The newly formed Standard Gauge Module Association (SGMA) has accepted an invitation from the Train Collector’s Association Eastern Division (TCA Eastern) and will present an operating standard gauge modular layout at the TCA Eastern Division York toy train meet in October 2006. The layout is slated for the Black Hall at the York Fairgrounds and will feature several standard gauge operating loops, vintage and modern locos and rolling stock, and a variety of accessories.
SGMA organizer Kirk Lindvig developed prototype modules earlier this year based upon Sievers bench work. Prototype modules were displayed for SGMA members at York in April. SGMA participants thoroughly discussed the details of the proposed modules and voted on a set of standards that will insure a common modular interface.
Scot Kienzlen, SGMA liaison with TCA Eastern Division meet officials, is coordinating preparations for the SGMA presence at York. Members are busy building modules and designing displays.
For more information, or to join the Standard Gauge Module Association, see the SGMA Yahoogroups homepage at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sgma/
by Jim Kelly
Members of the newly formed Standard Gauge Module Association (SGMA) met at the York Fairgrounds on Thursday, April 20th to view prototype modules and discuss specifications and plans for the future.
Kirk Lindvig - the driving force behind the new Standard Gauge Module Asociation. All modules in these photographs were built by Kirk.
Lloyd, Bert, Kirk, and John examine a corner module.
Bert (L) and Kirk (R) with a corner midule.
Jim, Lloyd, Bert, and John. (Photo: Kirk)
Kent assembles the legs to a 4 foot module.
Kent, Don. Robert, and Jim with the corner module. (Photo: Kirk)
Bert, Don, and Robert with a 4 foot module.
Bert and Kirk fasten the legs to a corner module.
A few more modules and we'll be ready to run some standard gauge trains!
Final version of the requirements for Standard Gauge Modules as voted on by SGMA members in June 2006:
Interface requirements for Standard Gauge Modules
1. All modules will be 48" inches in length, or combined lengths
equaling a multiple of 48" (for example two 72" long modules). Minimum
module width (front to back) is 30", but may be in two pieces. Wider
modules are encouraged to allow for additional features.
2. All modules will have 1/4 inch holes on four inch centers (from the
front edge) centered 3 1/4 inches below the tops of the rails, on the
connecting surfaces. (The Sievers 48" long Benchwork meets all
requirements.) The preferred method of connecting modules together is
with 1/4" bolts with fender washers and wing-nuts, but c-clamps are
also acceptable.
3. All modules, or sets of modules, will have tracks centered
6-3/4",13" and 27-3/4 inches from the front edge measured at, and
tangent to, the connecting surfaces. Track ends are flush with the end
of the table, and track pins are added during assembly. The last six to
eight inches of the track should loosely fastened to facilitate the
minor adjustments in track location that might be necessary. An end cap
may be bolted to the table ends during transport to protect the track.
4. All modules will have legs with one inch of length adjustment. The
tops of the rails will be adjustable from 42-43 inches above the floor.
5. All track will be new tubular MTH or EBR Standard Gauge track with
"extra ties"(four ties per foot). Corner modules will have the standard
tubular track STD42 (actual diameter 40-1/2"),STD72 (actual diameter
70") and STD84 (actual diameter 82-1/2") curves. Actual curve
measurements to the center rail.
6. All modules will have 8 post terminal strips 6" from each end,
centered 18" from the front, connected to each other and the tracks
with 12 gauge copper stranded wire. 12 gauge jumpers with spade
connectors (or a standard plug/socket) will connect the modules. The
brown (hot) and green (ground) wires are for power to accessories. The
white (hot) and purple (ground) wires are for the single track loop.
The red (hot) and yellow (ground) wires are for the inside double track
loop. The black (hot) and orange (ground) wires are for the outside
double track loop. The wires connect to the tracks 8" from end of the
module. Power supplies must have fast-acting circuit breakers.
Addendum #1: Carpeted modules will be completely covered with Emerald
Green (Baylink Varsity brand #3788) carpet, with 4" wide strips of
Smoke Grey (Baylink Varsity brand #3830) carpet representing ballast.
The "ridges" of the carpet are oriented front to back to conceal the
table joints. (Carpet is NOT required on modules with scenery.)
Addendum #2: The outside (STD84) loop will not have any track-work
which will cause operational problems with ANY Standard Gauge trains in
good repair (i.e. in gauge wheels, etc.). This may require
modifications to commercial switches. MTH STD42 and SDT72 switches are
the standard switches be used on the STD42 and STD72 loops. Other
switches, in good repair and without functional problems, are also
acceptable on the STD42 and STD72 loops. This may limit older large
gear locomotives, large locomotives, trolleys and possibly other
equipment to the STD84 loop.
Proposed addendum #1; Changes in track elevation will not exceed 3/16"
per foot on the STD42, STD72 and STD84 loops.
Proposed addendum #2: Operational tracks will be no more than 36" from
at least one edge of the table.
Proposed addendum #3: The primary loops may be separated if the tracks
are eventually returned to the standard interface. (For example, a
corner module with two tracks continuing straight and one curving.)
Proposed addendum #4: A pleated skirt 40 inches in length will be
sandwiched between the table frame and a front fascia board (color and
size of fascia to be determined). The skirt will have buttonholes every
four (8?) inches to accommodate the 1/4" bolts holding the fascia to
the frame.
Proposed addendum #5: A "Modulator" will be designated for each
display activity. He will coordinate how many modules will be brought,
how they will be joined, and who will be responsible for assembly,
displaying and disassembling the display.
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