Our HO scale layout is composed of multiple interlocking modules, each crafted by a different member of our club.
We have certain specifications for our modules, and they are below.
Table of Contents:
- Modules
- Construction Materials
- Electrical Standards
- Track
- Switches
- Insulators
- Rolling Stock / Locomotive Power
- Power Supply
- Uncoupling Ramps
- Module Track Joints
- Backdrops
- Ballast
- Shows
- WMRC Operating Sessions
Our Module(s):
- must comply with the required construction materials and electrical standards established by the membership of the WMRC.
- is not a requirement for membership.
- connected using clamps (preferably 6-inch mini quick clamps), which the module owner must purchase.
- shall be 48 inches (4ft) from the floor to the top of the 2-inch plywood, including levelers on the bottom of the legs of the module.
- carrying handles (optional, but recommended) must be placed on the back of the module.
Construction Materials for your Module(s)
- 1″ x 4″ select finished pine (sides and cross members)
- 1/2″ plywood
- 2″ x 2″ spruce – legs cut at 46 1/2″
- screws – recommended #6 1 1/2″ or drywall
- levelers on the bottom of all four legs. May be purchased from Home Depot – 1″ variable code BP 701230 by Richelieu.
- Click here for a diagram.
Electrical Standards for your Module(s)
- 18 gauge stranded bus wire 5′ in length (for a 4′ module 9′ in length for an 8′ module)
- 18 gauge or Bell 24 gauge solid wire soldered with rosin core to each mainline track.
- Phono Jack Board – Radio Shack part #274-322b. Mounted under the module on the left.
- Phono Plugs – Radio Shack part #274-321b.
- 6′ wire with a female plug on the left and a male plug on the right using a Digitrax UP3, UP5 or standard 6 wire telephons jacks (RJ45)
- NOTE: Drill a 3/4″ hole through the center of each cross member to feed bus wires through.
- Click here for a diagram.
Track:
- Atlas nickel silver code 100 with black ties (flex or sectional) on all three main line tracks.
- all three main line tracks to be elevated on cork roadbed.
- centers for the main lines are 4″, 6″, and 8″ from the front edge of the module.
- all three main line tracks must end 1″ from either side of the module.
Switches:
- PECO large radius “Electrofrog” on all three main lines.
- PECO medium radius “Electrofrog” permitted on Main 3 (Branchline) if it does not connect to Main 2.
- any make and size may be used off the mainline tracks.
- may be powered or handthrown on the main lines and/or industrial tracks.
Insulators:
- double insulators separating one mainline from another mainline.
- double insulators separating branch line from industrial spurs, with an on/off double pole – single throw (DPST) kill switch installed beyond the insulators.
Rolling Stock / Locomotive Power:
- shall be equipped with Kadee couplers.
- shall comply with NMRA standards. (coupler height, wheel gauge, weight, etc.)
Power Suppy:
- DCC – Digital Command Control by Digitrax
Uncoupling Ramps:
- are NOT permitted on the mainlines. It is suggested that if a train needs to be uncoupled on the mainline that the train operator uses a handheld uncoupling device.
- are permitted on industrial spurs, or any other tracks that are not part of the mainlines.
Module Track Joints:
- at the discretion of the module owner.
Backdrops:
- composed of 1/8″ masonite board (one side finished).
- shall be painted sky blue (Home Depot code 10BG 83/035)
- shall be 12″ from the top of the 1/2″ plywood.
- may be permanent or removable and held in place using materials of the module owners choice.
- commercial backdrops are permitted over the 1/8″ masonite.
- are mandatory when attending train shows.
Ballast:
- main lines shall be ballast using Woodland Scenics medium gray blend #B94.
- all other tracks may be ballast in the colour/brand of the module owners choice.
Shows:
- 1 x 4 on the front of the module shall be painted black.
- 1×2 supports on module legs for stability.
- module must have a hole drilled in the center of the front for barriers which shall be provided by the club.
- backdrops are mandatory.
- 4″ x 4′ x 1/16 lexan must be on the front of the module. It shall extend 2″ above the top of the 1/2″ plywood (Can be bought from Dix Plastics)
- train movement shall be governed by a dispatcher via radio communications.
WMRC Operating Sessions:
- train operations shall occur at prototypical rail speeds.