Modular Layout Standards

Started by Bob G, November 23, 2017, 02:53:01 PM

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Bob G

I have been asked if there are any commonly used or NGS/NGF endorsed standards for sections of modular layouts.
I know I'm entering a minefield, but this is partly to help me understand the history of modular modelling in N scale, and also what is being used currently.
Treat any responses as if I know nothing and I will be very happy :)

Thanks in advance.

Bob

ntpntpntp

#1
Dunno about endorsed by NGS/NGF, but I follow N-Club International's standard when building stuff to link in with them at Stuttgart and when they've brought modules over here.

http://n-club-international.de/index.php?option=com_jdownloads&view=viewcategory&catid=2&Itemid=1150

There are a few other standards around, for example the East Surrey N Gauge group follow N-MOD I believe?       N-Trak is a standard for American modules.   FREMO is another european standard.
Nick.   2021 celebrating the 25th anniversary of "Königshafen" exhibition layout!
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=50050.0

AlexanderJesse

Have you had a look at the swiss n modules?
I got the impression that the swiss standard is better in terms of module connectors and electric connections. And there is a shop where you can get the module heads and or rail mounting tools (for exact positioning of the rails).

Also the swiss norm with its rail not down the middle of the module give a bit more freedom for additional rails and/or background scenery

http://www.spur-n-schweiz.ch/sns/modul.html
=================
have a disney day

Alexander

Remember: vapour is just water and therefor clean

ohlavache

T-Trak of course !
I plan to do some modules when I have time.

See here :
http://www.t-trak.org/
http://t-trak.nscale.org.au/

ntpntpntp

#4
Quote from: AlexanderJesse on November 23, 2017, 03:43:55 PM
Have you had a look at the swiss n modules?

You mean compared to NCI? 

sNs track height is higher than NCI, the track centre measurements are different and the end-plate is specified with different locating holes etc.   However the electrical conections use banana plugs the same as NCI.

NCI module end-plates and track alignment guides are available from their members' shop in the same way as sNs.

Having seen sNs joined with NCI and all the others @ Stuttgart, I know all it takes is a conversion module and a standard height agreed for the show.


I quite like the Alpenbhan standard that some of the East Surrey guys came up with, especially the idea of the end profile not being flat.
Nick.   2021 celebrating the 25th anniversary of "Königshafen" exhibition layout!
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=50050.0

AlexanderJesse

Quote from: ntpntpntp on November 23, 2017, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: AlexanderJesse on November 23, 2017, 03:43:55 PM
Have you had a look at the swiss n modules?

You mean compared to NCI? 

Well I hadn't looked at the NCI modules, but at the Fremo's... And I remember, that I judged the sNs much better than the Fremo. The NCI also looks like a stronger standard compared to the Fremo.

Thus my vote would be sNs or NCI
=================
have a disney day

Alexander

Remember: vapour is just water and therefor clean

Bob G

Thanks for the info guys.

Its a minefield out there!
We were approached by an OO club proud of what they could get onto a 48" x 20" module in OO, and wondered how much more stuff could be fitted onto a module in N.
I think personally they have the wrong idea of what N is all about, so its been interesting to see these standards and how much more elemental N is compared to OO - and by that I mean a railway set in the landscape rather than a layout full of track.

Thanks
Bob

Zogbert Splod

I looked in to this 'modules' thing when I first took a proper interest in railway modeling but the variety of possible ways to go was not to my liking.  I half way wish I had gone that way now coz I would not have had to stop while all the stuff at my flat has being going on for the last while.....

I saw a very interesting club layout in the US one time though.  The club had designed the layout and it was built, in sections, at home, by the various members.  The 'standard' was unique to that layout as it included gradients.  The down side was that they needed all of the members to be present when they attended a show however, as there was no consistency in rail placing at the edges of the sections.  Does that still qualify as modular even?  It was a really nice layout either way.  Some of the longest 'n' trains I ever saw.  I wondered at it till one of the guys there explained to me that some of the boxcars were actually powered.
"When in trouble, when in doubt, run (trains) in circles..." etc.
There, doesn't that feel better? 
Lovely!

Planning thread:
http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=25873.0

My website: Zog Trains

Run what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law
I may appear to be listening to you, but inside my head, I'm playing with my trains.

silly moo

Our N Gauge club has been going for over twenty years and we chose N Trak specifications for our modular layout, we made a few minor changes to the specifications including using automotive plugs for wiring connections and Minitrix telescopic track sections to join the track together. The latter have been a godsend.

Were we to start again we would go for Bend Track modules as they are more versatile than N Trak modules. They can be used in combination with N Trak modules so we are planning to make some new Bend Track modules in the future.

http://www.bendtrack.com/


:NGaugersRule:

MacRat

#9
Fremo N:
http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/53/main_8539.pdf
This version is a mixture of the original N-RE and a bit of British add-on.

If you find haeckmaen's and McRuss threads on here on NGF, you'll see for yourself what it's like.

tutenkhamunsleeping

Quote from: MacRat on November 25, 2017, 01:20:05 PM
Fremo N:
http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/53/main_8539.pdf
This version is a mixture of the original N-RE and a bit of British add-on.

I've got 6 bare baseboards built to those standards(ish!)

Don't know when or if they'll be used, it was one of the little projects that kept me amused while waiting to move house.  Lots of potential, though!

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