Joined up thinking

Sir Clothem Cap · Post by **Sir Clothem Cap** » Fri Dec 21, 2012 7:21 pm

Thinking of the MOTY idea then the length and width of each module would be limited to a particular size to allow for the amount of room they would take up. This restriction would only be for moty entries if a module was made for fun it could be any length.

MDLR · Post by **MDLR** » Fri Dec 21, 2012 7:31 pm

I'd disagree - module length is usually specified as well, so organisers of modular layouts know how big they're going to be, coz they're all the same size (apart from return loops).

Sir Clothem Cap · Post by **Sir Clothem Cap** » Fri Dec 21, 2012 7:36 pm

Good poimt for joining in with display layouts then size does matter for all

IRON MAN · Post by **IRON MAN** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 12:54 pm

length does not matter...

If each modules length is recorded in a database as its created then putting together a plan for a layout when a show invite is received should be no problem.

Regards

Dan

MDLR · Post by **MDLR** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 1:01 pm

....... but if all the modules are the same length you don't have to bother!

IRON MAN · Post by **IRON MAN** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 1:10 pm

Id rather put the effort in to be honest.

A plan is going to have to be drawn up by the layout organiser of how the boards are going to be set out at each show. which will need to be dimensioned. Its no biggy really to have some longer than others?

MDLR · Post by **MDLR** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 1:22 pm

The whole point of a modular layout is surely that it's very much a random thing - the organiser knows how many modules are going to turn up and has the appropriate amount of space, but what order the modules get assembled in is purely random - that's the joy!

TommyDodd · Post by **TommyDodd** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:18 pm

IRON MAN:78363 wrote: Its no biggy really to have some longer than others?

Depends on what you plan to do with them. If you're just going for an end-to-end then only width and track centres matter. If you want to retain the option of a circuit then standardised module lengths are suddenly more important, as both sides/ends have to be the same length or the curves won't meet. - And curve radii would need to be standardised too.

Sir Clothem Cap · Post by **Sir Clothem Cap** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 2:35 pm

I was thinking of the area available at peterborough and how curves added at ends would make a stretched s for future shows. A size limitation would also make a level playing field for all.

But if the module were not for judgeing in a show then the 'your railway your rules' apply. I would expect that most would desire portability so a standard length that fits into a standard car would be popular.

MDLR · Post by **MDLR** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 2:48 pm

I suspect tat "end curve" modules might no be judged as they'd be purely functional.......................... and don't worry TOO much about space - there's LOTS at Peterborough and allocating a large space wouldn't be too difficult at the planning stage.

Sir Clothem Cap · Post by **Sir Clothem Cap** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 3:41 pm

I know Gareth is building some end curves and I agree these are purly functional and not to be judged.

Lner fan Sam · Post by **Lner fan Sam** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 7:39 pm

To add more operational interest to the layout would it be possible to add spirals to it? Something like what they have on festinog railway.

Sir Clothem Cap · Post by **Sir Clothem Cap** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 9:04 pm

Those could be fun but they are there to change height you could need about 3 modules to get it up then back to standard height. IT would be fun trying on a manual control steamer

TommyDodd · Post by **TommyDodd** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:23 pm

That would also re-open the "table-top or freestanding" question since you'd be into non-standard heights. Personally I like the idea of a standardized rail height above floor level, since that introduces the option of a drop baseboard to accommodate a tall bridge, like the Dolgoch viaduct on the Meltham group layout.

Hope Mountain Railway · Post by **Hope Mountain Railway** » Tue Dec 25, 2012 10:27 am

Guys, these module competition threads are getting away from my original idea. The Idea was for a super layout, to be built by a team of like minded people who might be spread over the country.
By default, these would have a common goal to build a Great Layout together. One that is capable of expansion when new people com on board. Each person trying to build modules that outdo each other doesn't help realise this goal. In my mind, one person, or a team of people might like to build a big complicated section, say a mine, or a harbour. Another person might really like to be involved, but not have the time to devote to something big and complicated. He might build 2 or 3 simple modules, say a small stretch of railway through a woodland. Equally important for the project as a whole, but difficult to judge compared to a complicated 'theme area' . Defined area modules are just too rigid in my view. Gareth

Sir Clothem Cap · Post by **Sir Clothem Cap** » Tue Dec 25, 2012 11:52 am

ahh, I see the modules as being as individual as you feel but being able to link to others by having common ends thus they can be used to build layouts at meets and shows and also be display tables for stock.

More the hotch potch than fixed themes althrough local area meets will develop a common style. The MOTY idea would be an incentive to build and display modules to build a large layout at such shows as peterborough.

A group themed layout is great but may struggle if a key module isn't present. This is all up to the individule or group concerned. If we can agree the end standards then all are able to add theirs at any time.

Sir Clothem Cap · Post by **Sir Clothem Cap** » Thu Dec 27, 2012 10:54 am

Here are the standards as stated by Gareth

End of board widths of 450mm and 600mm. Track centre is 150mm from front edge and further tracks at 150mm centres if reqd. Board height 75mm min. Nominal length for a standard module is 1200mm, but this by no means fixed, see forum chat. End of tracks from edge 50mm

Height from floor to track top 90cm

Thats enough to start building. Who is up for it?

Hope Mountain Railway · Post by **Hope Mountain Railway** » Tue Jan 01, 2013 12:02 pm

Hello All. Well, I have the timber, and have made a start on the first of the return loop boards. I'm at a stage now where I would like to gauge the interest in making modules and coming on board this project. There are some from this forum, some as a result of my SMT article, and others that are members of my Area Group, CMEC in N E Wales. One thing that I forgot to mention, is that I intend to name the system, 'Rowland's Modules', This after 'Rowland's Lodge', our group layout, originally built by my good friend John Wenlock (Membership No 0003), who wants to come on board.
Would all who are interested get in touch, and I will E-mail the pack of drawings and ideas that I have prepared.

Many Thanks, Gareth.

Hope Mountain Railway · Post by **Hope Mountain Railway** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 6:32 pm

First Baseboards are coming on well - John Wenlock will probably finish the first Straight Boards before I manage to finish the first return loop board - its a bit more complicated! ... Anyone else made a start? Gareth

Sir Clothem Cap · Post by **Sir Clothem Cap** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 6:48 pm

I'm Making one up as a steam up section with some tiles set under the rails and a loco test area with rollers. this is to allow it to be useful in the garden and also be able to join other modules Landscape will hopefully look like a maintenance area with small workshop.

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