Rails on Wheels Module Standards

Introduction

These standards were developed to enable the construction of a series of HO scale modules which may be freely connected in any configuration with other modules conforming to these standards. These specifications have been chosen to allow for the reliable operation of the widest variety of HO scale standard gauge equipment from any era, including articulated steam locomotives, scale-length passenger cars and modern "hi-cube" auto parts cars.

As these standards are reviewed and changed periodically, the standards presented here should be considered current as of the date printed above, superseding all previous revisions.

These standards predate those endorsed by the National Model Railroad Association but are a superset with sufficient compatibility designed into the specifications to allow interface with modules constructed to NMRA standards and recommended practices. Although we deviate from NMRA module standards and recommended practices in the areas of minimum curve radius, wiring specifications and interface connectors, it is a simple matter to connect modules conforming to our standards to those built to NMRA specs, requiring either a specially constructed adapter module, or a combination of sections of adapter track and wiring harnesses.

These standards should serve as guidelines- for specific interpretations of the standards, it is preferable to contact a Rails on Wheels member.

The module standards are now available in Adobe Acrobat format (requires Acrobat version 5.0 or newer reader, available for free download from Adobe). The standards document will take a few seconds to download, as it is over 500KB long.

Scenery work being performed on Duane Heard's turnback module.
(Photo by Jeff York)

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