Frank MartinStARR

Fixed Layouts• Designed to remain in one place

Portable Layouts• Designed to be transported from place to

place

SECTIONAL MODULAR

Large layout that is cut into smaller parts (sections) for transport from one location to another.

Each section can be connected only to specified neighboring sections.

All sections must be present for the layout to function

The layout is exactly the same each time it is set up

Small layouts (modules) that are easily transported from one location to another are connected together to make a bigger layout.

Each module is designed to connect to any other module.

The number of modules need for the layout to function is anything from 1 to infinite

The layout develops as modules are added.

Start with a layout that is too big to transport. Cut it into transportable size sections. Take it apart. Transport it. Put it back together

If one of the sections is missing?• It does not work.

Section B Section CSection A

Start with an easily transportable module Add more modules … Take the layout apart; take modules home Work on modules; wait for next session Next session; put together another layout

WaltJack BobDave JackBob

Bob redesigned his module making it longer; so long that he had to cut it into sections. However, he kept to the standards at the intended modular interfaces (ends); so, More modules can still be added …

Bob must bring all three sections of his module and connect all the sections together to have a module and to participate in the session

WaltJack Bob Dave

Are agreed upon by the group of model railroaders who are going to use them.

There are different standards for different groups.

The standards of one group are not necessarily compatible with the standards of another group

National Model Railroad Association – Module Standards• Emphasize double-track continuous-running long-haul railroading with

provisions for secondary tracks and branch lines• Modules primarily rectilinear with special oval-forming corner modules• Compiled for all gauges in conjunction with long-established and wide-

spread modular groups (e.g., NTrak, NASG S-MOD)• Widely used and usually the standard for entering modules in train

shows• http://www.nmra.org/standards/modules/ms_intro.html

Free-mo• Emphasize single-track point-to-point regional railroading with

provisions for double tracking• Modules can be any shape; layouts are cancerous (crab-like)• Compiled for HO gauge independently from other established modular

groups but heavily influenced by European FREMO and adopted by modelers in other gauges

• Quickly gaining in popularity• http://www.free-mo.org/

These critical standards are necessary to ensure modular interconnectivity in any groupThe illustrations and dimensions shown here are from the NTrak/NMRA standards; dimensions in other gauges will differ.

Some groups include other items in their standards to achieve specific goals (e.g., ability to run large modern locomotives and rolling stock and/or to engender uniform appearance among the modules). These optional standards are not critical for operations and are not included in NMRA Standards

Shape Length Width Skyboards Radii & Grades Other

For NMRA Module Standards

1. Be railroad savvyVisit railroad sites and museums; ride trains.Perouse magazines, books, websites, etc.

2. Choose an interesting railroad scene.E.g.: yard, engine terminal, industry, town, etc.

3. Document it physically and operationally

4. Selectively compress and scale it to fit a reasonable space

5. Modularize it to chosen standards

Based on: Introduction to model railroad Layout Design Elements by Tony Koester. 2002. Model Railroader Magazine http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=264

Increase size by 33.3% (1’ x 6’ 1’4” x 8’). Add an additional 8” to front (1’4” x 8’ 2’ x 8’). Add 4 mainline tracks as per NMRA Modular Standards. Add crossover from Track 4 to yard lead. Divide into two sections for ease of transport.

Farnsworth Constructed by Frank Martin, StARR, 2001 Weathered by John Merkle, StARR, 2003

Using Free-Mo Standards

For Free-mo Conformance Stretch 50% (2.5’ x 8’ 2.5” x 12’) to get radii and

turnouts to conform Modify ends to conform to get them perpendicular to

through tracks Straighten through tracks at interface.

Divide into three sections for ease of transport.

Epithet Creek Constructed by: TBA

Modules can be small • Small enough to be built in efficiency apartments or

on the kitchen table.• Small enough to be stored under a bed.• Small enough to be complete and highly detailed in

relatively little time.• Small enough to be relatively inexpensive.

Modules are inherently social• Connecting modules together connects one model

railroader to another.• Participating in modular layout operations connects

one model railroader to many others.

Thank you for your attention and happy modular railroading.