|
Our
Module Standards.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The
oNeTRAK module system is based on the NTRAK module system, but using
one rather than three main tracks to more accurately represent typical
North American Railroading. We have taken these standards and slightly
altered them for our standards i).
Light weight, simple to build modules, especially for beginners or
those with limited transport capability. ii).
Provide an alternative to a permanent layout, that will allow everyone
to build a section at their own pace and be brought together for lots
of fun! iv).
A system that will allow different formations of boards and will allow
easy expansion without having to alter anything already done. GUIDELINES. 1. HEIGHT OF TRACK - 2. FRAME SIZES - Frame lengths are in multiples of one foot (usually
4 foot). Twelve inches are the minimum (preferred) width. This width
may be increased up by another one foot, front or back for a total
maximum width of three feet. Our basic standard module will be 48
inch (4 ft) x 12 inch (1 ft), modules of a different dimension are
welcome though to add variety, however, the module geometry must confirm so that modules are in line with other mating modules. Please ensure all framework is square
and especially that the vertical surfaces at the end of modules are
in deed vertical so as to not leave any gaps when clamped to another
module.
3. MODULE INTERFACE - The end of board dimensions are to be 12 inches wide, the adjoining boards are connected by G clamping. A 5 inch section of Peco track (cut from code 55 flexitrack) is used to join between the modules. To accommodate this, track must end 2.5 inches from the end of the baseboard. The frame on the module end is 1" x 3" timber or plywood equivalent. Modules are joined in a layout by clamping with two "G" clamps, one at the front and one at the back of the modules and inserting a 5" sections of Peco track. For connections between a dedicated pair of modules you may use butt joints if you wish. The joiners which will be used to connect the track, one set must be insulated to break the circuit and the other set need to be normal joiners to carry the current to the joining section of track, this is so as to make sure the only thing carrying the current across joins is the wiring underneath. If the join is between dedicated modules you can use 2 sets of normal connectors if you want to. Please ensure that there is enough clearance at the track end so that the rail joiner can slip easily into the mating track. Important note: Leave plenty of space under the module ends so that clamps can be easily fitted, keep all wiring away from this area.
5. MINIMUM RADIUS FOR CURVES - is 18 inches with appropriate easements. To
prevent binding the minimum length of tangent between all reverse
curves must be 5 inches. 6. CORNERS - Standard corners can be 30 by 30 inches, 3 ft by
3 ft (our preferred size) or 4 ft by 4 ft, etc. On a standard comer
the track should be set back 2 inches from the nominal front edge.
This makes layout design with inside corners easier. On a 30 by 30
inch comer there is ample room for the 18 inch radius curve and easements. 7. CLOSING LOOP LAYOUTS - Due to the wide variety of frame sizes
and locations of tracks, some gaps may develop in a loop layout. Most
large loops should be flexible enough to close a gap by "scrunching" the modules together. 9. GRADES - 2 percent maximum across a dedicated set of modules.
Grades on other modules can be created with shims under legs of modules.
Grades suggest addition of a helper district and helper engine facility. 10. END TURNS - Modules that include a 180-degree curve in the
track. They should be a minimum of 3 by 4 feet to allow the 18-inch
minimum radius and easements. The distance between the ends of tracks
on an end turn must be three feet or more in even foot increments. 11. ELECTRICAL - Three electrical supplies are required on each
module. i) DCC - this consists of two wires. One will be Red, the other White. The wire nearest the front is the rail A feed and has the red connector. The wire furthest from the front is the rail B feed and has the white connector. ii)
16v AC - Two wires for auxiliary equipment such as points motors. This can be
arranged how you wish but must run the length of the module, even
if you do not wish to use the supply yourself. The wire colours will
be blue and green, with blue nearer the front. iii) 12v DC - supply for equipment such as signals, UP3/5 supply. As with the 16v AC the wires must run the length of the modules and you can tap in as you wish. The wire colours will be yellow and black, with the yellow nearer the front. See the wiring diagram at end for a visual configuration of wiring.
12. SCENERY - Any realistic scenery is permitted. Round down hills on the ends of modules so the view from an adjacent flat module looks like scenery. Do not use diorama dividers. Woodland scenic scatter material should be used to ensure that the modules blend with each other to a certain extent. All
scenic grass at module ends where it could attach to a different module
at anytime, should be blended to match with Woodland Scenic T1349
green blend, this will allow modules to flow across joins. Ballast for the main line will be Woodland Scenics Fine Ballast (gray blend) (B1393). 13. SKYLINE - Sky boards or vertical scenery flats (backboards) are required. Backboards should be 9 inches high above the baseboard and be coloured with a sky blue colour, Dulux Jewelled Creek 4 30BG660975C6 matt emulsion. All members are requested to purchase their own tins to provide a good supply. 14. NON-LAYOUT TIMBER - All bare frame, surfaces and legs will
be painted or stained black. This includes back of backboards and
end of modules. A simple rule is if you can see it whilst 'playing
trains' it must either be scenic or black. 15. PASSING SIDINGS - To enhance operations most or some layouts
should include several passing sidings. A standard passing
siding is a set of two 1 by 4 feet modules with turnouts at each end
of the pair and double track connecting the turnouts. The resulting
passing siding is about six feet long. Double or triple track modules
can be used to extend these sidings. 16. OFFSET MODULES - These provide visual variety and should be in one foot increments. Observe 18 inch minimum radius and tangent track between reverse curves standards. Please remember you may have to make two of these to bring the layout back in line. 17. NEW MODULES - A basic sketch of your proposed modules should be submitted to members so that the group have an idea of your plans and may kick start another member into adding a complementary industry eg Cattle ranch goes with a Meat packing plant. 18. OPERATIONS SCHEME - Although a stated purpose of our standards
is to provide a venue for more prototypical operations, no operational
scheme is specified. Some times it will be operated with a dispatcher
and/or a yard master. All public exhibitions which we are requested to attend will be operated and organised by a dispatcher. 19. MODULE DESIGN - oNeTRAK modules have proven very flexible in
layout design both as part of a NTRAK layout or when standing alone,
so we will use their basic design
21. ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS - We will use 4mm diameter jacks and corresponding sockets (10 Amp rated) for
connecting the various bus bars and common wiring, these can be obtained from the SB group. These will be colour
coded to match the colour convention used to identify the wiring.
Length of tails should be set at 15cm (6”). “Male” connectors are to be provided at the LHS looking from the front of the module and “female” connectors provided at the RHS.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
