module dimensions

[Joe Hohmann]

 

Is there one standardized height for most O scale layouts?

Thanks

 

Most Hi-Rail clubs are 36", but a few Tinplate clubs are 40". Clubs also differ on "crowd control"...plexiglass, roping, or nothing. We chose roping because kids hang on the plexiglass, people still reach over it, and it causes camera flash glare. Having nothing can lead to insurance problems if someone gets their figures run-over, and a train falls on their foot. Joe

[Joe Hohmann]

I'm a member of a modular "O" group in SE PA. We use the "normal" standards of 36" from the top of the rails to the floor, with 3 tracks, center rails spaced as follows from the front edge of the module: 3 3/4", 4 1/4", 4 1/4". The "basic" module is 4' x 2', but they can also be 6' or 8' long (providing they can be duplicated on the other side of the layout for "balance"). Modules can also be 30", 32", or 36" deep. All our plug-in electrical connectors are the same, as each module is independently wired to the track. We do 4 or 5 shows a year, and will be the operating layout during the York meet in April '08. Joe

[Anonymous]

Hey John,

We are a small club interested in Minneapolis and St. Louis RR in the Oskaloosa-Pella area, which is just SE of Des Moines, IA. We were diehard CNW fans in N scale for over twenty years, but like so many of us, we are getting old and N scale even for the fortysomething crowd gets smaller every day. We decided collectively and individually to depart from our prototypical mission statement and go toward a toy train mindset. For me personally it meant selling off about ten grand of CNW N scale which I did about three years ago. Our club decided to wait for a couple of years to vote on the next scale after experimenting with other scales (HO, G, and S). The scale that really suits MStL is O. Some of our older guys remember the days when MStL was huge in Marshalltown, IA (decent engine facility) before it went CNW and then UP. I came from the east coast (fond memories of commuting--LIRR), but when I moved to the Midwest I was able to catch CNW's last stand at Marshalltown.

I am hoping that Williams will remake the classic Lionel MStL engines. Atlas has one out now for two rail operation, but we are decidedly three-rail. I have literally been to hundreds of train meets and nothing compares to the fun and comraderie of three-rail O scalers. I still have much to learn from you veteran O scalers, and I am enjoying the education immensely. Alex 

[csxt30]

That's great you have experience already !!  I would think each club would have their own measurements, as maybe they started before there were any standards. I always wanted a module too, when I was in HO.  Wonder if there's a club in your area or are you thinking of starting one ? !

Thanks, John

[Anonymous]

Thanks, John. I was involved in N trak for years, so I just wanted to know if there was a standard for O. The links were very helpful.

Alex

[palallin]

In a general sense, module dimensions are determined by portability--including weight--and transportability--the ability to fit in a wide range of personal vehicles, for example--more then the scale of the trains used on it.

[csxt30]

Here's a site on modular layouts !

http://www.trainweb.org/NationalCapitalTrackers/NCTStandards.htm

Also some info here : http://www.glancytrains.com/index2.html

Thanks, John

[Anonymous]

What would be the dimensions of an O scale module, or more specifically what is the standardized height? Is it the same with the other scale/gauges?

Is there one standardized height for most O scale layouts?

Thanks in advance.

Alex