my Dave modules, and one of your Freemo modules, and just see how easy they go together without modifications to run a train between them.  I'm not 100% sure what the differences are between the two standards and how had they would be to overcome.  I guess the larger profile of US trains in HO v the smaller profile of UK trains in OO would mostly cancel each other out in order to avoid any issues with clearances?

I've​ asked the hall to provide availability for Saturdays in April and May 2019, so will then seek opinions on a couple of dates.  Depending on numbers we are looking at £10-£15 a head, and if there's any left over due to more attendants then a refund will be given on the day of any split up surplus.

I've also mentioned in the main standard discussion thread a suggested change which removes the uniformity of board widths with a minimum of 5" each side of the track allowing longer runs of narrow scenic boards between stations, junctions etc  taking up less space for transportation; a single track can fit in 10" and double track 12".  One thing seriously lacking last time was double track running so I'm building two halves of a 180 degree curved passing loop (using narrower boards) that allow other double track modules inbetween to extend if necessary (and for practical reasons to make it fit in a proposed home layout, a 5" long river bridge board to go in the middle, or elsewhere).  Nobody seems to have any opinion positive or negative so far (despite it being a 57 page thread and loads of people would have had the notification) so... I guess it's up to us little group of intrepid trailblazers to make it all work again

The 'Dave' standard is pinned at the top of the section, I don't think the differences are much. You'd be very welcome to join in!

The only query would be to make sure clearances are OO not HO!

Ok,​ so a couple of years on it seems there are still a few of us with modules and a dormant interest, so I'm looking at arranging another meeting, this time in Hampshire (which is where I now live), discussion thread elsewhere in this forum section.  Information here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/133238-modular-meet-2-hampshire-date-tba-but-early-2019/

However, having thought about the standards and their practicalities from the last meet, and looked to see what a number of other people have come up with via different modular standards, I'd like to suggest an amendment to the standards to make it a little easier for everyone - board width.

​I feel that the 18" board width and exact centering of track is somewhat restrictive.  Whilst we are used to all boards being the same width on our layouts, I think we'd open up a lot more possibilities if we made the board widths simply that there must be a minimum of 5" each side of track centres.  This still gives us a minimum of 10" (single) or 12" (double) track which is enough for a secure connection to adjacent modules providing that the legs are adequate.  A wider width where required, as long as the track is a minimum of 5" from one edge of the board, still gives compatibility with other modules and enough space to clamp together.  After all, the clamps are only holding the boards together, the legs themselves are supporting the actual boards.  Remember that with modular, operation is the driving factor, not uniformity of scenery - so why stick with uniformity of board with and straight line?  Free-mo works on a similar principle although Fremo requires uniform boards.

The thinking behind this suggestion is that an offset board allows sidings, for example, on one side and no wasted space on the other for the sake of an artificial "straight line" and wasted land.  This is particularly beneficial for curves and junctions.  Also, existing layouts that have not been built to "Dave" standards but are easily convertible (ie with a new set of legs at the right height and with a small transitional board if required to smooth out scenery depth) and provide that minimum 5" either side of track at the end can join in.  It also means there's no longer a need for complicated woodwork to neatly transition between the existing 18" and whatever width you want to use for your modules - a big plus for cack-handed numpties like me who struggle when it comes to baseboard construction anyway.

​It also means narrower boards as "plain track" between modules with features (stations, yards, junctions etc) giving longer runs, where scenery is not necessary and may just be plain fields which takes up less space in the car (and also quicker to build).  One thing we lacked at the last meet was 'corners' and as we're using a smaller hall this time I believe it's important to have more corners to maximise the use of what space we have available.

Obviously if you have nothing but 10" wide boards then you may have a structural integrity issue somewhere but with narrow curved boards this will be reduced - plus of course there's no reason that trestles couldn't be wider than the boards anyway to help support.  They don't take up anywhere near as much space in the car.

Below is an example quickly drawn up of three modules joined at offsets but maintaining the 5" each side of track centre line (right one only partly shown), a 10" wide single track module, coming into an offset siding, passing into a 10 track freight yard module, both of which are different widths.  Happy to explain with more images should clarification be required.

Although this second modular meet is still under the SECAG banner, any RMWeb member anywhere in the world prepared to travel to Hampshire is welcome to join in...

Good​ to hear there's progress - just watched the video and it looks like it's going to be a great layout.  I shuddered at the mention of "Polegate" though ... long story

There's a raised stage area, 13ft x 10ft or thereabouts.  Don't know if that'd be big enough for a OO-9 modular effort as well.  I do like the idea of an interchange between the two!  

​*** Head over to this thread now... ***

Hi all

​I've just come back from measuring the hall and I think it's a goer.  So I'm going to chuck out a proposal for a meet to gauge interest.

​LOCATION: Grateley, near Andover, Hampshire.  Approx 15 minutes from the A303.

​HALL SIZE: Usable hall space approx. 32ft x 28ft,

​PARKING: for approx. 20-25 cars

CONTROL: DCC, I have a Lenz base unit and JMRI through WiThrottle enabling handset and phone/tablet control.

​BOARD STANDARDS: "Dave" (Britmod, RMweb modular) OO standards.  http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/88537-rmweb-modular-project-standards/&do=findComment&comment=1533866

TRAINS: Steam, diesel or electric (not running via overheads).  Maximum train length 6ft (constrained by fiddle yard).  Each participant may bring two complete trains (and several locos as required) to run, however there may be opportunities to run more depending on the final configuration and number of participants.  All locos must be DCC chipped.

DATE: TBA but looking at Spring 2019, likely on a Saturday or Sunday (this will be put to a vote once some dates are chosen).  Hall would be 8am - 6pm with the intention of running between 10am and 4pm.

COST: Dependant on numbers (as last time, there is no profit made, just a covering of costs) however we are looking at probably somewhere between £10 and £15 per head.

ACCOMMODATION: For those travelling some distance who wish to stay over, there is a Premier Inn at Andover, a Premier Inn at Solstice Services (near Amesbury) and a Travelodge at Amesbury all on the A303.

DRIVING​: The location is about 15 minutes from the A303, easily accessible from all directions.  The last few miles of road into the village are generally rural and some are better than others so full instructions on the best route in will be given to attendants in their final information pack.

​TRAVELLING BY TRAIN:​If you have a small very portable module, there is an hourly service to Grateley on the Waterloo - Salisbury - Exeter line, the station is about 1 mile from the location and we could arrange to collect you with prior notice unless the sun is out and you fancy a walk.

TRAVELLING BY BUS: There is a bus (the number 5) but unless you are a real die-hard bus fan (with a small portable module) I wouldn't recommend it as it's not very frequent.

FLYING IN: A local farmer has a grass runway in his field which, if you have a small enough plane, we could probably arrange.  Old Sarum and Popham airfields are within 30 minutes, and if you fly something much bigger you can always try contacting Southampton International...

REFRESHMENTS​: The venue has a small but well supplied kitchen with a microwave.  Bring your own lunch, and tea coffee and squash will be provided.  There is a local pub which we could go to for something to eat afterwards if there was interest.

To get things going, ​I will provide a fiddle yard and at least one other module, possibly more.

As the hall is smaller than our previous meet we will need more corner type boards but will accept anything, single or double track, as long as it's to the standards.

​

​If you are interested, please simply reply "Yes" to this thread and we'll see what happens.  Obviously I'm in

​If you're new, or don't remember the early attempts to get "Dave" functional, a report of our first meeting in June 2015 can be found here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/100628-secag-modular-meet-27615-final-report/

Hi Greensman

I'm talking to Paul about modular 00-9 at the moment, and in 20 minutes am off to measure up the village hall.  I'm looking at organising a OO "Dave" meet, although there's no reason that there couldn't be a OO-9 meetup on the same, or another, day depending on how things work out.  Ok it's near Andover, but only 10 minutes off the A303 so very reachable for many.  I do like the idea of modular OO-9 as well, and I could certainly fit more in the car than OO not just because the boards are narrower.  

Whereabouts are you based in case I fancy a trip down to one of your meets?  I do need to get more stock though... and find the box it's all packed in since the move.

But with what I ask myself must dig out the standard.

I'll save you the bother: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/88537-rmweb-modular-project-standards/

But what to build?  Here's some suggestions.

- Station

- Engine shed/carriage sidings/depot

- Junction (on a Y shaped board, as long as all ends are to 

- Siding with industrial facility

- Plain scenic boards, which are always handy to extend distance between stations.

- Crossovers

- Passing loop

Modules are generally best as 'double ended' so as not to end up with too many dead ends making it impossible to fit in, unless you provide a junction as a separate module or part of a module.  Remember that you can have a Dave standard module of only a couple of feet long, with a point coming off to whatever you like so if you wanted to make a junction followed by a 10ft long x 6" scenic section terminated by a quarry scene of whatever dimensions (including a below ground functional narrow gauge system, for example), that's perfectly acceptable as long as it's a self contained unit.

Remember that the most important thing is that the boards are built to standard at each end, and all track is wired and functional with local point control where necessary.  Scenery is a secondary issue and "under construction" boards are perfectly acceptable (although even a base coat of green or brown paint as necessary is better than just bare wood) as it's the operational side and the joy of running trains far longer distances than we can dream of at home.

It's also worth making an 'end board' if you can, I have one which is 4" long x the 18" width consisting of 2 inches of track, a buffer stop and a bit of scenery.  An hour to make and takes up no room in the car.

Curved boards are particularly useful as obviously it allows us to have a much longer run and utilise the space better.  Although harder to build, in many ways curved modules are more use than straight modules and obviously in a few years time when hundreds of UK modules are in existence it won't be such a big problem.

Or A-Team style enter the hall and build . .

Ok maybe not

 

I'm watching!

Watching?  This time, you'll be participating...

​Well I must admit there's more interest than I originally thought so tomorrow I'm going to go and measure up the village hall to see whether it's big enough (not been there yet) and whether it's practical for a meet, and if so then I shall put up a proposal and see who wants to commit.

​If there aren't enough numbers, then no big deal.  But if there is enough interest based on a firm plan then we can set a date and get started.  After all, you don't have to have modules ready right now, you can build them in the meantime...

Not for Southern E.M.U.'s, no. I have heard someone do a plausible imitation of that irritating airpump noise.

what, the dugga dugga dugga dugga click click click?

I'd give it another go if there was a meet I could get to.

You're in Salisbury.  I'm in Grateley.  That's two people already... lol

If anyone in the West Midlands fancies having another go (or from further away if you are prepared to travel (the venue I’m thinking of has a reasonable B&B attached!) I’m willing to have a go.....

Obviously I've also moved and am now in Hampshire (about 10 minutes west of Andover just off the A303) so quite accessible to many of those that came to the original meeting, and for those needing accommodation there's plenty of chain hotels nearby.  There is a village hall (which I haven't looked into yet but could if there was any interest - obviously although originally under the SECAG area group banner, we aren't far from SWAG territory which may bring in new interest that Surrey was too far for).

It was dead to me from the moment a new standard was created rather than using the freemo standard that already existed, and which presumably is still going...

If we had simply anglicised (or blindly adopted) the Freemo standards, do you think we would have had more success?  I can't see many existing US based Freemo modules fitting well in with UK scenery and standards (except for perhaps unscenic storage yards), so we'd still be starting from a ready module base of practically nothing.

I suggest one possible reason is that there is a great lack of interest in operating model railways in the British hobby. The tyranny of "Little Johnny wants to see the trains run!" coupled with the equal and opposite tyranny of the 8' finescale plank modelled with exquisite accuracy over a 10 year build period has generated that. 

To​ a degree you are probably right - however those of us who met and made the initial modular meet work did because we could see potential in the concept, it wasn't perfect and of course you had a mixture of finescale virtually completed projects and others where the scenery was a coat of green paint put down a few days beforehand to "give the impression".  You don't necessarily need both extremes to meet, simply a common understanding of what you are hoping to achieve.

​On that first meeting, we just wanted to prove "it worked" which it did.  Future meetings may be themed around everything being matching a GWR branch line, or trying to run to a timetable, or a card system to make up trains and shunt wagons from A to B, or whatever.  We leant more towards "trains running" on meeting 1, with a mix of steam and modern trains interspersed.  For most of us, a 40+ ft run from one end to the other of a "layout" is way beyond anything we are ever likely to build or erect at home, so by putting our manageable component parts together in a plan that gave us some operating potential with the junction and the station sidings, it needn't be the "finescale accuracy" nor the "trains every 30 seconds".

​Our main aim was to have fun.  That's one thing we certainly did, despite a few glitches on the day that we soon overcome and think we managed to solve anyway.

I'm sorry, I had always wanted to participate but I found I just did not have the space to build or store anything other than my current layout

A single board was all you needed to participate.  In fact, I had an "end piece" of a 4" long x 18" wide board, consisting of two inches of track and a buffer stop for an end.

Although 16ft station modules and suchlike are impressive, it is possible to build much smaller and still contribute, even a 2ft long board with a bridge over a river or a level crossing would have been able to be fitted in somewhere.

I think one of the big problems was the UK mentality of "everything must match".  Looking at some of the huge American layouts you go from urban to rural to desert to mountain and back again, and as long as the trains can run smoothly across the joints nobody seems to mind, whereas in the UK we expect everything to match perfectly even down to the colours used on the grass.  Even the 18" wide boards I think was potentially an issue, as long as the tracks matched in positioning and were able to be joined to others, what's the problem if we use different width boards?  Something like a 12ft (consisting of 3 x 4ft x 1ft) scenic countryside module would provide a good run between two station modules, and take up minimal space in storage... plus of course we don't all have big cars to transport big boards in.

Although the modular concept for UK railways was quite radical... were we really radical enough in moving away from "traditional UK standards"?

​Don't know if anyone was going to bet on the Grand National but here's a hot tip for you, a horse called Poloneck.  I hear it's a great jumper.

So... 18 months since the last post, and several years since the one and only modular meet.

Is anyone still working to modular standards in the vain hope that something may one day happen... or has everyone given up?

'Nut

The elderly Italian man went to his parish priest and asked if the priest would hear his confession. “Of course, my son,” said the priest.

“Well, Father, at the beginning of World War Two, a beautiful woman knocked on my door and asked me to hide her from the Germans; I hid her in my attic, and they never found her.”

“That’s a wonderful thing, my son, and nothing that you need to confess,” said the priest.

“It’s worse than that, Father; I was weak, and told her that she had to pay for rent of the attic with her sexual favors,” continued the old man.

“Well, it was a very difficult time, and you took a large risk -you would have suffered terribly at their hands if the Germans had found you hiding her; I know that God, in his wisdom and mercy, will balance the good and the evil, and judge you kindly,” said the priest.

“Thanks, Father,” said the old man.

“That’s a load off of my mind. Can I ask another question?”

“Of course, my son,” said the priest.

The old man asked, “Do I need to tell her that the war is over?”

There was a religious woman Samantha who had to do a lot of traveling for her business. Air travel made her very nervous, so she always took her Bible along with her.

One day on a trip, she was sitting next to a man. When the guy saw Samantha pull out her Bible, he gave a little chuckle and smirk and went back to what he was doing.

After a few minutes, he turned to religious woman and asked, “You don’t really believe all that stuff in there do you?”

Samantha answered, “Of course I do. It is the Bible.”

He said, “Well, what about that guy that was swallowed by that whale?”

She replied, “Jonah. Yes, I believe that, it is in the Bible.”

He asked, “Well, how do you suppose he survived all that time inside the whale?”

Samantha said, “Well, I don’t really know. When I get to heaven, I will ask him.”

“What if he isn’t in heaven?” the man asked sarcastically.

Samantha calmly answered; “Then you can ask him."