HO Scale Modules – Windsor Model Railroad Club

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:

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:

Power Suppy:

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:

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: