Starting a modular layout club in Western Pennsylvania

There are standard module specs. I have built O Gauge modules using them. I have them packed away at the present. Go online you should find something. I know there are plenty who can help. If I find the info I will let you know. Good luck in your project. It’s not easy but it can be fun.

This is what the North Penn O-Gaugers use:

http://henningstrains.com/NPOGbooklet.html

I had it bookmarked when I was considering making my new layout modular in nature.

-Greg

Make them to standard. I was involved in an HO club back before internet. Our resident wizard didn't follow standards. A couple members wanted to go to another state to participate in an event and found out they were not compatible. Also anyone coming to one of our events would not have been able to set up with ours.

I was also in a G modular club that set up Christmas layouts in car dealer showrooms, shopping malls, and utility company lobbies. It was always fun and a crowd pleaser.

Hope you pursue the idea. Keep us in the loop...

Several east coast HiRail groups use the attached specs. Be aware the wiring harness specs are old and the specified connectors are generally not available. The specs are pre-command control. I'd recommend Anderson Power poles as a suitable replacement. They can be custom configured. The National Capital Trackers have used these with good success. Look at their website.

Use a separate ground for each track and another for accessories.

Also, the 4' length was chosen for easy handling. However, I've built 2', 4' 6' and 8' lengths.

Think about how you are going to transport them without damage.

For legs, look at the Pittsburgh HiRailers. They often post on this Forum. Their leg system beats wingnutting individual legs hands down! BTDT!

Chris

LVHR

Hi Dale, I just moved to Cranberry Township and would like to participate but it'll be a year or so until we move into our new home.  I am planning to put a modular setup in my attic and wonder if there's a way to pull them out for shows, etc a few times a year and join you guys.

Western Pennsylvania!  Zelienople area!  You are in my backyard!  I live in Butler, and have thought I might like to join Pittsburgh Independent HiRailers or the Fort Pitt HiRailers when I retired since I know some great fellows in each group.  Well, I'm retired now, but most of their events are around Pittsburgh and adding drive time to the schedule for their setups has swayed me to stay home. 

I would be interested in getting together to discuss the possibilities.  I can't think of others in Butler and Beaver Counties who may be interested, but your post here is a start.  I do know a Forum member in Indiana, Pennsylvania who has participated in a setup in a vacant space in the Indiana mall at Christmas time who I could question as to how they organized.

Many thanks to those outside the area who have offered suggestions.

If you're interested, here are the NMRA standards for modules for all of the standard gauges (Z, N, HO, O, S, etc.)

Module Standards
https://www.nmra.org/sites/def...andrp/pdf/ms-1.0.pdf

Module Recommended Practices
https://www.nmra.org/sites/def...ndrp/pdf/mrp-1.0.pdf

I'm in Crawford County, about 50 minutes +/- up I 79. This sounds like fun!

I haven't been in touch with anybody for awhile but I thought there was already a group of fellows, that had a club in western Pennsylvania. They use to set up at the Greenberg and TCA shows. During Christmas they set up at Kennywood.

I'll give you one piece of advice... well maybe two.

Spend some time on the module design, and specifically the ease of setup, teardown, and transport of the modules.  I know that there are tons of things I'd do differently if our modular club were to start over and build all new modules!  Things like a separate power station, better wiring standards, better module track mating standards, etc.  We also went with two mainlines, I'd go with at least three if I had it to do over again.  Most of the visitors to modular layouts like to see lots of action.

When you get to the point you're thinking about what the modules might look like, I'd start a discussion thread and get input on what other clubs have done, what has worked, and what has been a problem.  It will be time well spent and likely minimize the issues you may have starting a new club.

John,

Having been down this road before, I agree!

Chris

LVHR

@jim sutter posted:

I haven't been in touch with anybody for awhile but I thought there was already a group of fellows, that had a club in western Pennsylvania. They use to set up at the Greenberg and TCA shows. During Christmas they set up at Kennywood.

Jim, yes you are right!  that’s the Pittsburgh Independent HiRailers.  They still setup at Kennywood, Greenberg shows, etc, well the virus upset their schedule.  They are setting up for their first public show at Monroeville this weekend. I’m planning to attend tomorrow and always visit.  This time I’m going to bring up this idea of a smaller group north of the Pittsburgh area and pick the minds of those who are willing.

The Fort Pitt TCA group sets up a modular layout at their meets, usually close to Pittsburgh.

If nothing comes of the modular discussion, maybe it will lead to more friendships of those of us who live beyond the metropolitan area.

@john in western pa posted:

I'm in Crawford County, about 50 minutes +/- up I 79. This sounds like fun!

Good to hear from you, John!

Make the modules as light as possible - foam scenery instead of plaster, cut holes in the supporting structure, use rubber ballast (if it's still available), etc.  I don't know how our modules gain weight over each summer...

Agree with making modules light! But do not sacrifice structural strength for lightness, especially beneath the track. Unsupported builders foam WILL eventually bow. Then your trains look like they are riding on a ocean. Don't ask me how I know this...   You can use a plywood/foam sandwich beneath the tracks and minimally supported foam under the scenery. We tried to avoid plaster and plaster castings as much as possible: No strength, cracks easily, and heavy.

Talking with the guys of the Pittsburgh Independent HiRailers is a great plan!

Chris

LVHR

@Dale K posted:

A friend of mine and I are considering starting a O gauge modular layout club in Western PA, specifically in the Zelienople area.   Our idea would be to have modular layout sections that we could set up at various events around the area.  If you may be interested in taking part in such a club, please reply to this message.  No obligation if you reply!  We are very much in the initial formative stages and need to see if there is enough interest out there in the area to get this going.

Also, if you can provide any advice/suggestions/tips etc. in starting such a club, that would be welcome too!   In particular, if there are any existing standards/guidelines for O gauge modular layout construction, they would be very helpful.  I think I may have seen some NMRA standards for HO layouts but not O gauge layouts.

Thanks

Hi Dale,

I'm with the Ft. Pitt Hi-Railers (a modular club) and would love to talk to you about your idea of a modular club.  I'm located south of you in Wexford and have been using the pandemic time to work on our modules. I'm also retired.  My contact info is in my profile.

Dale: Ahhh, ummm, maybe. It all depends on what you come up with and how my health holds up. Good idea though!

Dale, I am with the Pittsburgh Independent Hi-Railers, and if you can make it to the Greenberg show in Monroeville, this weekend, we can answer questions, and if you come Sunday, and if you can stay through the end of the show, you could watch how we operate as we tear down.  Just track me down at the show if you come.

Andy

Dale, my contact information is in my profile.  Please contact at your convenience.

Up-front considerations.

(1.) Storage of modules, when not displayed.

(2.) Transportation of modules.

(3.) Repair and up-keep of modules.

(4.) Eventually any group, like this, becomes a people group. Talent/skills/personalities, become a larger consideration, than most would think.

Both of the modular groups, mentioned, have addressed the above issues. Best wishes with your effort.  IMO, Mike CT.