MADModules » MADModules Blog

New Module Standard Published … Finally!

Geren — Sun, 16 May 2010 21:33:02 +0000

Thanks to a lot of hard work by Kevin Hunter, our updated module standards (version 2.01) are finally published! Never fear, though. As promised, the updated specification is fully backwards compatible with the original standards, as well as those of most of the other On30 modular groups across the United States.

Be sure to get your copy today!

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Last Run: Bob Beebe

Geren — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:02:18 +0000

I received word this morning that Bob Beebe, one of the organizers of the Kimberton module meet, passed away yesterday morning at his home in Pennsylvania. Bob had been running the meet for nearly 20 years, after having taken it over from Roger Cutter, Steve Fisher and Bill Miller.

More information will be provided as I receive it.

Coming up to Kimberton

Geren — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:07:23 +0000

Progress made on Geren's yard modules

This year’s Kimberton module meet is fast approaching, and it looks as if the MADModules groups will be well represented. Approximately 48 feet of “standard” modules will be augmented with 45-50 feet of Kevin Hunter’s “Berrett Hill” modules to build one of the largest layout for the MADModules groups to date. A splendid time is expected for everyone!

Mid-Hudson Meet Report

Geren — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:17:55 +0000

Larry Rickert of the Tri-State group has updated his web site with pictures from the recent Mid-Hudson meet up in New Paltz. Looks like a splendid time was had by all. You can visit his site and see what you missed here. Larry also reports that the “modules hooked up and ran pretty well. A few adjustments are needed here and there, but overall things went very well.”

Great job guys!

James River Division April 4 Test Run

Geren — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:54:43 +0000

While Kevin and Geren were showing off the Mid-Atlantic and Berrett Hill modules at the Great Scale Model Train Show in Timonium last week, the James River Division gang were busy with a test setup. The group seems to really have it together. Look for more on their efforts in the near future. For now, here’s a short video of their get-together.

Getting Started with Modular On30

Geren — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:58:54 +0000

We know that there are many of you out there who have downloaded the MADModules module spec and the Berrett Hill Module Guidelines. We also know that there are many of you on several e-mail lists that have been following progress. A few you you have even built modules. But, we also know that many of you are on the fence about actually building a module or two.

Our resided madman, Kevin Hunter, has just the thing to get you started — he’ll build your module frames and/or cartage for you, to either MADModule or Berrett Hill specs! All you need to do is contact him about it.

It’s also not necessary to have a module to be active in the group. Just come out to the shows and help with setup, teardown, running trains and talking to people. If my wife can do it, so can you (she even wears a WW&F sweatshirt to shows!)! As an added incentive, if you’re planning on helping at a Great Scale Model Train Show setup, your admission for the weekend is free!

So, come on out. Let’s see you at a show!

Timonium, MD, 04/04/09

Geren — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:01:40 +0000

A good time was had this past weekend at the Great Scale Model Train Show in Timonium, MD. The turnout was light (some might say dismal), but we may have gained a couple of moduleers from the experience. Kevin’s volunteered to help a couple of folks get some module frames built using his extensive wood shop. I know that I’m going to try to get out there one day this week to get some carrying cases for rolling stock and DCC gear built.

Sunday morning, I also made some time to get the basic scenery down on the engine facility module. Now it just needs structures and details!

No pictures this time around — there really wasn’t time with only two of us there for most of the weekend. If Kevin got any pictures beyond set-up time, I’ll get them uploaded. The setup was similar to last time, though we were a little bit neater in arranging all our support junk. Now, we’re looking forward to a bigger setup at Kimberton in May.

New On30 Modular Group in the Carolinas

Geren — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:23:12 +0000

Those who follow this site will notice a new On30 Modular Group link — Eastern Carolina On30. This is a new group based in Eastern North Carolina, and, while they’re developing their own standard, the decisions they’ve made thus far are bringing them towards a standard that will interface perfectly with any of the other MADModule-based groups.

Upcoming Show News

Geren — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:29:33 +0000

Plans are coming along for our setup at Kimberton in May. So far, we know that we’ll have Kevin’s serpentine connecting modules; Geren’s yard section. Charlie, Bill and Greg promise to bring a bit over 20′ in modules, and Nathan from the Tri-State group will be debuting his new Sheepscott station module.

Bob Beebe expects that we’ll be able to have the same space as last year, and it looks like we’ll be able to use every bit of it!

There’s not much action on the Great Scale Model Train Show setup. It would have been a great time for a debut connection with the James River Division guys. Unfortunately, they’ve scheduled a setup day down in Midlothian on the 4th, so they won’t be able to make it.

Standards Update

Geren — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:32:06 +0000

As has been mentioned on the group and on the standards page of this site, we’re getting ready to make some changes and additions to the module standards. I’ve gathered almost all of the required data and drawings for the additions, and will start on the draft copy either late this week or early next.

Remember: The proposed changes to the specification will in no way invalidate existing modules or module sets. If you’ve built (or plan to build) a module to the current (version 1) spec, you’ll have no trouble connecting with modules built to the new specs. The changes in the new document will be more along the lines of “Recommended Practices,” to borrow a term from the NMRA. You will be free to adopt any, all, or none of the changes!

The possible exception to the above is the addition of Anderson PowerPole connectors between the modules for track power. Having finally seen and experienced the use of these connectors, I believe them to the “the way” to go for inter-module or inter-section connection (‘though I will be sticking with my “trailer plugs” for my intra-section connectors — they’re in place and they work).