Miami Valley S Gaugers Modular Layout
We have a modular
layout which currently consists of 11 four-foot modules, 4 corner
modules, 5 eight-foot modules, two of which make up a center
yard, and a hinged four-foot bridge to allow easy entry and exit
without the need to "duck under." When fully assembled, it
covers a 20 foot by 32 foot area. The layout is based on
NASG modular standards,and has two parallel tracks of code 148 rail
and one of code 172 rail (American Flyer and Gargraves). The latter provides an American Flyer "look and feel" on
the outside track, which is a real crowd pleaser for the "older"
generation (those who grew up with American Flyer trains). In addition to the yard, there is a passing siding that
covers three modules, and a spur on one module. The yard has
six ladder tracks, three accessible from each direction.
Eight-foot module #16 has a crossovers between the three main lines
and a small industrial yard. The four-foot module (#6) next to
the bridge has power cutoff switches on all three main line tracks
to allow mainline trains to be held out of the way while other
trains are being switched into and out of the yard.
We struggled for years with home built walk-around
transistor throttles, running everything on DC, but had a
continual problem with burning out transistors and blowing fuses,
due to the high current draw of the AF engines and lighted
cars. As the newer equipment started adding sound systems,
these required AC operation. So in 2003 we replaced the
hand-held throttles with two AF 18B transformers followed by DC
rectifiers and AC/DC selector switches. This also keeps
people from tripping over the throttle cables! In 2015
we converted to a Legacy-based system.
We've also added numerous operating accessories to
the layout.
Layout
map of modules.
Layout
photo
tour of all layout modules.