MVSG Layout
Last Update 7/18/2012
MVSG Home Page
Our Modular Layout
We have a modular layout which currently consists of
13
four-foot modules, 4 corner modules, 2 eight-foot modules which
make
up a yard, and a hinged four-foot bridge to allow easy entry and exit
without
the need to "duck under." When fully assembeled, it covers a 20
foot
by 32 foot area. The layout is based on NASG modular
standards,
and has two parallel tracks of code 148 rail. In addition to the
yard, there is a passing siding that covers three modules, and a spur
on
one module. The yard has a passing siding on the inside track and
five ladder tracks, plus an industrial spur. The four-foot module
at the yard throat has a crossover between the two main lines. A
module on the opposite side from the yard has power cutoff switches on
both main line tracks to allow mainline trains to be held out of the
way
while other trains are being switched into and out of the yard.
In
2003 we added a third track all the way around (including widening the
bridge) consisting of Gargraves and American Flyer track. This
not
only allows us to run three trains at once (or more, for the more
daring
operators), but provides an American Flyer "look and feel" on the
outside
track, which is a real crowd-pleaser for the "older" generation (those
who grew up with American Flyer trains). It is also a more robust
track, in that it has no switches to cause derailments for marginal
equipment.
We struggled for years with homebuilt walk-around
transistor
throttles, running everything on DC, but had a continual problem with
burning
out transistors and blowing fuses, due to the high current draw of the
AF engines and lighted cars. As the newer equipment started
adding
sound systems, these required AC operation. So in 2003 we
replaced
the hand-held throttles with two AF 18B transformers followed by DC
rectifiers
and AC/DC selector switches. This also keeps people from tripping
over the throttle cables!
We've also started adding operating accessories to
the
layout.
Layout map
of modules.
Layout
photo tour of
all layout
modules. <== Updated 7/18/2012.
MORE PICTURES TO COME.
