Modular exhibition layout

[Traininvain]

There has been some talk of a modular layout for use at the AGM or exhibitions, possibly using the Connect 3 system. Perhaps this is what people have in mind:

http://spannwerk.buntbahn.de/fotos/showphoto.php/photo/1380

[Kalinowski]

Hi yes, I raised this subject under "Other Topics" as (European Gauge 3) back in September 09. Only one person took it up i.e. 454.

If you look at the many photographs on the "Spur II website"  the German folk have gone for modular construction with very impressive results. The emphasis seems to be on electric/battery operation as none of the very impressive locos seem to be live steam.

Makes your eyes water looking at what they have achieved !!!

We could achieve similar results with a bit of organisation and a will to make it happen. In essence it has to be said that it is no different to what the Gauge 1 folks achieved many years ago with their portable exhibition layouts combining steam, electric and battery. The first one I saw was in the village hall in Cranleigh, Surrey over 40 years ago.

regs PK

[cabbage]

Looking at some of those radii I would estimate them to be in the order of 1.5 to 1.75 metres....

regards

ralph

[IanT]

It's certainly what I had in mind when I originally proposed the Connect '3' modular track, although this by far exceeds what I hoped to see anytime in the near future. My very modest plan was to try and "connect" some of the G3 exhibition layouts together (initially just end-to-end). I also in tended to use my C3 track as a 'demountable' test/garden railway. This means any track can be taken with me when we eventually downsize. It also eases some maintenance issues in my view.

As part of this concept, last year I looked at what the 'N' gauge guys were doing in the US, although their system is clearly a modular 'Layout' system, whereas in G3 it would be a modular 'Track' system. I used the Ntrak (well actually the 'oNetrak' version) to write a G3 version of their standard. This has been reviewed by 'Cabbage' and some revisions are in process (it's going all Metric for instance). It is now based on a 1 metre standard planning grid, plus the original C3 dimensions (assumes 7' twin track gap for instance). I should add that modular "get-togethers" are the fastest growing form of railway modelling in the US. I think you can see why from the photo.

So to summarise, the C3 (track connector) is now stable - and in terms of implementation, can simply be two 10mm holes correctly placed below the track end on the baseboard. I had some (single track) examples at the AGM, just using it to show Members models. (I'll post a photo). Once you can "interconnect" baseboards, then provided you build to a standard "grid" then the kind of seen gathering at Spur II becomes very achievable.

I've had quite full issues of the Newsletter recently but will devote some pages of the June issue to give an update on C3 & G3 Modular Track. If anyone wants more info about the current definitions etc - then please let me know. Several Members at the AGM expressed a keen interest to explore this potentially extremely useful aspect of G3 modelling.


   

[keith Bristol]

I would be willing to build several sections I was proposing a couple of removal sections to attach to the garden layout to maximise versatility on the garden space!!!!

[IanT]

Good to hear Keith. I'll be in touch.

I've also been looking further at the Spur II website and they have a number of "standards" I've not noticed before. I've downloaded the ones which seem most applicable - and I'm going to have a look at them (assuming I can manage to translate them that is)

They are also covering at least three different gauges - Standard, plus several NG gauges with their commonality being the 1:22.5 shared scale. There are several photos from the Show featured that show standard gauge and NG track on the same module.

Can anyone in the Forum read (that is  - can translate) German?  :-)

Regards,

IanT

[IanT]

Quick Update.

Decided to try 'Google Translate' on the "Spur II" standard docs - just on the off chance...Not used it below.

Wow - It Works! I uploaded the Adobe PDF files and almost immediately I got a full translation 'screen' back. It didn't do the drawings - but I can pretty much figure that out. I can already see similarities between the German standards and the existing (NTrak based) work. Maybe they started there too?

Need to spend some quiet time (not this evening I'm afraid) to have a good look at this stuff and see where it helps (or hinders) our progression. No point in re-inventing wheels but there may be other issues in some areas (design copyrights/IP issues etc) to consider.

Regards,

IanT

[Traininvain]

I have been in contact with a Spur 2 member called Torsten Schoening. He knows of the G3 society. The Spur 2 meeting this year (as with past years) is at Schenklengsfeld north east of Frankfurt from 13-16 May. Torsten says members would very welcome, but he adds that the event is in a sport-building and livesteam is not permitted. If anyone wants to contact him let me know.

[keith Bristol]

Ian T,

I discovered google translate when I was argueing with a Hungarian trucker who thought he could take his overnight tacho break in my roadworks at 4am on the M6. You dont know what lengths we go to to avoid overrunning roadworks... thanks to the person who invented moblie nroadband tooo..


On a more serious note please get in touch.. I was planning to build some kind of industrial shuntin yard for my r/c peckett that is coming on nicely... Give me something to do scenically in detail too... best get an estate car next time...!...would be willing to build some longitudinal sections as well...standard length?

Keep in touch Keith

I will be going to Reading this year any one taking a layout need a lift out the car and someone to go and get the brews in?

[IanT]

A quick update.

Looking at the Spur II standards, has required me to update my rather rusty knowledge of the European (MOROP) NEM standards. These are published in French & German but I was lucky enough to discover this site by an Amercian 'N' gauge modeller - who models Italian/Swiss Railways.

He's done a pretty good job of translating the key NEM standards into english and they can be downloaded in PDF formal from here;

http://blainestrains.org/slfframe.html

It might be worth mentioning that I am also aware of the NMRA standards and that they are not so different from NEM. Neither of course reflect British practice (smaller loading gauge etc) but my view is that on balance, the nearest practice to G3 is Spur II (there is no real equivelent in the US) and that we should be adopting a metric based standard.

I am sure that this will be also be slightly contentious with some, but 'Cabbage' suggested this move from the Imperial 'grid' units I had originally used (although the C3 connector was "in" metric). My view is that the UK is now 'metricised' and we should use this system going forward.

Regards

IanT
   

[John Candy]

Regarding Metric units, I would comment that the Society is still selling rail in Yard lengths....will this not make it rather awkward to construct Metre length track units......it would involve short bits being patched onto the standard Yard?

[IanT]

There are issues in this area John but I think they are manageable.

Cabbage suggested working to a 900mm grid (lengthwise) but this also involves "losing" 14.4mm of rail (twice). My current units are all 3 foot in length - but I will probably run them in pairs and add a 'custom' 171mm "bridging" section. My feeling is that multiples of 1m lengths makes more long term sense, although 600mm is used by the NG sections of Spur II (Domino Modules).

The use of the 'grid' is only an issue when you want to build circuits - it's not really a problem if you are constructing end-to-end. I also think most people will be building what are called "custom" sections in the proposed modular standard (for example our current exhibition layouts would all be 'custom') where the lengths involved are long.

The question of Society rail length can also be addressed over time.

Regards,

IanT

[Derek King]

When deciding modular length for straight joining sections shouldn't we also consider the length of the rail being modelled so that the rail end coincides with the end of the board thus preventing unrealistic breaks in the track?

For those modelling pre-group, branch and "light" railways, common with the exhibition layouts, the rail length used would normally be 30ft or 45ft. So assuming 2x45ft or 3x30ft we get a scale 90ft, which equates at 1215mm or approx 4ft (47.8346") making it an ideally sized protable section. Also note that 3x45ft equates to approx 71.75" thus leaving very little waste for the 2yd. rail length available from Cliff Barker.

Those modelling post grouping and/or mainlines the rail length increased to 60ft, so 2x60 would equate to 1620mm or approx 5ft 4" (63.7795"), still just about portable and probably ideal for bridging sections on a garden railway.

Regards,

Derek.

[IanT]

Hi Derek,

As in so many things, there is usually going to have to be a compromise somewhere. For instance you mentioned an "ideally portable size" in relation to a unit length of 1215mm (47.8"). Since "portable" (to me) mainly means being able to get it into my car boot, I went just went out and measured it.

I was able to transport six of my existing 3' units (in my boot) to the AGM. As it turns out, my boot is just over 3' square, and in fact I would not be able to fit a 1m length into it, either sideways or lengthways. So the only way I can currently carry 1,215mm length units would be across the back seat (or get a new car).

OK, maybe I should have a hatchback or an estate - but the fact is I don't have one.

But if you used (say) a 1215mm length, would you really be cutting Cliff's nice new rail into 2 or 3 'scale' lengths? And what would the 'modern' enthusiast do? Have a scale length of 60', followed by a scale 30' bit?

I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be dismissive here, but I'm afraid that whatever we do, it will probably not suit every taste - the main thing however is surely to try and arrive at something that is both workable and (most importantly) is actually used and adopted by Members when they build modular track.

To me at least, getting my track into my car is probably more important than absolute scale rail lengths, but I may be in a minority?

Any other views out there??

Regards,

Ian 

PS "Cabbage" I've just become a convert to 900mm lengths   

[cabbage]

As you are finding out IanT there IS a reason why I suggested a design grid of 150mm by 900mm. When you start to look at the electrical connection side of it then my reasoning in using that type of connector and wiring -might begin to become clear...

"The only difference between a Madman and Me, is the fact that I am NOT Mad" -Salvador Dali

regards

ralph