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HO DIVISION
Member name:_________________________________
REVISED, September 2006
KC WITTENMYER, SECRETARY
THE HO DIVISION SUPERINTENDENT
He is also required to assist the club officers in organizing each show. This includes making a diagram of each show and making sure that the diagram is passed out to each participating member.
It is the HO Division Superintendent’s job to enforce the rules. For shows with long running hours or more than one day in length, the highest ranking club officer present will assume the duties of HO Division Superintendent, whenever he is unable to attend.
Members who want to see their equipment run may not necessarily want to operate it themselves. So the sign-up sheets are for the primary scheduling of equipment and not the owner. Once a block of time has been scheduled, the owner/operator is to be with that equipment throughout his/her allotted time frame. Should they leave the display area during this time, the divisional superintendent or designated club officer will remove the equipment and the remaining time will be allotted to the next scheduled member. Restroom breaks are permitted.
Out of respect to participating club members, it should be mentioned at this time that those members who helped transport and set up the display will be the only members who will be running. All exceptions must go through the Division Superintendent
Participating module owners will always be given preference over any other division members. If a scheduled time frame cannot be kept, the member must contact either the division superintendent or a club officer and explain the problem. Each case will be handled accordingly and fairly. For those members who do not own or operate equipment are still welcome to attend shows as a spotter or attend to public relations (talk to the public about our display).
TRACK ONE (aka, OUTSIDE MAINLINE): This track will be operated in a counter clockwise direction (East).
TRACK TWO (aka, INSIDE MAINLINE): This track will be operated in a clockwise direction (West).
TRACK THREE (aka, BRANCH LINE): This track will be operated as a service track to all of the industry’s on the display. This is will NOT be used as a third mainline. It may operate in either direction.
TRACK FOUR (aka, INDUSTRIAL LINE): This track will be operated as a service track to work the industrial areas according to the yard limits.
MULTIPLE TRAINS PER MAINLINE: It is possible to run more than one train per mainline providing that the display is more than fifty feet long or more on each side. Special care must be taken when running multiple trains because one has the tendency to overtake the other. The results are rear end collisions when the operators are distracted or not paying attention. There are several ways to handle the overtaking problem. One method is to match engines with similar speeds to trains of compatible loads and length. Another way is to install “stopping blocks” in various intervals around the display, but this can result in very sudden stops and is also against the HO Division electrical standards. Operators are advised not to allow rear end collisions by controlling the overtaking visually the best they can. The one exception to this rule is trolley’s and doodlebugs, but care must still be taken.
SPEED: This has and will forever be a great source of controversy. It has been proven that trains should be run in a prototypical speed for the following:
| Passenger Trains: | 80mph |
| Freight Trains: | 50mph |
| Yard Trains: | 10mph or less |
In addition, all trains leaving a yard or major terminal are required to stop and make vocally, an “Air Test” (Say “Air Test”). This is also to make sure you are going in the right direction.
THROTTLE PROTECTION:The division superintendent will also have the authority to control the relationship between motive powers and throttle capacity. Care must be taken when multiple engine lash-ups are being run because of the possibility of power supply failure. We have short indicator lights now installed in our power supply, if a light should go on you must remove an engine. Up to three powered locomotives per mainline is pretty much the safety limit with either DC or DCC. These failures always seem to occur when we are at the height of a public show and causes embarrassment to the club and to the engineer. One other major problem with the more modern electronic throttles is when they over heat, the train equipment on the mainline will have a tendency to become uncontrollable. This means that the only way to stop a runaway unit is to physically lift it from the track, turn off the power supply, and unplug it from the wall. Fuses and circuit breakers protect some throttles and power supplies. If spare fuses were not available during a show, the entire operation would come to a halt. This, of course, would be a total disaster.
ADDING OR REMOVING TRAINS:A few members have modules that are interconnected and have crossovers from mainlines to local tracks. These local tracks are sometimes long enough to hold an entire train in cue while equipment is either being placed on the track or is in the process of being removed from the track. Once an entire train has been assembled, it will then be directed to its proper track via the dispatcher or division superintendent. When a club member wishes to remove their train from the mainline, the dispatcher and/or division superintendent will observe its removal from the track. At no time is a train to be removed directly from or added to the mainline with the only exception to this rule being at the start or at the end of a show or if there is no yard at a certain show. Please make sure you have the modules owner permission before you "store" a bunch of diplay cars. If you want to set some cars on tracks for display purposes, please see the Division Superintendent.
EQUIPMENT STANDARDS:One of the division superintendent’s main priorities is to remove any locomotive, rolling stock, or any entire train that is not running reliably. In order to make his job easier, all equipment should be checked before going to a show. For example, check the coupler height and wheel sets on all rolling stock to an NMRA standards gauge. Inspect any other equipment for general readiness. Sometimes, depending on the show, you may want to arrive early and do minor repair work on a near by table. This function becomes a clinic.
Locomotives:No locomotive will be operated on the system by an person except the owner, unless permission has been obtained. The only exception might be if the hostler needs to move a locomotive to a clear track. The hostler will probably move the said locomotive to a storage track or the roundhouse.
Rolling Stock:It is strongly recommended that all rolling stock operated on the system have an identification mark signifying who the owner is. That mark is to be recorded with the division superintendent. The lack of an identification mark is not considered valid.
Trackage Rights:All trains that are placed on the system that are NOT to be considered in interchange service MUST be returned to their home yard (taken off the layout) after completion of their run.
Couplers:Most of the HO Division uses Kadee or a like coupler. If you use an incompatible coupler, like horn hooks, your ability to interchange will be almost nonexistent. Horn hook couplers are fine if you are just running a train on the mainline.
Car Weight:According to the NMRA specifications, HO scale freight cars must have a beginning weight of one ounce with ½ ounce added per one inch car body length. Use the following table as a guide:
TRAIN LENGTH:Interest of some division members is the running of long trains. A unit coal train or a ‘name’ passenger train is common. Conditions at public shows are not always ideal for setting records or testing the pulling power of new engines. Super long trains also have the tendency to jam storage tracks or sidings and make it very difficult to remove them from the mainline at the end of the allotted run time. A good rule to follow is that no train should be longer than the longest siding available. If we are operating with a yard in the display, then question the yardmaster and/or the dispatcher to find out the total length available. Should there be a slow period during a show where a long train can operate, it will be the judgment of the division superintendent to allow it or not.
CONSISTS:Some members have their own preference as to what type of equipment that they like to run or to display for the public. This is actually encouraged by the division. However, when a member’s equipment is put on the mainline, let’s make sure that some simple guidelines are followed. First, have locomotives and rolling stock of the same basic period. Do not run a 0-4-0 steam engine with twelve autoracks, etc. Second, locomotives and cabooses should be of the ‘same family’ when paired together on a train. For multiple locomotive consists, the caboose should match the lead locomotive. Third, all trains should have either a caboose or a working End of Train device (F.R.E.D.). Fourth, follow a normal car sequence in passenger trains. For example, do not put head end cars in between a diner and a vista dome, etc.
DRESS CODE:We do not have a formal dress code, BUT club shirts are strongly recommended. Material that is offensive to the public in general is strictly prohibited. Remember, we are there to “sell” ourselves and our display meaning you should be dressed accordingly. In other words, use common sense.
BASIC INFORMATION HANDOUT SHEETS:This is a sheet that we give out to the public at our shows. It has information on our club purpose, how to join, meeting dates and times, and the modular concept. These may also be given out to describe a certain area of the modules. For example, we may give sheets out around the industrial end to describe why a tanker goes to Interstate Refinery and why a flat car goes to the lumber company, etc. These are an excellent source of information to the public remembering they may not know a whole lot about trains.
PLYWOOD: ½ inch type a-d “good one side” grade by recognized plywood association.
HARDWARE: Use as indicated on following drawings.
ASSEMBLY: Code all 2” x 2” legs to correct corners. Provide sufficient data for assembly so any member may assemble.
JIG:Holes drilled at precise measurements to ensure all modules fit tight. Bolts and T-nuts slip through holes and tighten together.
ELEVATIONS AND GRADES: Mainline and branch line will have a 0% grade at the ends of the module. Middle of the module is owner’s discretion. Other tracks have no restrictions.
SPACING OF CENTERLINES: Mainline and branch line tangent tracks require a 2” on center spacing. All curves will have a 2 1/2“ on center spacing. All other tracks will have a 2” minimum. See the below diagrams.
TRACK: Mainline tracks will be Code 100 Nickel Silver rail assembled on plastic ties (i.e. Flex Track). Hand laid track is permitted on suitable ties.
TURNOUTS: All turnouts on the mainlines and branch line must be at least Number 6. There are no restrictions on all other tracks.
CONSTRUCTION: Rail ends shall be 4 ½” from the end of the module and be securely attached. Provide access to tunnels/mountains for ease of track maintenance. See the below diagrams.
UNCOUPLERS: Mainlines and branch lines require all Kadee type uncouplers to be mounted under the track. Uncouplers mounted between track rails are permitted on all other trackage.
CONSTRUCTION: Each module will supply its own power to local tracks if operation is planned. Each module will supply its own power to any and all accessories. All connections shall be soldered. All wire splices shall be soldered and taped or use suitable insulated solderless connectors. Secure and fasten aall wiring to the module framing to avoid damage in transport. Module builders may call on the club officers for assistance.
ASSEMBLY: Finished modules are required to have three (3) nine inch connector tracks with nickel silver rail joiners. Also, having at least two (2) three inch clamps handy in case of a jig failure. Spare connector tracks are always a good idea.
INSULATING GAPS: Locations will always be at the end of the connector tracks. If insulating joiners are not used, then cut rails must be held apart with epoxy cement.
DROPS: Small wires soldered to the outside of the actual track dropping through the wood to the terminal strip. These wires are to be colored coded. See diagram.
MULTI CONDUCTOR CONNECTORS: These connectors also know as “rabbit tails”, can be purchased through the club. Plugs can also be purchased at Radio Shack using Part Number 274-242 (FEMALE) and Part Number 274-232 (MALE).
TURNOUTS AND CONTROLS: All devices must be clearly labeled and keyed to the track diagram. This diagram should be clean and easily understood by everyone in the division before operating at a show.
The DC/DCC control box is to be in the “OFF” or “neutral” position when not in use. When you are ready to start your allotted run time it is your responsibility to set the DC/DCC box to your required power setting before placing any Locomotives on the track. At the end of your run it is also your responsibility to return the box to the “OFF” or “neutral” position.
General Safety Guideline is to have no more than three Locomotives per mainline. Please see MULTIPLE TRAINS PER MAINLINE. The same rules apply in either DC or DCC.
Highly recommended to use wireless throttles.
Decoders are to be the Locomotive number only.
In the case of consisting, the Locomotive with the lowest number will be the lead.
When you are complete with your time, you will “Dispatch” your Locomotive from the DCC system.
If you are having issues or any type of problem, STOP and ask one of the other members. Do not just hit a bunch of buttons, you could possibly mess up the system.
The DCC system we use is worth well over $500. If you break any part of it be prepared to replace it before you are allowed to run again.
A table will be set up for the electrical components only. This is not for anything but the DCC system and/or the DC controllers. No exceptions.
Do not try to run analog and DCC together, it will not work. Run either DCC OR Analog!
PROGRAM: A program is a scheduled show or event where the club modules are assembled into a layout.
MODULE: This is a standard section of a model railroad layout built to the club specifications. Any length of modules can be constructed as long as they are divisible by 4’.
TANGENT TRACK: A straight section of parallel track.
CONNECTING TRACKS: These are 9” sections of track used to join the track of the modules to form a layout. Atlas 9” straight sections of track are recommended.
TURNOUTS: These are also referred to as a ‘switch’ and are used to allow one track to get to another.
SINGLE CROSSOVER: This is a point where a train can move to another track without stopping and backing up. Tracks are almost always paired with a good example being a high-speed main line. See the below diagrams.
DOUBLE CROSSOVER: Same as above except there is a crossing diamond between the tracks. See the below diagrams.
DIAMOND: A point where tracks meet and cross each other. See the below diagrams.
BALLAST: These are rocks laid down between the ties and under the road bed to assist in drainage and to help distribute the weight of the train more effectively through the rails. The rocks ‘lock’ together and form a strong support for the tracks.
ROAD CROSSONGS: These are unavoidable points where a road or highway must meet a track or set of tracks. Crossings a protected by at least cross bucks, but some are also protected by lights and gates. All trains always have the right of way. So stop, look, listen.
Some DCC terms:
Address: is used by the Command Station to communicate with the decoder.
Cab: The hand held unit you use to control your train. Also called a Throttle.
Command Control: Control of your train independently from another. Each Locomotive has it’s own decoder.
Command Station: The brains of the DCC system.
Consist: A group of Locomotives controlled as one. All so known as “MUing” (Multiple Units).
Decoder: A small circuit board that receives information from the Command Station. It tells your Locomotive what you want it to do.
DCC: Digital Command Control; Method of controlling trains and accessories by using digital command communications.
Program Track: Small piece of track to “set up” your Locomotive. NEVER PROGRAM ON THE MAINLINES!
MODULE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL: All framework should be 1’ x 4” pine free of knots and warping. Outside framework should be painted flat black. Top module surface material is to be ½” plywood and good one side only.
ELECTRICAL WIRING: High voltage wiring is to use #14-3 Romex or equivalent. Low voltage wiring is to use #18 stranded wire with all connections firmly soldered and protected from damage during transportation. All multi conductor connectors can be obtained from the club.
TRACKWORK: All track used “in service” will be Nickel Silver Code 100. Old brass track may be used to model abandon rights of way or “out of service” trackage and is never to be powered. All mainline and branch line trackage must have a 0% elevation at the ends of each module. The middle of the module and other trackage is the owner’s discretion. There are no limits on siding tracks. Track spacing will be measured from the front viewing edge to the rear of the module using the following standards:
Length In Inches Required Weight In Ounces 3 2.5 4 3 5 3.5 6 4 7 4.5 8 5 9 5.5 10 6 11 6.5 12 7 13 7.5 14 8 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT:
Please refer to the Club Code of Regulations for a more detailed description. Basically, members shall at all times conduct themselves with decency. Treat other members, guests, club members, and others with courtesy and respect, observe all reasonable safety precautions and abide by the Articles of Incorporation, Code of Regulations, and bylaws of their division. Members shall see that their family members adhere to the same standards of conduct. At all club functions, children under the age of sixteen shall be supervised by either the corresponding club member or by that child’s parent. NO EXCEPTIONS
DISAGREEMENTS: Yes, they happen from time to time, but the club members must remember we are in the public’s eye. All disagreements MUST be taken “outside” or to a non-public place and settled. The Division Superintendent or club officer in charge of the show has final say in the vent that the parties involved cannot settle the dispute QUICKLY and QUIETLY. Disagreements in the public eye must be reviewed by the club officers and disciplinary action may be taken per the Code of Regulations, Article IV, Section E, Paragraph 2.The purpose of these specifications is to establish a uniform set of standards for the construction of modules designed for use on an HO modular layout. This system of simple modular construction should meet the following criteria:
a) Individual home
b) HO division temporary modular display
c) Regional and/or national programs
FRAMING:
1” x 4” construction grader or better. Straight and solid material free
of excessive knots, selected for strength and appearance.PROGRAM:
HO gauge mainlineDESIGNATION: Rails of all track sections closer to the viewing side will be known as “S”. Rails closer to the operators will be known as “N”. The “N” rail will always be the inside rail of the loop.
HO DIVISION SUPERINTENDENT: This is the person in charge of the division. This person answers to the club officers.
MODULE DIMENSION:
4’ or 8’ are the most common and popular lengths with a width of 30” from front to the rear and 40” front to rear for yard modules. Module height is not to exceed 40”. The legs are adjustable and cut to 38”. Skyboards (aka backdrops) will no higher than 8” from the bottom of the module base (track level) and attached by wing nuts and carriage bolts to the back of the module. If you have an old module with an existing backdrop that is higher than 8” will be exempted. The Division Superintendent must approve any other exceptions.
This set of operational procedures and construction specifications are by no means a permanent and binding guideline. From time to time, it may become necessary to amend or to completely update these division specifications. Therefore, instead of reprinting the entire set repeatedly, a supplemental update will be issues and the appropriate copies made and sent to the membership. It will then become the responsibility of the member to see that it is added to their booklet for future reference.
