1.
Design, Review and Approval
1.1
Design
a)
The design of the module is open to the member’s discretion.
Variances to the standards may be allowed with approval from the Design
Approval Group when no reasonable solution can be found.
b)
Members are encouraged to design for functionality and
operation.
c)
Modules must be designed for quick set-up and tear down.
d)
Members should consult with other members to discuss their
modules before designing a layout.
This
allows you to benefit from the experience and expertise of others in
track
planning, module design and construction. Members are ready to offer
constructive
comments and to help with the various aspects of module construction.
e)
Members should consult with other members to discuss their
modules before designing a layout.
This
allows you to benefit from the experience and expertise of others in
track
planning, module design and construction. Members are ready to offer
constructive comments and to help with the various aspects of module
construction.
1.2
Review and Approval
a)
All module designs for use in Club set-ups are subject to
review by the Operations Group, and review and approval by the Design
Approval
Group before construction.
b)
Review is intended to provide constructive suggestions,
helping new module builders avoid the problems others have already
overcome,
and ensuring that modules can be incorporated into the Club set-ups.
c)
Module designs presented for peer review must be accurate.
The use of track planning software such as XTrkCad is recommended, as
it
permits plans to be shared electronically and provides better accuracy
of track
placement and radii.
1.3
Non-compliance
a)
Non-compliant modules will not be included in set-ups until
they meet the standard.
2. Module Interface
Dimensions
2.1 Height
a)
The height of the module from the floor to the top of the
rail must be 45” at the module interface.
b)
The height is measured with leg leveller bolts threaded in
and extending at least 1/2" so as to provide a minimum height
adjustment
range of 1”.
2.2 Width and Depth
a)
All modules must be built on a wooden frame.
b)
Module interfaces may be either double-track (Conventional)
or single-track (Free-Mo). These two standards are connected through
transition
modules or sets of modules (refer to 2.6 below).
c)
The
depth of the module frame at module interfaces must be between
4” and 4-1/2”. All
sizes
are actual, not nominal, dimensions (note that 3/4" x 3-1/2”, also
known
as 1 x 4 lumber, should not be used for module frames).
Figure
1 Module Interface Dimensions
d) Clear space
must be left up to the bottom of the
Styrofoam on the inside of the module interface extending from 5” to
10” from
each side so as to allow clamping to the adjacent module (see figures
below)
 Figure 2 Locations for clamping areas (end view) Figure 3 Locations for Clamping Areas (top view)e) Cabinet-grade plywood (with
paint-grade veneer surface) is highly recommended for the module frame as it is
lighter than pine, doesn’t warp, and is the cheapest of all types of materials
that are suitable for making module frames..
f) Clear pine may also be used for
the module frame but may be subject to warping. g) Other softwoods are not
permitted. h) The width of the frame at module
interfaces must be 24” wide and 3/4" thick. (For the width of wye modules, refer to
2.5 below.) i) Modules containing wyes may
exceed the 24” width at the module interface (See 2.5 below) j) Oversize modules are permissible
to a depth of 30”. However, front or back extensions must be tapered to meet the module interface of 24” 2.3 Straight Modules
a) Straight modules must be built in multiple lengths of
2’ subject to a minimum length of 2’ (i.e. 2’, 4’, and 6’). For corner and wye modules, refer to 2.5 below.)
b) The length of your module will probably be limited to
the type of vehicle you drive. A 6’ long
module obviously will not fit in the trunk or back seat of a sub-compact. When determining the length of your module,
check and make sure it will fit into your vehicle for transportation. 2.4 Curved Free-mo Modules
a) Curved Free-mo modules must move the Main Line
through multiples of 22-1/2” (increments of 45º and 90º are preferred). 2.5 Corner and Wye Modules
a) Corner and wye modules must be
built on the principle of a 53” square as shown in Figure 3, 4, and 5 below. b) The total angle between two ends
of the module must be in increments of 90º c) The starting point of the
outside curve is offset 2” from the start of the inside curve to give increased
separation between rails in the curve. d) The minimum separation between
the centrelines of tracks must be 2-1/4” apart within 12” of entering the
curve. 
Figure 4 Corner Module Dimensions e) Corner modules work on the
principle of a 53-inch square with the corners knocked off (see Figure 4
above). The length of boxed set of corner modules as shown is 48”. By moving
the diagonal edge of the module to 3” from the centreline of the 42.5” radius
the length reduces to 40.2”. If the 40” radius is used then the length would be
40.5”. 
Figure 5 Corner Module Track Radii 
Figure 6 Corner Module Track Location 2.6 Transition Modules
a) Transition modules or modules
sets must meet the standards for Module Interface Dimensions, width, and depth. b) Transition modules allow for
many options with respect to shape, angle, and length. However, they also present many challenges
with respect to construction, track placement, etc. c) Transition module design and
construction must be discussed in advance with the Road Foreman and other
senior members of the Club to ensure that the module design meets Club layout
design needs and is compliant will all the standards.
2.7 Painting Exterior Frame
a) All surfaces of the module frame
must be painted so as to prevent moisture absorption. b) The exterior of module frames
must be painted flat black. c) Lightweight materials should be
used as much as possible. d) The frame should be assembled
using carpenter’s wood glue and #8 x 1-1/2” Robertson wood screws. 2.8 Deck
a) Modules must have a complete top deck made from
a piece of 2” Styrofoam. b) There should be no gaps in the module deck that
are open to the floor. c) The Styrofoam must be securely fastened to the
module frame with several applications of carpenter’s wood glue or other
suitable glue. d) Cross members may be placed on the underside of
the Styrofoam as required and fastened to the module frame so as to provide
support to the Styrofoam deck. e) The top of the Styrofoam should be painted an
earth-brown colour so that the Styrofoam will better blend in with the scenery. 2.9 Legs
a) Module legs must be built from
1-1/2” x 1-1/2” lumber. b) Module legs must be built from
1-1/2” x 1-1/2” lumber. c) A stand-alone module or the core
module of a module set must have 4 legs so as to be able to stand on its own at
set-up and take-down. d) Additional modules in a set
require only two legs per module and alignment pins/bolts to attach to their
mating module. (See 9.2 for more
information on alignment pins/bolts.) e) A 5/16” threaded hanger bolt
must be inserted in the top of the leg so as to fasten the leg to corresponding
T-nuts or threaded inserts on the underside of the module frame. f) Legs must have a levelling
mechanism so as to allow a minimum height adjustment range of 1-1/4”. g) Legs must be painted flat black. h) The top of each leg should be
marked so as to easily identify the owner.
Figure 7 Leg Dimensions2.10 Clamps
a) A module owner must supply two C-clamps with
each module to allow connection with another module (unless alignment bolts are
used within module sets. b) For each stand-alone module or for each 2
modules of a module set, the module owner must supply 3 additional C-clamps to
allow for clamping carry plates as per 2.10.3
below. c) For stability of modules, carry plates should be
clamped across one pair of legs using three C-clamps. 3. Main Line Track
3.1 Type and Size
a) Main Line track must be either
Code 83 or Code 100 rail. b) All tracks must be nickel
silver c) All track and turnouts MUST
perform reliably and meet NMRA standards. d) Roadbed is required for Main
Line tracks. e) Rail-joiners must be installed
on all Main Line tracks at each end of the module and must slide completely
under the rails for storage between set-ups. f) Joiner tracks must NOT include
rail-joiners. Rail-joiners are part of
the module, not the joiner track. g) The last 6” of track (including
joiner track) at the interface must be straight, level and perpendicular to the
end of the module. 3.2 Main Line Location For Conventional Modules a) Double Main Line track centrelines must be
located 2-1/2” and 4-1/2” from the front edge at each end of the module,
perpendicular to the end. b) The Main Line tracks must start 3” in from the
module interface. c) All Main Line tracks must terminate in Atlas Code
100 snap track for a minimum length of 1-1/2” including modules with Code 83
rail. d) The Club will supply Atlas Code 100 joiner
tracks. e) For exceptions, the module owner must supply the
joiner tracks. For Free-mo Modules f) Single Main Line track centrelines must be
centred 12” from the front and back edges at each end of the module,
perpendicular to the end. g) The Main Line track must start 3” in from the
module interface h) All Main Line tracks must terminate in Atlas
Code 83 snap track for a minimum length of 1-1/2”. i) The Club will supply Atlas Code 83 joiner
tracks. j) For exceptions, the module owner must supply the
joiner tracks. For Transition Modules k) At the Conventional end, the module track must
meet the standards listed in 3.2.1 above for Conventional modules. l) At the Free-mo end, the module track must meet
the standards listed in 3.2.2 above for Free-mo modules. m) In the transition from Conventional to Free-mo,
the track must meet the standards listed in 3.3 below for Curves. For all Modules n) Over the length of a module/set of modules, the
Main Line(s) may move from the specified centreline, subject to a minimum
radius of 40” and no closer than 2-1/2” to the edge of the module. o) Main Line tracks must be a uniform elevation
with no grades p) When
laying track, it is better to be a bit less than 3” from the module interface
than a bit more. When laying Main Line
track to the module’s edge, subtract 1/8” from the 3” Code 100 interface. At the first operating session, the final cut
shall be made by the Road Foreman using a club-owned jig to ensure that the
Main Line track(s) are cut back to the appropriate length. 
Figure 8 Track Locations on Modules Curves q) Main line minimum radius is 40” r) Branch line minimum radius is 30” s) The minimum radius for industrial track’s is 18” t) There must be at least 12” of straight track
between reverse curves, except for crossovers. 3.3 Turnouts For Conventional Modules a) Turnouts for crossovers between Main Line tracks
must be a minimum of #6, Peco Long or longer. b) Turnouts from Main Line tracks must be a minimum
of #5 Peco Medium or longer. c) Turnouts within industrial spurs are at the
discretion of the member, but must be functionally appropriate for the
industries involved. d) For every eight feet of Conventional Modules in
a set there must be at least one crossover between Main Line tracks. e) To avoid damage during set-ups and tear downs,
the points of a turnout should be at least 1-1/2” from any joiner track section
at the edge of a module.
3.4 Track Clearances a) Tunnels, bridges, station and freight platforms,
etc. must exceed the NMRA Mark IV Clearance Gauge so that long and high modern
cars do not have problems b) Since the NMRA Mark IV Clearance Gauge is designed
for straight track, greater allowance must be given on curves. c) Clearances must accept Auto-max, wide and 90’
cars. 4. Electrical - Track Power Buss
4.1 General a) All electrical wiring must be permanently
attached to the module. b) To avoid damage to the buss wiring, wires should
be securely fastened to the module frame at the ends so as to provide strain
relief. c) To avoid damage during transportation, dangling
wires should be secured by plastic P-clips, closable hooks, etc 4.2 Track Wiring - Main Buss a) Conventional modules must have a 4-wire trailer
connector at each end of the module. b) Free-mo modules must have a 2-wire trailer
connector at each end of the module. c) The trailer connector must be located along the
centreline and hang 6” below the bottom edge at each end of the frame. d) Trailer connectors must be securely soldered or
crimped to a 2-wire or 4-wire buss that runs continuously along the length of
the module. Spade or screw-type terminal strips are not permitted. e) The wire for a 4-wire buss must be 16 AWG
stranded wire or larger. f) The wire for a 2-wire buss must be 14 AWG
stranded wire or larger. g) As the AWG (American Wire Gauge) number
decreases, the diameter of the wire increases.
14 AWG wire is thicker than 16 AWG wire. 4.3 Main Buss - Conventional a) For conventional modules, when looking at the
front of the module: b) The 3-female sockets and 1-male pin connector
will be on the left side of the module. c) The 1-female socket - 3 – male pin connector
will be on the right side of the module d) The green and brown wires are connected to the
back rails of either the front or back track on a 4-wire buss e) The white and yellow wires are connected to the
front rails of either the front or back track on a 4-wire buss. f) For a 2-wire buss, the white and yellow wires
from the trailer connector must be soldered or crimped together g) For a 2-wire buss, the green and brown wires from
the trailer connector must be soldered or crimped together.
 Figure 9 Main Buss Wiring (4 wire) 
Figure 10 Main Buss Wiring (2 wire) 4.4 Main Buss - Free-mo a) For Free-mo, when viewed from the end of the module and
looking down at the track, the female socket feeds the left-hand rail and the
male pin feeds the right-hand rail. 
Figure 11 Free-mo Power Buss 4.5 Electrical Track Wiring - Feeders and Gaps a) Track feeder wire must be 22 AWG wire or larger. b) There must be track feeder wires for every 3
feet of rail or less. c) All tracks must be wired live so that
DCC-equipped locomotives can run anywhere at anytime. In particular, track cannot be dependent upon
the turnout points for power. d) Track feeder wires should be located at each end
of the rails at the interface between
modules. e) All track feeder wires must be soldered or
crimped to the track buss. Spade or screw-type terminal strips are not
permitted. f) Turnouts must be “DCC friendly” so that
locomotives and lighted cars pass through a turnout without shorting on the
points, the frog or the diverging rails. g) The frog must be insulated or the rails gapped
and insulated beyond the frog. h) Track feeder wires must feed the point end of
turnouts. i) Track feeder wires must feed all rails beyond
the insulated frog or insulated gap. j) Track feeder wires for point and frog end of
turnouts should be located within 24” of the turnout. k) Consult with Club experts as to whether the
turnouts you wish to use need modification or not.
Figure 12 Turnout Wiring5. DCC - Loconet
5.1 DCC General a) All LocoNet wiring must be permanently attached
to the module. b) To avoid damage to the LocoNet, wires should be
securely fastened to the module frame at the ends so as to provide strain
relief. c) To avoid damage during transportation, dangling
wires should be secured by plastic P-clips, hook and loop Velcro, closable
hooks, etc. d) Control signals are carried over an RJ12 6-wire
computer network cable (the LocoNet). e) All components used in the LocoNet must meet
Digitrax RJ12 6-wire standards. f) The RJ12 cable must run from one end of the
module to the other end and extend 6” beyond each end of the module. g) The RJ12 cable at each module end must terminate
in an RJ12 male connector. h) The RJ12 cable must be located 12” in from the
front edge at each end of the module. i) Each module must have one female/female RJ12
connector so as to connect the LocoNet to the adjacent module. j) Where two or more modules are part of the same
set, a surface-mount female jack may be mounted on the underside of one module
with a male RJ12 connector on the adjacent module.  Figure 13 RJ12 Wiring Standards 5.2 Throttle Jacks a) Modules 24” or less in length must have one RJ12
throttle jack on the front side of the module. b) Each module between 24” and 48” in length must
have at least one female RJ12 throttle jack on each side so that throttle jacks
are accessible from both sides of the module. c) Each module exceeding 48” in length must have a
double-female RJ12 throttle jack in each side so that throttle jacks are
accessible from both sides of the module. d) Where a pair of modules up to 48” each in length
is used as an inseparable set, a double female RJ12 throttle jack may be used
on the front of one module and a second double-female RJ12 throttle jack may be
used on the rear of the other module. e) Fiddle yards must have a double-female RJ12
throttle jack for every 8’ of length. f) The preferred throttle jack is the Digitrax UP3
or UP5 panel. g) Throttle jacks must be mounted flush with the
face of the module by routing out a depression for the faceplate to fit into. h) The RJ12 network cable is wired in a daisy chain
fashion from each component under the module. i) The raised edge of the faceplate can be
carefully trimmed with a sharp utility knife to reduce the size and the depth
of the depression. j) LocoNet cables from throttle jacks should be
held in place with wire stapes, P-clips, etc, so as to prevent breakage of the
individual wires 6. Plexiglas, Backdrops, Skirting6.1 Plexiglas a) For Free-Mo modules, Plexiglas guards of 3/16”
or 1/4" thickness are required on both sides of the module. b) For Conventional modules, Plexiglas guards of
3/16” or 1/4" thickness are required on the front of the module with a
backdrop on the back of the module. c) Plexiglas must be positioned so that the top
edge is at least 2-1/2” above the top of the rail. d) Plexiglas be placed 1” above the bottom of the
frame to allow for the attaching of Velcro strips (refer to 6.3 below). e) All edges of the Plexiglas must be smoothed so
as not to cause injury to persons grasping the Plexiglas. f) If you wish to have your name on your module, it
should be located near the centre of each module section behind the Plexiglas. An MS Word format template can be found at http://www.hotrak.ca/MembersOnly.html.
6.2 Backdrops a) Conventional modules must have a backdrop. b) The top edge of the backdrop must be 7-1/2”
above the top of the rail.
c) Backdrops on canyon modules must be as deep as
necessary. d) Backdrops should be at least 1/8” thick and made
of Masonite or door skin plywood. e) Backdrops should be screwed to the back of the
module for ease of removal and mounting hardware shall not protrude more the 1/8” f) The front of the backdrop should be painted with
sky blue paint. However, night, bad
weather, or winter colouring is also permissible provided the colours blend
with the sky blue paint at the module interfaces. g) The paint for the back of the backdrop should be
Colonial Blue. See the Road Foreman for
the colour specifications.
6.3 Velcro Strips for Skirting a) Black Velcro strips (hook portion) must be
affixed at each end of the module and on 12” centres on each side of the module
that has Plexiglas guards. b) Velcro strips at each module end must be 3” in
length. All other strips must be 2” in
length.
c) Velcro strips must be located on the bottom edge
of the side of the module just below the Plexiglas d) Each Velcro strip must be affixed with glue and
two or more staples. e) Hook-Velcro with pre-glued backing can be
purchased at most fabric stores.
6.4 Skirting a) The Club will supply skirting. b) Members are responsible for supplying skirting
for modules with fascias that drop below the end plates (valley/canyon modules c) Skirting must be flat black or grey. d) Skirting must have an extra 2” at both ends so
as to overlap with the skirt of adjacent modules e)
At the end of each skirt, the Velcro must have loops on the top
inside and hook Velcro on the top outside for a good connection to the
next section 7. Scenery7.1 Construction a) While the type of materials used is open to
member’s discretion, Styrofoam is recommended for the scenery base so as to
minimize weight. Gaps between pieces of Styrofoam can be filled in with
spackling compound (a lightweight filler that doesn’t crack), rather than
Hydrocal or Plaster of Paris. 7.2 Module Interface a) Scenery at module interfaces must meet flush
with the bottom edge of the cork roadbed.
b) While there are no restrictions on what scenery
members may model, it is recommended that, whenever possible, members use the
same type (relative colouring) of scenic material to reduce abrupt changes
between modules. Woodland Scenics Medium or Mixed Green ground cover and Mixed
Gray Fine Ballast are suggested. 8. Construction Tips and Techniques8.1 Suggested Design Tips a) Use lightweight materials as much as possible. b) Members are encouraged to be innovative with
their track designs. Designs incorporating Main Line curves, junctions,
dramatic scenery, etc. are especially encouraged. c) Before designing the frame, members are asked to
discuss their module’s construction with Club members. We have specialized tools, jigs, and
experience that will make things go much smoother. 8.2 Exterior Frame a) To ensure that pairs of modules supplied by the
same member join perfectly, it is recommended that you use “alignment pins” or
“alignment bolts” and T-nuts to align the two modules. b) During construction, clamp the two modules
together then drill two holes through the two interfaces just big enough for a
5/16” bolt. Install 5/16” T-nuts on the inside of one module. Alignment pins
are made by cutting the heads off two bolts leaving 1” of smooth shaft screw
(round the ends of the cuts). With the two modules separated, insert the
alignment pins bolts into the T-nuts, attach the other module and fasten
together with two clamps. The use of
alignment bolts will mean that fewer clamps are necessary for attaching modules
within a set. c) When building a pair of modules, temporarily cover
the outside of the frame with masking tape so that scenery materials and
adhesives don’t adhere to the frame. Leave the tape 1/2" above the side
frames so that scenery doesn’t have to be cut on the interface (it also holds
it in place). You should also build the modules as one block (with the tape
separating the scenery material. Lay the track in one continuous stretch and
then cut the track at the joint afterwards. Connect with rail-joiners. d) Casters may be mounted on the gussets (ensure
that you leave room for the legs) for easier transportation so that other
module pairs can be loaded on top of a “casterized” module. 9. Equipment for Transportation and Set-ups
9.1 Carry Plates a) A pair of modules built to the same dimensions
can be bolted together as a “boxed set” so as to facilitate their
transportation and protect the scenery.
This is done with the use of a pair of endplates. Endplates are pieces of 1/4" or 3/8”
plywood measuring 24” wide with a height appropriate for boxing your
modules. The endplates are bolted to
each end of a “boxed set” of modules. A
“hand-hold” is usually cut into the middle of each endplate. During construction of the modules, T-nuts are
incorporated into the ends of the module so as to accept a bolt, which holds
the endplate in place. b) Bolts for attaching carry plates must be
1/4" #20 Robertson or Phillips or 5/16” bolt. Large hand-turn knobs are also permitted. c) Casters can be appropriately fastened to one of the carry-plates for
ease of transporting the boxed set in elevators, apartment buildings,
etc, as shown in Figure 14b. d) Carry plates, particularly the bolt holes, should be clearly labelled so that
there is no confusion about the where they fit on to the module. Module
ends should also be properly labeled. 
Figure 14a Carry Plate, before being labeled, attached to a Module 
Figure 14b - Carry Plate showing casters and labeling details. 9.2 Legs a) For ease of transportation, legs should be
fastened together.
b) Two
1” pieces of inner tube will serve as an
“elastic-band” to keep a set of legs together. Bungee cords, cut
to the appropriate length with the ends tied together, will
serve the same purpose. 9.3 Storage of Bolts, Washers etc. a) It is useful to use a container such as a plastic jar/ baggie, etc to store the bolts and washers when the
modules are taken apart for setup so that they are in one place, can be
easily found when the modules are bolted together again for
transportation after setup.
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