Module Specifications

 NEW MODULE STANDARDS

The Club has recently adopted a new standard for module construction in all scales. While modules from the older HO standard will match and can certainly continue to be used for the traditional HO modules, the newer approach provides greater flexibility of sizes as well as significantly reduced weight. This is a draft of the new standards and will be enhanced over the coming months

Features:

-          Dimensions ranging from 2’ to 6’ in length, and 18” to 30” in width

-          Use of lighter weight dimensional lumber (pine is recommended) rather than plywood is recommended

-          The top is extruded polystyrene (Styrofoam SM extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam Insulation, or equivalent) also offering lighter weight

-          Legs are 1” hardwood dowels that fit into gussets/ diagonal braces in each corner of the module (see 4th diagram below)

- Utililty modules, such as curves, wyes, reverse loops, and turntable reverse modules are normally supplied by the club

- Backdrops are normally 16" above the deck of the module. Colours are shown further down this page

- Rail is Code 100 track for standard the main line on HO modules with PECO turnouts. On30 modules are Code 83 rail (Micro Engineering preferred) mounted on 3D-printed ties.  

- Module interconnection -   6” standard rail insert as per "Top View" diagram below

The following diagrams provide the dimensions and a view of the construction

FRONT VIEW

TOP VIEW - This is the On30 setup. The traditional HO modules had two tracks set to 18" and 20" from the backdrop on a minimum 24" top

SIDE VIEW - again note the track layout shown is for an On30 setup

BOTTOM VIEW

Paint standard - HO modules are to have black fascia and legs. Colours for On30 modules are  shown below

WIRING - 2 FEEDER WIRES ARE RUN FROM END TO END ON EACH MODULES WITH DROP WIRES AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS FROM BOTH RAILS. CONNECTION TO ADJACENT MODULES IS MADE USING ANDERSON CONNECTORS

TRADITIONAL 2-TRACK HO MODULES - This is the older standard shown here for comparison. The first diagram shows some possible layouts

4. HEIGHT: The club standard is 40" from the top of the railhead to the floor. The adjusting bolts are designed to compensate for uneven floors. 

5. BACKDROPS: ½" Plywood 16" x 48" (2 required). Extends 12" above top of module. May be covered with 1/8" tempered hardboard glued on to give a smooth painting surface.

6. SCENERY: As long as the main line tracks are built to specifications, you are free to whatever you wish on the rest of the module. Keep in mind transporting modules is easier with lightweight scenery such as pink or blue styrofoam - plaster scenery is prone to breakage. 

7. MISC.: Legs and framing to be painted gloss black. Back of backdrop should be painted too. You will need "C" clamps to connect your two modules, and to connect to others. When modules are operated with SJSMR, cloth skirting for front of modules will be required.

8. TRACK: All mainline track to be Code 100 nickel silver by Atlas, Peco, etc. that comes in 3 foot' pieces, laid on cork roadbed. Track laid on 2" centers. Other trackage your choice. Standard 9" pieces of "snap track" are used only to join to other modules. All permanent track joints should be soldered for reliability.

9. SWITCHES: (Turnouts) on mainlines to be by Peco only (Peco Insulfrog is preferred), others your choice. Basic feeder wire connections for the simplest turnout arrangement are as follows:

 *Note: For PECO Insulfrog turnouts only - if you wish to turn off power under a locomotive parked on a siding, omit the siding gap and the "green" feeder wire on the siding. Doing this will cause the siding power to be controlled by the turnout alignment.

10. PROTECTION: When modules are displayed publicly, protection for operating trains Is required, by using clear Plexiglas or Lexan fastened to the front of the modules, extending 6" above the module top.

11. OPTIONS: The original modules were built 24" wide. New ones are 30" wide, with the extra 6" being added to front, so backdrops still match. This gives additional room for track, modeling, and scenery. Keep in mind this increases weight of stacked module pairs. We have successfully evolved the method of stacking module pairs that protects them during transit, and makes them easy to store too. While this method is optional, it is encouraged to facilitate the handling and the protection of modules when they are taken to conventions in rented trucks (See the "Packing and Transporting Moules" pages at the bottom of this page.

12.  ELECTRICAL:  When the SJSMR modules are set up, the engines are controlled by a Digital Command Control (DCC) system.  Engines must be equipped to run on DCC, which allows many features to be accessed, such as sound, lighting, etc.  Most model engines in the past several years have been available with DCC operating capabilities, or can be retrofitted with DCC decoders.  Straight DC (Direct Current) locomotives are not operable on the club modular layout.  Some model engines can operate both on DCC and DC in case you wish to use DC at home.   The club uses the NCE brand DCC control system, with several wireless controllers that allow operators to follow their trains.

For info and background on DCC, check this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Command_Control

The NCE system has a two-wire output. In the DC era, the modules were designed with two buses (4 wires) for two power searate and independent packs, one bus to control the front track and the other handling the back track. DCC has eliminated that need, but rather than rewiring all the modules to use a single bus, the club has joined together the two buses at the DCC system box. Bus wire 1(white) and bus wire 4 (green) have been connected with one of the outputs from the DCC system. Bus wire 2 (brown) and 3 (yellow) have likewise been connected to the other system output

Both module main lines are electrically connected with wires through flat automotive trailer plugs. You will require two pairs, one for each of your modules.  This photo shows a paired male / female trailer plug of the type we use:

The male / female trailer plugs are separated by cutting through all four wires, then splicing them under the layout to a 4-wire bus that runs the length of the module (see module diagram). As you can also see in the module diagram, the male plug in this photo is on the left and goes on the left side of the module viewed from the front.

 The front wire (white) is connected to the front mainline rail, followed by brown to the second rail, yellow is connected to the third rail and green to the fourth.

Sidings are wired using the same pairing of wires as the mainline track they are connected to.

13. COSTS: All costs of building modules are the responsibility of individual members. When the modular layout is taken to regional conventions around the Maritimes, the SJSMR usually pays for the rental of a cargo van to transport the layout. All other associated expenses are paid by individual members.   Those participating in modular setups with the SJSMR must be paid up current members.

 Revised 2018

 See HERE for Module Plans