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STANDARDSGUIDE Version 1.0 2003

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Modules (left to right) by Fred Park, Matt McMenamin and club/Gil Morales/Peter Bakhtar.

‘ 20

s, ‘30s

MODEL RAILROAD

AND

2multiple of 6’ (e.g. three 4’ modules =12’).

F. Width1.Interface width is 30” (plus-or-

minus 1/16”).2.A wider or narrow module should

return to this dimension at theinterface. Exceptions allowed.

3.Each module must have two “C”clamps, provided by member, toattach modules end-to-end. SeePlate 6.

G.Height1.40” from floor to top of rail.2.Required height adjuster: 3” or 4”

full-thread bolt allows a minimumof 3/4” up/down (total 1-1/2”) tocompensate for floor irregularities.

H.Trackage1.All rail sections must be connected

by jumper wires soldered to eachrail or by soldered rail joiners.

2.Mainlines must be code 100 nickelsilver rails at the interfaces. OK touse code 85 on the mainline as longas it transitions to code 100 at eachinterface.

3.Rail weights and gauges of all othertrackage is at members’ discretion.

4.Eastbound main line is closest tothe visitors aisle.

5.Westbound main line is closest tothe operators aisle.

6.Mainline centerlines must bemaintained for 6” from interfaces.Mainline locations can vary beyondthat 6” distance but cannot be lessthan 2” on centerline from anyadjacent track — add more trackspacing on curves. See Plate 3.

7.No permanent magnet uncouplingdevices are allowed on mainlinetracks. An exception is made if themagnet is moved away from thetrack when not being used.

8.Sidings/spurs from mainline:

I Group goalsA.To associate with others in operating

an HO scale modular model railroad.B.To expand interest in the hobby of

model railroading.C.To develop standards of module

construction.

II Standards of constructionA.Each module must meet the following

conditions:1.Length, width, height and other

dimensions shown in Plate 1.2.Scenery and rolling stock must

depict North American or similarfictitious railroads from 1920through December 7, 1941.

3.Mainline track location at interfacesshown in Plate 3.

4.Color-coded mainline wiringconnected as shown in Plate 4.

5.Member must be able to transporthis/her own module.

B.To ensure compatibility, NMRAstandards and practices should befollowed where applicable.

C.Basic module design (see Plate 1)1.Basic frame is 1” x 4” pine or

redwood for sides and ends with aminimum of two 1” x 2” crosssupports. Alternative designs oflightweight design are encouragedbut all must have the equivalent of1” x 4” wood end pieces so that themodule can be attached with C-clamps to adjacent modules.

2.All construction joints must beglued and screwed together formaximum strength — no nails!

3.Ends (interfaces) must be squareboth front-to-back and vertically.

E.Length1.Set-ups are calculated for 6’ (plus-

or-minus 1/16”) modules. Otherlengths are OK if the overall lengthof a group of modules is 6’ or a

Club pro-vides “C” clamps.

3M. Appearance

1.Cover all visible framework withflat black paint or dark wood stain.

2.Clear front panel: Top edge to be13-3/4” above railhead.

3.Back panel: optional

N.Tunnels1.Must have at least 6” of track

exposed from the interface to thetunnel portal.

2.Internal access to the tunnel isrequired for track cleaning and torescue errant rolling stock.

III Personal property identificationA.It is recommended that tools and

rolling stock be identified by name orwith a three-dot color code.

yellow-yellow-yellow Hepperleblue-blue-blue McCanne

(Others to be added as received)

IV Membership and organizationA.This is a very informal group with no

officers, no bylaws, no meetings and,generally, no dues. Established 1992.

B.Anyone who constructs a modulemeeting the standards and sets up atdisplays is a prospective member.

C.After the prospect has set up severaltimes with the group, the group willvote whether to accept the prospect asa full member. Acceptance is by a 2/3vote of the members.

D.Each member is responsible for his/her own actions and the actions of his/her guests or minor children.

V ContactA.Website: www.trainweb.org/20s30s/B.Mel Johnson (562) 425-1380.

Guidelines edited by Charley Hepperle20s30sModelRR@gmail.com

©2003 ‘20s & ‘30s Modular Model Railroadand ©2016 ’20s, ‘30s and Beyond Model Railroad.All rights reserved.

recommended to be on 2” centerlinewith code 100 at interfaces.

I. Switches/crossovers1.#8 is recommended, #6 minimum,

for mainline tracks.2.“Live frog” styles are recommended.3.Do not rely on point contact to

conduct current (use a jumper wire).4.If electric switch machines are used:

a) Must be mounted out of sight.b) A safety button must be installed

for all mainline switches. Thebutton must be wired so that aswitch on the mainline cannot bealigned against the mainlineunless the button is pressed inaddition to the switch control.See Plate 5.

J. Electrical1.Color-coded mainline track wiring:

14 gauge minimum, 12 gaugerecommended. See Plate 4.

2.A color-coded wiring diagramaccompanying your module isrecommended for trouble-shootingduring set-ups.

3.No 110 volt AC power can bepermanently built-in to the module.Instead, use a power strip outletattached with hook-and-loopfasteners.

K.Rolling stock1.Wheel gauge and flanges: follow

NMRA standards.2.Couplers: Kadee or Kadee-

compatible.3.Weight: follow the NMRA

recommendation of 1 ounce plus anadditional 1/2 ounce for each inch ofHO car length.

L. Control labels1.All controls on the operators side

shall be clearly marked for function.

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Disregard plug/socket information.New specs are in the works.

Disregard plug/socket information.New specs are in the works.

Text to be revised. Each of the four mainline wires needs to be one continuous piece from end to end even when there is a local power supply.

Rev

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Mar

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, 201

7 C

.H.

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Tortoise.

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