" S" Modular

NASG S-MOD STANDARDS

The NASG S-MOD Standards were developed so that S scale modelers could gather from anywhere and easily join their modules into functioning hassle-free layouts. These standards have been accepted by the NMRA Engineering Committee as the basis for the NMRA’s “S” standard gauge module standards. They accommodate scale standard gauge, narrow gauge, and/or hirail.

You do not have to be an NASG member to access these resources. They are all available online via the hyperlinks below. You can also purchase a booklet containing Items #1 through #4 from the Mobley Library ($2 postpaid) at the address at the bottom of this web page.

The Basic NASG S-MOD standards packet:

Physical Standards - dimensional standards for single- and double-track main line
Electrical Standards - wiring for cab and block control
Operational Standards - Responsibilities of module owners before and at modular meets

Concept Description of the S-MOD Layout Electrical System:

control wiring description
diagrams
troubleshooting

Handheld Throttle

construction
use with the S-MOD system

NASG Recommended Track, Wheel and NMRA Turnout Dimensions standards:

older (pre-stack car era) clearance template
newer " Plate H" clearance template
standard-gauge track and wheels
3-foot narrow-gauge track and wheels
standard-gauge NMRA turnout dimensions

Notes:

The NMRA Recommended Practice for car weight is 2 oz. plus another ½ oz. per inch of car length.

The NASG Clearinghouse offers Track & Wheel Gauges for S standard gauge. Sn3 Track & Wheel gauges are available from the NMRA.

If you prefer to purchase a clearance gauge instead of making one, S clearance gauges are available from banta modelworks made of either wood or acrylic.

Additional Resources:

" The S-MOD System of Module-Railroading" by Don Thompson and Don DeWitt, in four parts from The Herald, 15 pages:

Planning the Module, Volume 20, No. 4, March 1987	PDF
Building the Benchwork, Volume 20, No. 5, May 1987	PDF
Laying the Track, Volume 20, No. 6	PDF
Installing the Electrical System, Volume 21, No. 3	PDF

More on wiring from the NASG DISPATCH:

"The S-MOD System - Checking the Wiring in Your Module" by Don DeWitt, Vol. 12 No. 1, February 1989. *This is a must have!*	PDF	HTML
"The S-MOD System - Building a Portable Control Panel for S-MOD Railcab Layout" by Don DeWitt, in two parts, Vol. 12 Nos 2 & 3, April-June 1989	Part 1 PDF Part 2 PDF	HTML
"Basic Turnout Wiring" by Stan Stokrocki, Vol. 10 No. 1, March 1987	PDF	HTML

Corner Module construction from the NASG DISPATCH:

"Corner Modules Part I - 48" Hexagonal Corners", Ted Larson, Vol. 20 No. 5, October 1995	PDF	HTML
"Corner Modules Part II - 60" curved corner, Houston S Gaugers", Ted Larson, Vol. 20 No. 6, December 1996	PDF	HTML
"Connecticut S Gaugers' 90-Degree Corner Module Design", Bill Krause, Vol. 21 No. 1, February 1996	PDF	HTML
"Corner Modules That Eliminate Spacer Modules", Bill Krause, Vol. 21 No. 3, June 1996	PDF	HTML
"The Split 59" corner (Enhancements to Connecticut S Gaugers' corner)", parts 1, 2, & 3, Bill Krause, Vol. 20 Nos. 3, 5, & 6, June, October, & December 1997.	Part 1 PDF Part 2 PDF Part 3 PDF	HTML

Other Module material from the NASG DISPATCH:

"A Compact End Module Part I", Ted Larson, Vol 19, No. 6, December 1994	PDF
"A Compact End Module Part II", Ted Larson, Vol 20, No. 2, April 1995	PDF
"Joining Rails of Different Sizes", Bill Krause, Vol 21, No. 2, April 1996	PDF
"Turnout Actualing Mechnism for Houston S Gaugers Modular Layout", J. Troxell, Vol 21, No. 6, December 1996	PDF

Send questions/comments to: Bob Sherwood, NASG Engineering.

For the booklet containing Items #1, 2, 3, and 4, send a $2 check made out to " NASG Inc." .

Russell M. Mobley Memorial Library
Dick Karnes, Librarian
4323 86th Ave. SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040-4124

For additional online information on the S-MOD Standards go to Paul Yorke's S-MOD web site.