G scale modules are something not often discussed in the model railroading community, however such a subject is essential when working with a portable layout in such a large scale. It is true that in smaller scales such as N or HO, one 4X8 or smaller will work perfectly as a display railroad at a train show. However with G scale, the absolute minimum that could be used for a continuous layout would be 5X8 feet, which often won't fit in anything but a pickup truck with a standard 8' bed. Not to mention, this sized layout for G scale is incredibly small due to G scale's size.
By studying the module standards in place for various other G scale modular railroads including the Sundance Central and the G-whiz gang, I determined that for this project, two different modules should be built:
The module on the left will be the A module or the straight module. Dimensions of 30" width with an 96" yields 20 square feet of area to work with. in 1:20.3 scale, I can comfortably have a single mainline and up to two additional tracks to provide for sidings, spurs or for a yard.
The module to the right is the B module or the curve module. The end plates will be 30" wide to match the straight module ends. overall maximum dimensions for this module is about 45" wide and 71" long.
The diagram in the upper right is a cross section showing roughly how the legs and braces will be attached. I plan to have the legs to have a cross section that looks like angle iron, making the leg stable in both side to side as well as back and forth motion. with the straight module, I plan to have the legs swing up, and one pair may have casters so that the module is easy to set up and move with one person. I do have to face facts, at the present moment I'm a one man show, and I couldn't even take my dog to college, so really I've got friends, but no one who is close enough to share this hobby with. Not saying I'm lonely, but I do have to remember no one is around to help.
The next problem is transport. These modules will require some sort of cover. I've seen this idea before, and I know it works to build a cart specially designed to hold modules. in HO scale, these carts can hold up to 12 modules! In G scale, there is another problem, each module needs at least a few inches of vertical clearance. buildings, trees, and land forms over a certain height will have to be removed. I plan to have one tote for structures, cars, and people with another tote for vegetation for every module. Thus, each module will have at most 2 totes to accompany that module.
Why this standard? To start with, this keeps the operation simple and keeps the modules from looking over crowded. Secondly, totes take up space too. What I've found with previous modular designs is that when in transport, the modules themselves can be neatly packed, but the totes and additional materials always seem to clutter up the back seat, trunk, trailer, or even the passenger seat!
As for the cart: I've worked out the cross wise dimensions below:
By studying the module standards in place for various other G scale modular railroads including the Sundance Central and the G-whiz gang, I determined that for this project, two different modules should be built:
The module to the right is the B module or the curve module. The end plates will be 30" wide to match the straight module ends. overall maximum dimensions for this module is about 45" wide and 71" long.
The diagram in the upper right is a cross section showing roughly how the legs and braces will be attached. I plan to have the legs to have a cross section that looks like angle iron, making the leg stable in both side to side as well as back and forth motion. with the straight module, I plan to have the legs swing up, and one pair may have casters so that the module is easy to set up and move with one person. I do have to face facts, at the present moment I'm a one man show, and I couldn't even take my dog to college, so really I've got friends, but no one who is close enough to share this hobby with. Not saying I'm lonely, but I do have to remember no one is around to help.
The next problem is transport. These modules will require some sort of cover. I've seen this idea before, and I know it works to build a cart specially designed to hold modules. in HO scale, these carts can hold up to 12 modules! In G scale, there is another problem, each module needs at least a few inches of vertical clearance. buildings, trees, and land forms over a certain height will have to be removed. I plan to have one tote for structures, cars, and people with another tote for vegetation for every module. Thus, each module will have at most 2 totes to accompany that module.
Why this standard? To start with, this keeps the operation simple and keeps the modules from looking over crowded. Secondly, totes take up space too. What I've found with previous modular designs is that when in transport, the modules themselves can be neatly packed, but the totes and additional materials always seem to clutter up the back seat, trunk, trailer, or even the passenger seat!
As for the cart: I've worked out the cross wise dimensions below:
Skinned with 3/8" plywood and framed with 2x2's and 1x2's, this cart will be light, but will still require casters for movement. Each module will have a unique frame that allows it to slide in the cart like a drawer. Should the cart tip over or need to be laid on it's side, having modules that can't move around will be much safer. From bottom of the cart to the top, the interior space will be about 56" tall by a hair over 30" wide. Exterior dimensions will be 60" by 34". With three modules being stored in the cart, each module will have a space of 17 vertical inches. Subtract 3" for the frame and another 4" for the scenery base, each module will have 10" of clearance for permanent fixtures. To be on the safe side, trees and hills over about 8" will still be packed away. All buildings that required substantial time or money to have on the layout will also be removed for the buildings' safety.
Another cart will be used for curved modules, and differ by first only housing two modules instead of three plus it will be shaped differently to best protect the unique shape of the modules.
I want to do a test run by building 3 straight modules and 2 curved modules which would be cheap to build and a manageable project for a summer. Two carts are also manageable in the back of a truck, SUV or a trailer. Main reason for the cart is so that the modules won't need an enclosed trailer, simply keeping out moisture is all that is necessary to ensure that the modules can arrive at their destination in one piece and dry.
What can I expect for scenery? Below is a conceptual track plan:
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