YMR modules the next generation ??

Ok rather than repeat myself heres what I wrote in my AC lines thread…

Potters in N would be realy cool especialy if it was displayed above the 00 version at the shows !! Actualy a YMR N gauge module layout would be a great idea as return tracks could be built under the base of the modules and curved incline sections could be fitted at each end to link the module running lines to the return tracks. A conventional fiddle yard could then be built and fitted behind the layout. Would also be easer to transport in the back of a car. Actualy the more I think about this …….. think I will start a disscussion thread…..

:hmm

Ok heres what im proposing a similar set up to the 00 YMR modules without the bridging pieces. Instead we draw up a template for the end sections with all the track centres, fixing holes, etc on. This could then be emailed to those intrested in taking part. All the modules will then bolt together elimanating the problems with the layout bending like what happened in cornwall. By using a central fiddle yard behind the modules we avoid the issues with too many trains running on the layout at the same time. The N gauge modules wont need to be as big as the 00 versions so storage and transport would be easer.  

Now anyone fancy having a go at this ?

No. No way. Never. No chance. In your dreams. Forget it.

OK, I'm in.:mrgreen:

:lol:

Ok I will draw up a couple of sketches and post them later. ;-)

Me too,please!!!:roll:

Cheers,John.B.:thumbs

Ok I have just had quick play with anyrail ( im actualy in the middle of working on potters lane ) and have worked out that by using 3rd and 4th radius set track curves we would need a 32" x 32" area at each end for the return loop. I have dropped the incline idea and instead propose a straight forward dog bone set up. Intrestingly enough the ideal baseboard width for the modules works out at 18". This would put the outside return line at 1" from the rear of the module and at the front the first track would be just over 6" from the edge giving plenty of space for building scenery. So if we allow 3" at the back for the twin track return lines the front scenic section would be 15" from the backscene to the front of the layout. The length of the modules could varey say between 2 - 5 feet. Track bed height could be 4" same as the 00 versions but in N a decent looking viaduct could be built. The fiddle yard could be incorprated into one of the modules by making the base wider than the 18" that the rest of the modules would be built to. Again a quick test using some N gauge stock and a 24" steel rule has reveiled that an 8 track fiddle yard could be accomidated on a 24" wide baseboard and still leave the 15" scenic area. Given my current work load and the fact that I have to have potters + 2 fiddle yards modded before 19th March it would be a while before I could start on the project (if we get enough people intrested) but I think that it would be a good optunity for those who model in N and also those that would like a go at N but dont want to build a full layout.

So what do you guys think ?   


:hmm

I am prepared to give it a go,but will wait till the plan is sorted so to speak.
could be velly interlesting mmmmmm.
:thumbs:lol::lol::cool:

8 tracks in 9" is a bit cramped - remember we'll need finger space between the tracks for adding/removing stock. I can honestly say that Hatton Parkway's fiddle yard at standard Setrack track centres is blo**dy awkward for that - I'd suggest 16" width for fiddle yard and 8" scenic on a 2' board.

For me, starting a modular project again in N gauge is interesting, but way too early.
I'd have thought that we have underused the original concept by a big, big margin. I don't think it was ever envisaged that the modules built would ever be used just one time. Also the idea was that more would be added in the second year.

So far we've displayed the original once, which is not a lot of useage for the effort that was involved. I'm trying to re-create that display at Bristol in May, so that Bob can hopefully see it. Even that is problematical, as the logistics of getting everyone together is not easy. If we can't get the current modules up and running again when they are already built, what hope is there of getting everyone to come together to build and display a new one in N gauge?? 

Off topic, but relevant…

[user=3]Gwent Rail[/user] wrote:

For me, starting a modular project again in N gauge is interesting, but way too early.
I'd have thought that we have underused the original concept by a big, big margin. I don't think it was ever envisaged that the modules built would ever be used just one time. Also the idea was that more would be added in the second year.

So far we've displayed the original once, which is not a lot of useage for the effort that was involved. I'm trying to re-create that display at Bristol in May, so that Bob can hopefully see it. Even that is problematical, as the logistics of getting everyone together is not easy. If we can't get the current modules up and running again when they are already built, what hope is there of getting everyone to come together to build and display a new one in N gauge?? 

For those of you not on the other forum, I've been drafted in to create a module layout project for the South West Area Group (SWAG) Member's Day Meeting in April 2012, at Taunton (see here).

I am proposing (and ensuring) the new modules uses the exact same dimensions as the YMR modules, so a) they are compatible and so YMR ones can be re-used and b) to promote the module connection standard as far and wide as possible, so should other club/individuals/exhibitions take up the idea, they too can re-use existing modules.

Should anyone want to bring their module to the 2012 Members Day, please let me know.

On topic…

I think the idea of an 'N' gauge module layout is superb, and I might even get involved myself (what is N gauge ? )

Stu

A great Idea Dave im sure many who model N gauge will be interested in this and im sure some who may wish to dabble in N will show an interest aswell.

Be nice to see a collective N gauge project develop. You may find if there are not enough N gauge modellers here once you have outlined draughted the whole concept people outside of this forum perhaps on others may be interested in the project.

Brian

I'm trying to re-create that display at Bristol in May, so that Bob can hopefully see it. Even that is problematical, as the logistics of getting everyone together is not easy. If we can't get the current modules up and running again when they are already built

 

I was actualy under the impression that the 00 module layout had been dropped as there has been a blank patch over the module section of the main page now for a few months. Also the disscussions about tweeking the standards ended up turning into a YMR layout rather than modules. As a result Potters Lane has now been rebuilt to my own revised spec so that it will become part of a modular layout that im building with nsegaz. The fiddle yards are also being rebuilt to the same spec as my next show outing is in march and I have another three ( Normanton, Rawtenstall, Greenock) shows to be confirmed for the next 12 months. The downside of the rebuild will be that Potters + fiddleyards will not be compatable with the rest of the modules so will not be able to take part in another module line up. Sorry Jeff.

This N gauge project was just an idea I had for a better designed modular layout that was easer to transport and operate learning from all the problems that I as module coordinator had to overcome. The project would also allow our N gauge modellers the chance to work together and be a part of a future show. The idea of the thread was to test the water to see if there was any intrest in the idea before making any definate plans. :roll:   

As I said, I'm not disinterested in the idea of an N gauge modular project, but I think that there is more mileage left in last year's efforts yet.
I don't blame you for altering yours to meet your own requirements, Dave, at least it will get regular use that way.

However, I can't find any reference to the project being dropped, it was never going to be high priority until there was a plan to show it again and there would not have been huge enthusiasm before Christmas, as we all went through a bit of a modelling block after Redruth.
I fully expected someone to get things going again in the new year and maybe was presumptuous in thinking that you, as the show's module co-ordinator, would be keen to move it on.
 
I'm sure that the YMR layout idea was always seen as something different and seperate by those involved

Whilst I really like the advantage "N" offers in terms of size, I know I'd never, ever be able to do anything with it.  Hands and eyes are just not up to it (or rather "down" to it)  ……………………

"O" would be more in my line but I can't afford that so I've settled for the compromise at "OO". :thumbs