Sacramento Central Railroad

• Standard Module(s); a standard section that can be clamped together in any way to form a large model railroad
• Dependent modules; modules which must always connect together in order to function properly.

• Style: Open grid
• Ends, 3/4" x 3 1/2" Pine.
• Sides, 1/4" x 3 1/2" Marine Plywood.
• Inside cross-braces, 3/4" x 1 1/2" Pine. Cross-braces spaced 12" apart and recessed 1" below top edge of frame.

• 1" Styrofoam.

• Width limits: 24" or 30".
• Length limits: 48", 60" or 72".
• Height: 36" to top edge of frame.

• Style: Legs must fold up flush under module for transport.
• Construction: Built as pairs. (Use ¼" × 3½" plywood brace near bottom to hold together.)
• Leg: ¾" × 1½" pine. (Use 1½" bitt jomge at each leg top for mounting and folding.)
• Stand brace: Folding leg braces (National N208-629 V1890R or Brainerd R1083XC)
• Height adjustment: ± 1" (use bolt at each leg foot).
• Length: 32" [36" -1"(top) -1½"(hinge mount) -1"(adjustment) -½"(bolt head & wing nut)].

• Clamping: Two spring clamps between modules. Use guides between dependent modules.

• Waterproof: Seal module underframe wood with poyurethane before laying track and using any water-based scenery methods.

• The club uses the Digitrax DCC system.

• The club has a separate 18V AC tansformer to supply power to all modules for switch machines, structure lighting, etc. This power is routed through #16 gauge white lamp cord with 2-pin Cinch-Jones plugs and sockets on the ends. This wiring is required under all modules.

• For power continuity, run wires parallel to the Main and Branch Line rails. Use #18 gauge wire on all parallel wires. (Brown lamp cord is a good choice.)
• Connect the power wires to the rails with #20 gauge solid wire.
• Use automotive type, 2-way symmetrical plugs. These plugs can be found at automotive and RV parts stores. (Quality Charged Auto Products #53201 by J-Mak Industries). They must have #18 gauge wire leads and can be found at automotive and RV parts stores. (Do not use Radio Shack brand).

• Power to the Branch-Line and your sidings behind the rear mainline is selected by a DPDT center-off switch installed on your module. This allows you to chose between the rear mainline DCC booster, and, if in use, the Branch Line DCC booster. Branchline Power is never allowed to enter either mainline.
• No personal DC power is allowed on module at any club function.
• The Branch Line plugs are green with no number.

• Mainlines are required tracks that run through all modules.

• Two parallel tracks on 2-inch centers. Location: "5" and "7" from front of module to track centerlines.

• Homosote, wood, plywood or cork; 1/4" thick.

• Atlas NS (nickel silver) code 100 flex track. Cut rails 4 1/2" + 1/32" from end of module. Cut off end tie for rail joiner clearance (do not use tie undercut method).

• Atlas NS #6 custom line turnouts.

• Atlas NS #4 or #6 custom line.

• 9" Atlas NS snap track between modules. Cut off enough ties at one end so rail joiners will slide completely on to rail, while on other end solder joiners halfway onto rails (do not use tie undercut method).

• Always insulate both rails at electrical section (block) boundaries (no common rail systems). Insulate between mainlines in crossovers and between mainlines and sidings.

• Gradual with no sharp "S" curves. 32-inch minimum radius.

• Not recommended for Mainlines. If used, no closer than 6 inches to end of module.

• Paint and weather all track and ties. Pactra Dark Earth or Floquil Roof Brown is a good base color.

• Your choice, but usually medium gray.

• Sidings are any tracks except the two mainlines.

• Most of our Modules have a Branch-Line this is located 15" in from the front of the module. This Branch-Line track can be connected during operating sessions and shows to form a third line for train operation.

• Siding track planning is your option. Tracks may rise above or drop below mainlines. However, there is no roadbed under the 15" Branch-Line siding at the interface between modules.

• Atlas NS code 100 flex recommended (costs much less). Walthers NS code 83. Shinohara NS code 100 or 70. Roadbed not required.

• Atlas NS code 100 recommended (costs much less). #4, #6, Y, and snap switch. Model Power, Roco code 100 NS #4 double slip switch. Walthers NS code 83. Shinohara NS code 100 or 70 #4 and Y.

• Insulate both rails at electrical boundaries (no common rail system). Insulate only one rail for on-off sections. These are usually stub tracks to store engines.

• Paint and weather all track and ties. Pactra Dark Earth or Floquil Roof Brown is a good base color. Ballast: What seems appropriate for the location and use.

• What seems appropriate for the location.

• REQUIRED! 9" above base material at mainlines (45" to top from floor level). Permanent, or removable for transporting. 1/8" masonite.

• Use only lightweight materials (Styrofoam, sculptamold, joint compound, etc.). Do not use regular plaster compounds. Regular dirt and decomposed granite are heavy--use sparingly for top coating only.

• Paint and weather everything (buildings, track, roads, etc.)!