SOLENT GROUP Discussion Proposals Modular Door-Based G Scale Layout
AIM
To Create an affordable system of Scenic G-Scale Baseboards which can be transported and set up in a hall;
initially at the Solent Group Indoor Meet 2008 and/or any other appropriate venue.
To provide an interesting operational layout with affordable participation encouraged by members contributing 'standard' baseboards to extend the system.
The Baseboards built, maintained and remaining the property of; the individual owners.
The latest revision of the Proposal is now being distributed to members to ascertain interest.
An Acrobat .pdf Copy of the illustrated document can be downloaded from here
The follow up questions for those interested may be found here: Questionnaire
or as a PDF.
Solent Group members are asked to respond via Jack's email
Those outside Solent Group are invited to respond via this website:
Keep it Simple and Standard - KISS Principle
Example Shown using Radius 1 (600mm) Track
By using a lightweight mass produced board which is readily available - the standard internal panel door.
A foil-covered hollow door from Wickes or similar costs about 15ukp and is light enough to transport easily.
No woodworking skill or equipment is required to achieve a standardised self-supporting baseboard.
However, there is no reason why a shorter, or folded version of a board could not be used, where desired
(Reinforcement will be needed across any cut, and a full length piano hinge across a hinged structure)
Example Shown using Radius 3 Track
Baseboards will simply be supported on Trestles or 'Hall Tables' as available - and have no attached legs.
For interchangeability, each 'standard module' will have the single track at its centre line at either end.
Removable fishplates will ensure correct track alignment without leaving any projections in transit.
Small errors in individual horizontal alignment will be accomodated by the simple method of stabilising the
connected boards - by using cables ties or string or similar - attached through holes drilled near the corners
of each board. At an exhibition is the wrong time to find a few millimetres alignment error prevents assembly!
NO external latches or projections to be used which would prevent the board sliding on its edge for loading.
(Any desired handles should be incorporated within the board - and perhaps covered by scenery when in use)
Smaller, Shorter trains are most likely to make the whole layout look larger, and are easier to transport.
Radius 1 track allows a curve to be built within a board, allowing a branch for an A<>B<>C layout etc
Radius 2 is used by the Double Slips which offer a great space saving on Station Junctions
Radius 3 can be used on Double-Module to create a station.
Larger Track radii (2-3m) as required by some larger US locos (for example) are likely to present difficulties: unless restricted to a 'straight-line layout.
Whilst this need not exclude the use of some larger engines in the future, if the concept proves successful,
neither should that possibility be used to prevent the creation of a compact series of stations and modules based
on more readily portable smaller models!
Large radius curve boards are creatable within these module size limits, by angling the end faces.
The END PROFILE of the boards needs to be standardised - particularly height of track from bottom of board;
Standard Thickness of Wickes Panel Door, and 50mm rigid foam (fireproofed building insulation types) below
LGB or compatible track at the centre line.
An agreed profile and colour / finish in the immediately adjoining region where boards join to impy continuity.
An indiviual's creative freedom for the design and structure of the central area of each standard board:
Suggestions So Far:
Plain Line through hedged fields (variable season?), lakes/ river/ pond / farmyard / industrial works
Special Variations: Branchline Junction. Dedicated Double Sections: Terminal Station(s) and Fiddle Yard
Corner Units and Single Door Through Station
DROPPED SECTIONS are permissable PROVIDED they are self-supporting with a trestle at either end or shared with
the adjoining baseboard.
HEIGHT LIMIT
Once buildings and street furniture are removed, the in-transit board should not extend more than 50/100mm above
the track-base (100/150mm above nominal door upper surface) - This is to facility board stacking for compact transit.
50mm could be reduced to 25mm - but always above 'platform height. 50mm should allow crossing gates and fences to remain.
IF a higher or deeper board is required (a) it will be heavier and (b) it may need to incorporate protective corner spacers
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
DCC (MTS) is the only practical method of control due to the flexible architecture.
Just '2-wire' connections
required between all boards (at basic level provided by fishplates) - using flush or inset sockets on each board
and removable plug-plug leads (1/4inch mono jacks recommended as an off-the shelf item)
DCC allows a single operator to control a chosen train from end to end.
DCC provides a constant voltage which aids fault-finding, flexible control and opportunity to power accessories
such as lighting through the common board inter-connections
Analogue control would present problems
with control panels at stations and how to transfer control on interconnecting lines in either direction
One analogue loco can be supported on the DCC/MTS system at any one time so as not to reject a loco.
Power and ADMINISTRATION
Powered Accessories should safely operate off up to a maximum of 24V 0-pk a.c. and include diodes if d.c. required.
(i.e. dcc track power at the maximum possible voltage - however a lower operating voltage is anticipated)
DCC Fixed Accessory Decoders (LGB compatibility checked) may be used to operate accessories on a board - and
this will require a unique number allocation for that baseboard, so that reprogramming is not required at an exhibition.
This can simply be achieved by a request and allocation system. Eg Fiddle yard Points 1-4, Terminus 1: 13-16 and 17-20
A suitable dcc/MTS master controller will be borrowed / loaned for running - with additional handsets etc.
Loco numbers may require on-site reprogramming to avoid duplication - a table of numbers in use should be displayed
Created in HTMLEdit Studio by Phil & Lin Spiegelhalter on November 22nd 2007