Basic Straight Module Here's some basic information you'll need to build a standard straight module. Return to the Roundhouse Return to the Central Station

Module specifications at a glance:

• Standard module dimensions are four foot long by two foot wide. You may make your module wider if you like. But remember it must easily fit in your car.
• The height is 36 inches from the floor to the top of the rails. Height should be adjustable by one inch up or down.
• Three tracks run the entire length of the module. The tracks are spaced four and a quarter inches apart as measured from the center rails. The center rail of the first track is three and a half inches from the front of the module.

When building your module remember to keep it light. The weight builds up when you add scenery, track, and wiring. A frame constructed from 1"x3" or 1"x4" boards topped with ¹/₄" luan plywood works well. For stability and reduced likelihood of warping, a cross support is usually added.

Not shown in the diagram is a removable piece of Plexiglas that runs the length of the module. The Plexiglas is intended to prevent trains from falling off the module in the event of a derailment. It also deters little fingers from touching the the trains and causing derailments in the first place. The Plexiglas should extended about three inches above the top of the module. There are several methods for attaching the Plexiglas. It's probably best to see what other members have done then pick what's best for you.

Leg Construction:

Legs can be attached in a number of ways. We have found that the simplest method, and fastest for set-up and take-down", is to use "leg pockets".

The legs are 1¹/₂" x 1¹/₂" square and 34" long. A hole is drilled in the center of one end. A ¹/₄" tee-nut is inserted into the hole and an eye-bolt screwed into the tee-nut. This is the bottom of the leg. The eye-bolt can be screwed in and out to adjust the module height.

Pockets are formed in each of the module corners with inside dimensions slightly larger than the legs. A hole is drilled in one side of each pocket and an eye-bolt screwed into a tee-nut is inserted into the hole to act as a pin to hold the leg in place.

A single module by itself will not be rock solid; but, as the modules are bolted together they will form a very stable layout. Modules are connected together using "C" clamps.

Electrical:

We use a 6 bus system. The first three busses are used for the three tracks. The fourth is for the ground; the ground is common to all tracks and accessories. The fifth and sixth are used for accessory power.

A minimum of 16 gauge stranded wire should be used. The bus wires should run the length of the module and terminate to barrier strips located on each end of the module. Module connectors and track connections are also attached the barrier strips. Wires terminated in spade lugs are inserted into the bottom of the rails and then soldered (all wire terminations, spade lugs, pins, etc., should be soldered).

The club has a stock of module connectors available at cost to the members.

Track and Scenery:

Track should be Gargraves or similar hi-rail style with closely spaced ties and a blackened center rail. Tubular track is not acceptable. Track should be placed on roadbed and ballasted. Club member can offer help or information on sources of supplies.