MOD SIG
This describes the RCGRS MOD SIG layout. It has a diagram of the entire layout. Some discussion regarding the way the tables were constructed and prepared for laying of track, the pros and cons of of some of the layout options. Description of material. Discussion of scenery. And discussion of future modifications.
Under construction/modification by DErik (talk) 16:10, 17 November 2025 (PST)
General Description
The primary design for the tables themselves is the creation of Ev Helm, John Stephenson, and Dave Stratton. They put in a lot of time with various options on size, materials, how tables were to be put together with each other.
The "final" layout consists of 36 tables. They are made from aluminum, hand-built by volunteers. The basic construction was to take an aluminum sheet 80" x 48", reinforce the edges with square 1" x 1" aluminum tubes, with additional bracing across the width of the tables, all underneath of course. Aluminum legs were cut from square 1" x 1" tubing as well. The legs are removeable, fitting into 1" x 1" "brackets" under the table. The tables are connected together with angle brackets that are bolted to the ends of adjoining tables, with corner brackets where needed.
Track Configuration Design
The MOD SIG group discussed various options with the tables, to include how many tables would actually be needed, how they were to be arranged with each other, how the track was to be layed out, and other ancillary considerations. Some of the special concerns included spacing between tracks (especially curves) to accommodate when large or long cars were passing each other, distance from the edge such that mishaps could be minimized or avoided (especially realizing this layout would be on display with small children close the tables), the need for a rail yard or something similar to allow setting up a consist without interferring with ongoing actions on the layout, the need to be able to walk around the whole layout and reach trains anywhere on it (especially for steam trains), the desire to have places open for scenery and buildings, and the need/desire to have an "interesting" layout (not just a train going round-and-round).
This resulted in some strange configurations. For example, in the diagram presented below, note the tracks drawn in red. These were intended to be used for "operation challenges", specifically, doing rail yard type activities to changes train consists in a confined and challenging area. Another was to avoid having track cross over the edge of a table, especially curved track. (This wasn't always possible.) Another was to have an area where the public could get up close and view the trains and operations closely. Another was to incorporate the lift bridge the club has, and to incorporate a replacement bridge that folks could easily move out of the way to walk from inside/outside to the other side of the layout.
The Layout Diagram
The following is a set of screen shots of the layout as drawn using a computer CAD program. A caveat on this is that the pictures are obviously not to scale; but dimension information is included in the diagrams so you don't have to guess to much how big it is.
The full layout is:
The tables themselves have additional information (dimensions) on them. Here they are in a tabular format that lays it out similar to what it would be on display. Each of the tables may be clicked on to download a PNG image file or to open it in a separate browser window for better viewing.
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