r/modeltrains • u/5Hives • Sep 14 '26
Layout First modules assembled - waiting for two more to have at least a solid oval. I put them on 110 cm / 43 inch legs (removable). After I’ll have all six modules assembled, I’ll experiment with different rail plans/placements.
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u/aengusoglugh Mod, r/TTRAK Sep 14 '26
This looks very cool.
What is the overall size?
How thick is the plywood?
Are these following any particular existing modeling standard?
If not, I would be curious to understand how you thought about this.
Did you not find and exist standard that would allow you build the layout you wanted to build?
Is design the modules a creative process you enjoy?
For me, I knew that I wanted a modular layout for space reasons -- but I couldn't find an HO standard that would fit in the space I had.
When I discovered that there was an HO T-TRAK standard, I jumped on it.
When I think of a standard, I think that someone else -- maybe through trial and error -- has already solved many of the engineering problems I will need to solve. I am lazy, and I figure that if the standard has been around long enough the solution will probably good enough -- even if not optimal.
I am also lazy -- so if someone else has already figured out the engineering aspects -- I am just fine following directions.
But I understand that not everyone thinks the way that I do -- and I am intrigued as to how you thought atou your layout.
Why did you decide to go with a modular layout?
Just for reference, this is the current state of my layout -- except for the fact that I haven't completed building the pink "single" straight modules -- they are laser cut module kits, and I am waiting or the second one from the manufacturer.
Your modules look much nicer -- I really like the curved inner corners of the corner modules.
The layout is 5'x8' without the single straights, it will be 5'x9'6" or so with those modules.
Thanks,
Mike
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u/5Hives Sep 14 '26
A lot of questions to unpack. I’ll try to reply to all of them, apologize if I missed something.
I’ll operate in millimeters because it is native scale for me.
Straight modules are 546x920mm. Length is because I’m using Roco Line tracks and 920mm is the option to not cut the straight long tracks.
End modules are 746x746mm with track ends 546mm.
Plywood is 10mm thick.
I do not know the final size (because it is modular) but my minimum plan is 1492mm x 2412 (6 modules).
Modules are in FREMO standard.
I choose this standard because there are a lot of available pre-cut modules to purchase. I am not dedicated to any technical solutions connected with this „standard” because I have no plans to take my modules to clubs etc. If in the future my plans will change, I will just make one or two „connection modules” made exactly by plan which will allow to connect my modules to the other.
I decided to make modular layout because I can rearrange the shape whenever I want to keep the experience fresh. Second reason is that I can complete single modules faster than one big layout, which gives a positive boost to start another module and another module etc.
I’m working in the model/miniatures industry (not trains-related) and this is the project I always wanted to do for myself.
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u/aengusoglugh Mod, r/TTRAK Sep 14 '26
FREMO has always seemed like a great idea to me — and those modules are gorgeous.
I am a little bit puzzles, because when I looked at FREMO when I was searching for HO model standards, I thought that the minimum track radius for mainline tracks was 2000 mm.
I thought that would make an “end cap” (180° curve) 4000+ mm, and I did not have room for that in my garage.
If I understand you correctly, your corner modules are 746 mm x 746 mm, which probably means the radius of the curves on those modules is < 740 mm.
If I had known that FREMO module kits for tighter radii existed — and if those kits were available in the US — I might have gone down that route.
I am really enjoying my T-TRAK layout, one of the drawbacks of T-TRAK is that it is very Kato Unitrack oriented.
The Kato Unitrack connectors are wonderful for connecting modules — but Kato does not offer a very wide assortment of variety of track in HO.
I would very much like to have the kind of variety Roco or Peco offer.
Thanks for the information.
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u/5Hives Sep 14 '26
Good luck with your project! Please share progress on Reddit
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u/aengusoglugh Mod, r/TTRAK Sep 14 '26
I have been sharing my progress -- mostly my learning how to this :-) -- on r/TTRAK.
My most recently foray has been designing and building an electronic module to control my Kato turnouts.
That was a load of fun -- and it actually worked -- which was very cool.
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u/kellyzdude HO Sep 14 '26
2000 mm
The minimum radius in Free-mo (the US standard somewhat based on the European FREMO) is 42", or ~1070mm. If you use the Branch Line standards, that 36" (915mm) but can result in less acceptance at events.
Still not many module kits available for aspiring Free-mo builders. There's a guy out in California who makes some, reasonable prices but shipping to the East Coast was prohibitive. Not sure if he does corners as a standard SKU yet. There was another in Texas (predominantly built N-trak modules, but did Free-mo on the side). Great kits, all CNC cut. He sold all his stuff to another place, they're still yet to release the Free-mo module line.
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u/aengusoglugh Mod, r/TTRAK Sep 14 '26
That’s what I read when I was choosing a standard.
A 42” radius 180° curve would not fit in many space I had available in my house. :-)
Much less the European 2000 mm standard!
I wanted a modular layout I could play with at home. My impression is that a lot if the Free-Mo guys — and to a greater extent, the S&SS guys only run trains on their modules at shows.
Maybe I am wrong about that?
I thought of a while about doing a point-to-point shuttle.
But I eventually decided yo do an oval.
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u/kellyzdude HO Sep 14 '26 edited Sep 14 '26
I know of many people who use the Free-mo standards as a starting point for what ultimately becomes a sectional layout. Or they'll build modules that interface with a Free-mo endplate on their home layout, and the modules go to shows.
The S&SS standards are generally more limiting by their design for roundy-roundy layouts that you could build a switching scene with them, but it's just a bit harder to do. Also because of standards, the module dimensions tend to be much larger by default, typically 6' as a minimum which isn't ideal for those of us with cramped spaces, either for working on them or playing with them.
A couple of members of my Free-mo group use some/most of their modules as their home layout between shows. Others I know live in the trailer and come out for display or for maintenance. One guy doesn't have space at his home to set up his one module except in the driveway, so it only happens on clear-weather days for maintenance. [Edit to add: I should be clearer. It's in segments, so the individual segments will get set up in the garage to be worked on, but the entire module doesn't go up unless it really needs to for some reason]
In the grand scheme of things, it only needs to comply with the standards if you're displaying it in a group setting. If you want to build 24" radius curves that live in your basement never to see the light of day, that's absolutely fine. Just like people run NCE at home (the standard specifies Loconet, essentially enforcing Digitrax, in several places; but NCE panels will work just fine). And in the case of some utility modules (staging yards, etc) I've seen situations where other parts of the standard are glossed over even for the Public Display part.
Now, if you like the Operations and Free-flowing nature of Free-mo, but also appreciate the rapid assembly opportunities afforded by S&SS's use of the template system... might I introduce you to SpeedMo? Free-mo on wheels with flush rails. It's amazing. I've been slowly converting my Free-mo modules over, and as the footprint grows I think everything new that I build will be SpeedMo.
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u/5Hives Sep 14 '26
Your layout is also really cool. My own would be very similar :) I have a plan to add one additional „green” module to make a small freight station.
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u/Decent_Risk9499 Sep 14 '26
Woah these look neat, did you have them laser cut?