Not long after the club was formed some of the group started planning an HO scale modular layout. By using some old modules and corners a small layout was soon in operation. Since then new modules have come and gone, and, in the case of one set, come back again. The old corners required one car load to transport them, they were replaced with a set of folding corners which take up far less room. At present we normally have a 36' x 8' layout, which includes a 24' long yard.

         The HO modular layout went part DCC in early 2002, we ran DCC in the inner track and yards until during 2003 we changed to full DCC operation (DC locos can still run on the system as loco 0). The Lenz DCC control has proved to be a very good decision allowing us to run trains in and out of yards across crossovers and even several trains on each track without any switches, blocks or cab control. The system has also proved very reliable, and as the cab bus expands around the layout it is easy to plug a controller in anywhere it is needed. Most of the mainline switches and many yard ones as well are under DCC control.

          In the future we hope that more modules will join the group, we plan to add signalling and proper operation under dispatcher control. Plans are also going ahead for a new storage yard in the middle of the layout, freeing up the mainline yard for more operational use.

The modules are built to the basic British Region standards as set out below...
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If you have any questions about HO modules please contact Mike Ruby.

Western Union HO Scale Module Specifications.

Module dimensions.

Definition :- Module = a board or number of boards which make up a complete module.

Total module length :- 4' multiples (note length of individual boards within a module are not specified).

Width :- Minimum of 12”. Maximum is not specified but ends of modules should be 5” from outer track centre, to
match the front of other modules.

Height :- track height from floor 40" to base of track, Note legs must be fitted with some means of height adjustment.

Support :- Module must be self supported.

End fascia :- Must 3"-4" deep. If deeper holes must be provided to allow clamps to fit through for clamping modules together. Note inside of ends should be kept clear for clamping.

Tracks :- Two main lines must form a continuous run between the ends of the modules. A third track is optional and need not be connected at both ends. Tracks must stop 1" from ends of modules, to allow for 2” connector tracks
between modules. Main tracks minimum radius - 36", third track - 24" (including switches), larger is recommended
where possible. Any other track curvature is up to the builder. Also allow several inches of tangent track at module ends.

Note that if other than the builders stock is to run on these tracks allowance must be made. i.e. 70' and over cars will not take a 3' S curve with out tangent track between the curves. (an S curve will be made if a switch is placed on the curved route of another opposite hand switch, or two same handed switches are placed end to end.)

Track centres :- from front of board at module ends only 5", 7", (9" optional), between the module ends track spacing should not be less than 2” (2½” on curves). Distance from front of board is not specified once away from ends.

Clearances :- as per NMRA S7 standards.

Paint colour :- Front gloss black. Inside and outside of end scenery panels - sky blue.

Electrical Specifications

Main buss wiring:- All module to module connections will use standard phono plugs and sockets for connection of main track busses (both main tracks are required, the third track may have connectors provided, if it exists on the module, but this is optional). The sockets should be mounted approximately central within 6” of the ends. Connecting leads should be 24” long. These main busses must allow power to flow though the module even if the main tracks on the module are switched to local control. All buss cables must be rated at 5 amps or more. (this includes switches or other connectors used in the module). Note a suitable cable is 24/0.2, 0.75mm 2 . The sockets are to be connected with the inner contact for the outer rail and outer contact for the inner rail. If using dual phono sockets the white socket is to be connected to the inner track, and the red socket to the outer track. The sockets should be laid in the same order as tracks, i.e. the outer most socket will be connected to the outer track. Connections between boards in a module are the builders choice, but any buss power or main track connections going through them must still be rated at 6 amps.

Other wiring:- Local control (track), switches, etc. are up to the builder. Note that the main busses and tracks must be switched on both poles, therefore common return wiring cannot be used on these tracks. Any tracks can be locally controlled, and main track control can be switched on to additional sidings etc. but note rules for switching main buss wiring. If local control of the main lines are required there must be track isolation at the module ends, in both rails . Isolating both rails also applies where any main track or buss power comes into contact with other power sections (note this includes crossovers on the main tracks). The power for local controllers, switch motors etc. has to be provided by the module, the buss wiring is only for power from the main controllers .

Mains wiring:- It is recommended that all mains voltage wiring and equipment is kept off the module and is mounted
inside a metal case on the floor or on a shelf suspended from the module or legs. All mains equipment must be correctly earthed, fused and wired. Modern isolating transformers must be used for providing low voltage to the module, over current protection in the form of fuses or circuit breakers should be connected in the transformer output circuits. Old wax insulated or auto-transformers are not acceptable, as they can fail producing mains voltage on the module tracks. Mains cables should be in good condition, no cuts or taped up damage. Connections should be made with British Standard connectors, e.g. 13A plugs or “kettle type” plugs and sockets. Note that it difficult to make correctly insulated enclosures that comply with the double insulated requirements, therefore plastic or wood enclosures are not recommended. For exhibition use any mains appliances may need to be PAT tested.

Documentation:- It is recommended that a wiring diagram, kept up to date! and left with the module, is produced for each module. This will allow fault finding in case the builder is not available when at a meet.