Modular Table Layout & Construction

Standardized List of Terms

2008-02-27T13:53:00.000-08:00

Interface: Two modules being put together.

Loop: Loop refers to the shape of the club layout when all modules are set up together. They form a loop. The loop allows trains to be run continuously without stopping. Only members are allowed inside the loop, spectators will view from outside the loop.

Module: A module is the table on which you build your layout. A module measures anywhere from 22" to 36" wide x 47-7/8" OAL. A member may build one or more modules.

Male End Of Module: The male end of the module is the right end of the module when viewed from the back of the module or from inside the loop.

Married Set: Any group of modules in which the individual modules cannot be used separately for some reason. Married sets typically consist of modules that carry a singular theme over more than one module and may not have a standard interface between them, but conform to the interface standards at both ends of the set.

Module Construction:

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MODULE CONSTRUCTION

Illustration #1
Top view of module structure before Styrofoam is added.

Illustration #2
Exploded vied of one corner of module showing proper construction.

Illustration # 3
Cut-away showing module with top layer of Styrofoam on assembled structure.

Mandatory Module Construction Specs:

Size: 22" x 47-3/4" long
1/8" Oak strip on male end (not shown in illustration)
Wood block under frame at male end (this is for the next module to rest upon when units are together in an effort to keep the tops even - also not shown in illustration)
3" Stanley 100 (RD741) Hinge at inside joint (3 tab section on male end - not shown in illustration) Must be installed while modules are together.
Platform height: 40" to top of module surface

Mandatory Module Finishing Specs:

Burnt Umber base paint under scenery
Grass & Landscaping: Woodland Scenics
Outer Frame Finish: (oak plywood) Satin Polyurethane
Backdrop: Height 12" above module surface
Skirting: to be determined

Building Your Module(s)

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Illustrations #1,2 & 3 above right are drawings of a modular table frame assembly, it shows all the different types of wood pieces and methods needed to construct a light weight frame with Styrofoam. An additional option would be to use 1/4" plywood instead of Styrofoam, although it will make your module a little heavier. Plywood would reduce the amount of cross members required but will necessitate them being made of heavier more durable material. Detailed instructions on building this lightweight module are available click here.

If you desire to build a module of your own design, the following is mandatory:

It must be 47-3/4" long x 22" wide with a 1/8" x 1/2" oak rub strip on the top edge of the male end of each module. This will make the overall length of the module 47-7/8" OAL.
The sides and ends are made of 1/2 x 3" +0.0 -1/16" wide plywood. The outer edge piece of plywood is oak plywood for aesthetic value.
In illustration #1 above right, there is an orange triangular piece. It serves as a leg brace and corner brace for the frame. It is made of 3/4 x 6 Solid Maple cut on a 45 deg angle.
The module must be 40" from the floor to the top surface of the module. The top surface of the module must be flush with the top of the frame. This is for aesthetic purposes.
Each module shall have an interface strip on the bottom of the male end. This strip must be glued in place securely and be exactly 90 deg from the end. This strip is for the interfacing module to rest upon thus enabling the top surfaces to align. This strip should be made from two pieces of wood glued together to form an "L". This can then be glued not only to the bottom of the male end but also to the inside back of the end piece. (See illustration Below) The red piece of wood should be about 3/4" square and the yellow piece should be made from stock 1/2" thick to 3/4" thick by 2" wide stock and be approximately the length of the width of the end of the module. This method only needs to be done to the male end of an interfacing module that is not of your Married Set. You may use other methods to insure your Set aligns properly within Married Modules as long as it is secure and easy to align the track.

Roadbed & Track - Electrical - Engines & Cars

2006-03-31T12:02:00.000-08:00

Roadbed and Track Specs:

Route Designations:

Outermost loop from inside designated as "Outer Main"
Center loop designated as "Center Main"
Innermost loop designated as "Inner Main" (this loop is elevated 3/4" above module surface)

Roadbed: Cork

Mainline Ballast: Woodland Scenics Gray (B82 or B1382)

Grass Color: Woodland Scenics

Track: Atlas code 83 - All rails powered in each module

Track Centers Location At ends of Interfacing Modules - Measured From Front Of Module:

Outer Main: 3"
Center Main 5-1/2"
Inner Main 16"

Turnouts (Switches):

Outer and Center Main lines minimum # 6 switches
Inner Main line and in yards minimum #4 switches

Minimum Clearance Between Tracks: 2-1/2" on center

Track Radius on Curves:

Outer Main 32"
Center Main 29-1/2
Inner Main 19" (Corner Modules) & 18" on (Straight Modules)

Electrical Specs:

Module Connection: 12 pin Molex Plugs & 12 Gauge Wire for DC Connections

AC Current: Each module will have a 5' removable power strip for 110VAC power. (14 Gauge 15 Amp Wire - hung beneath module on cup hooks w/closing clasp)

DCC Control: Club will purchase all necessary command stations and boosters. Members individually must provide their own throttles. All members must have one module equipped with a Digitrax UP-5 Panel.

Track Power: Power will be supplied to each rail through 12 gauge wire. Each line will be electrically insulated from the other two. The Club supplies all 12 gauge wire:

Track Power Wire: (each module will have a 5' - 6 wire #12 AWG harness with a 12 pin molex male & female receptacle at either end.) (Male receptacle must be on male end of module)

Outer Main: (Wire 1 -White Wire Outer Rail) - (Wire 4 - Black Wire Inner Rail)
Center Main: (Wire 2 -Red Wire Outer Rail) - (Wire 5 - Green Wire Inner Rail)
Inner Main: (Wire 3 -Yellow Wire Outer Rail) - (Wire 6 - Blue Wire Inner Rail)