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Module Standards
Physical
The prescribed module dimensions only cover the ends of the modules, where they join the other modules. All other dimensions, materials etc. are free. "Ground Zero is considered to be at the front rail top"
Each module will have a straight edge, of 600mm in depth front to back. The mainline track shall be 100mm from the front of module to the railhead of the front track. The track shall be straight (i.e. at right angles to the edge) and level for a minimum of 100mm from the edge.
The backscene shall be to a height of 300mm from the railhead, and be a maximum 500mm from the front edge of the module. The ends will have an end board to a height of 300mm from the railhead and extending from the front edge of the module ends to the backscene.
Behind the backscene will be a return track with the railhead of the front rail 545mm from the front of the module. This is 445mm from the front rail of the mainline track.
An alternative method of providing the return track is shown in the above diagram. The return track can be implemented as a separate section. but must be supported by the module along its length and at the ends there must be 600mm available for the clamps. This may be advantageous to the modeller who wishes to use the modules as part of a home layout when not part of a module meet. If using this method, then the "Box" can be any depth, to a maximum of 500mm. Note that there must still be a method making the combined box and return track solid for the purposes of connecting to the next module - it cannot be assumed that the adjoining module will be a solid 600mm deep box which will provide the required support.
The frame of the module will be constructed using a material strong enough to allow the use of standard metal C-Clamps. This 'End Plate' should be a length of 75 x 25 dressed timber which has an actual size of 65 x 19mm.
Scenic area
Each module owner will supply two C-Clamps, with a minimum jaw opening width of 100mm. It is not recommended that the same C-Clamp be used to attach the legs - the leg length adjustment is intended to accommodate variations in floor height at the venue, not to align the module edges for the purposes of having aligned track. This alignment will be done by hand, with the clamps being applied when satisfactory.
Note that there are no supporting brackets, ledges, pins etc. All alignment is done by eye, and the support is solely via friction between the two clamping surfaces and the C-clamps.
Each module owner must bring to the meet one pair of legs to supporting the LEFT hand end of their module (as viewed from the front of the module). This pair of legs will be such as to place the mainline railhead (to top of rail) at a nominal 1200mm from the floor. The pair of legs will also support the right hand end of the adjoining module, because it is clamped to the left edge of the supported module. These legs must allow for on-site adjustment in the height over a range of 20mm (i.e. 50" plus or minus 1/2"). The modules shall be connected via a minimum of two C-Clamps at each end. Where the builder has opted for a separate return track, the builder must supply an appropriate support for the return track onto the main body of his module or modules to meet the end requirement depth of 600mm. However there is no reason why a number of smaller modules should not, when joined, curve the return track in close to the backscene or even into space therein left under a hill as long as there is adequate handling room and models that derail are not in danger of falling to the floor.
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