One of the major benefits of
being an RMD member is being able to run your trains on RMD's Modular
Layout. Throughout the year, RMD brings the layout to various train shows
and events. Members sign up for run times at the events and are able
to run all flavors of O gauge equipment in both conventional or remote
modes. The photos shown below were taken at RMD's annual visit to
Children's Hospital in Denver, Colorado.
The RMD Modular Layout measure
approximately 36' x 12' and is comprised of 17 modules. There are
three main loops along with a separate siding area used for staging
consists. It takes about 90 minutes to set up the modular layout and
60 minutes to tear it down. Each module includes its own fold-up
legs, improving portability and storage requirements. When not setup
for events, the modules are stored and transported in a custom built
trailer.
The entry module
to the layout features lift bridges that allow the runners to
enter and exit without having to crawl under the modules (we are dedicated
to preserving knees as well as train collecting). The individual
modules were designed and built by separate member groups who worked from
standard dimensional specifications.
RMD Modular Layout
RMD Modules at the Holiday Show 2011 - Ted and Paul
intensely watching their trains roll by... Some serious fun!!
Fig. 1 - This diagram shows the most basic configuration of
the new modules.
It is 23'8" X 29'6"
A standard module is 36" wide and 70" long
The curves will range from 80" to 106" in
diameter.
There
will be 4 loops:
2
O - Gauge
1
S/O Dual Gauge
1
Std/O Dual Gauge
The
design will allow for Conventional, Legacy and DCS operation.
Where possible buildings and operating
accessories will be stored off of the modules.
This will allow us maximize storage of the
modules in the carts and increase longevity of these items.
Like the current modules the new modules will
have a lower and upper level.
The lower level will be wider than the upper
level. The dual gauge loops will be located on the upper level. This
will allow the lower loops to have sidings, interlocks and yards.
Designs for these features will be made available over the next few
weeks. The upper levels will be electrically isolated from each other
and the lower level loops. Older trains such as Marx will run on the
upper loops as they will have no turn-outs.
Fig. 2
- This picture shows the module with 2 siding modules inserted. In reality
there would be 3 modules 2 with the turnouts and 1 with straight track. This would
result in sidings that are 11.5 feet long.
Fig. 3
- This picture shows the Peninsula Modules. The
proposed Peninsula Modules would allow train traffic from the lower
outer loops to pass under the upper loops into the center of the layout.
The 'yard' modules would be the standard 36" X 70" modules this would
allow almost 16 feet of storage track
Fig. 4 - This track plan
shows the 'Big Picture' and one of the track plans we can consider.
It consists of:
21 Modules
4 Loops
Sidings for the lower
outer loop and yard
Again, this is just a preliminary plan. We are
open to suggestions.
Please contact the Modular Group by email with
comments and or detailed suggestions.
This is the 1st of 3 carts used to transport modules
in the trailer. The carts will roll off the trailer and to the
module setup location. This cart is the shortest and can be
used to transport tool boxes or a module on the top. Once
on-site the top can be used as work surface.
Click here for more photos of the new transport carts.
The new
control panel was designed and built by Clancy and Jerry . Here it is
shown at the annual Food and Gift Show and the Colorado Convention
Center 11/17/2011. There is room remaining for a Lionel Legacy base unit
as well as an MTH TIU.
Below is a shot of the new control panel showing where
the TIU will sit.
Modular Layout at Cheyenne Depot
Days - June, 2007
Hello, just wanted to extend a great big thanks to you and the
wonderful people there this weekend. It was an enjoyable
experience and a great boost for Alex. We look forward to doing
more in the future. Keep your wheels on the rails!
(Alex is
9 years old and very excited about toy trains. He came to the display
every day and spent hours running a train on the lower loop.)
For a schedule of Modular Layout events, please see the
Modular Layout section on the Home page.
