Modular Layout System.

A modular layout is broadly a collection of individual layouts, built with common specifications which enables them to be brought together to form a variety of much larger layouts for running longer (more realistic) trains.

Club members are encouraged to construct their own layout, whether it be Freelance, British, Continental, American, Japanese, Russian or anything that takes your fancy, but which can be joined with other members layouts.

Differences in Geography are rarely noticeable on an assembled layout, as the length of each module is sufficient to occupy the whole field of view of a spectator standing at the normal viewing distance.

ESNG members currently build modules to one of three different standards. Please note these standards are not specific to ESNG, but are free for anyone to build to. The most widely used is the traditional "West Sussex" standards, which were themselves adapted from the American "N-Track" system by the West Sussex Area Group of the "N" Gauge Society. Modules are intended to be compatible with West Sussex and other groups using similar designs.

The youngest modular standard used by club members is Alpen Bahn, which is intended to work in typically alpine scenery.

West Sussex System

Each module is freestanding and has three connecting tracks laid along the front (viewing) edge with track base at a height of 3ft from the floor. At each end of the module, these are arranged at dedicated spacing as shown below, (but do not have to be straight).

_________ = Standard module - overall length 4ft

_________ = Track stop 1.5" from ends of module

--------- = Track 3

= = = = =  = Track 1&2

The two tracks nearer the front, designated tracks 1 and 2 are used for up and down line "through traffic" only and have centers 2" and 3" from the edge. These are controlled from the "fiddle yard" when the layout is operational.

Track 3 is placed 5" from the front edge and may be linked to the rest of the module at the option of individual constructor. It carries 2-way traffic and is operated on a block system.

To protect track ends in transit, tracks 1,2 & 3 stop 1.5" from the ends of the module, and a short length (3") of track is inserted across the join when a layout is assembled. Interconnection to adjoining modules is by a standard plug and socket connectors, as well as rail joiners.

Each standard module is 4ft in length (but the more adventurous may use any multiple of 4ft). Individual modules vary between 1ft and 3ft in depth, but some members choose to fit just a 6" extension unit to their basic layout to carry tracks 1,2 & 3 for club meetings.

You can see photos of the modules in action by clicking on the 'Photos' link at the bottom of this page

Alpenbahn

The Alpenbahn standard is available here. Please be aware this is a large file, but is quite a comprehensive standard!

To summarise, this standard is trying to produce realistic Swiss (or Austrian/German) alpine scenery that matches together so that the 'modularity' is not immediately obvious. The end result allows us to run scale length trains through twisting, mountainous, alpine double track, with enough configuration options to fit any exhibition hall.

 

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