Editing Rail transport modelling (section)

== Layout standards organizations ==
Several organizations exist to set standardizations for connectibility between individual layout sections (commonly called "modules"). This is so several (or hundreds, given enough space and power) people or groups can bring together their own modules, connect them together with as little trouble as possible, and operate their trains. Despite different design and operation philosophies, different organizations have similar goals; standardized ends to facilitate connection with other modules built to the same specifications, standardized electricals, equipment, curve radii.
*[[ausTRAK]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://home.vicnet.net.au/~vnsc/austrak.htm |title=ausTRAK website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060908195325/http://home.vicnet.net.au/~vnsc/austrak.htm |archive-date=2006-09-08 }}</ref> N Scale, two-track main with hidden third track (can be used as NTRAK's third main, as a return/continuous loop, or hidden yard/siding/on-line storage). Australian scenery and rolling stock modelled in Standard Gauge.
*[[FREMO]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fremo.org/inhalt_d.htm |title=FREMO homepage |language=de, en }}</ref> a European-based organisation focusing on a single-track line, HO Scale. Also sets standards for N Scale modules. Standards are considerably more flexible in module shape than NTRAK, and has expanded over the years to accommodate several scenery variations.
*Free-mo<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.free-mo.org |title=Free-mo homepage }}</ref> Originally developed by the San Luis Obispo Model Railroad Club in 1995 (California), it has grown across North America and is expanding across the world. The objective of the Free-mo Standard is to provide a platform for prototype modelling in a flexible, modular environment. Free-mo modules not only provide track to operate realistic models, but also emphasize realistic, plausible scenery; realistic, reliable trackwork; and operations. Free-Mo was designed to go beyond the traditional closed-loop set-up in creating a truly universal "free-form" modular design that is operations-oriented and heavily influenced by prototype railroading. This is emphasized in the Free-mo motto, "More than Just a Standard".
*[[MOROP]], European Union of Model Railroad and Railroad Fans, the European standardization organisation.
*[[Normen Europäischer Modellbahnen|NEM]], The German modelling standards organisation.
*[[NMRA]], National Model Railroad Association, the largest organization devoted to the development, promotion, and enjoyment of the hobby of model railroading.
*[[N-orma]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.n-orma.pl/ |title=N-orma homepage }}</ref> Polish N-scale (1:160) modules organization.
*[[NTRAK]], standardized three-track (heavy operation) mainline with several optional branchlines. Focuses on [[standard gauge]], but also has specifications for [[narrow gauge railways|narrow gauge]]. Due to its popularity, it can be found in regional variations, most notably the imperial-to-metric measurement conversions. Tends to be used more for "unattended display" than "operation".
*[[oNeTRAK]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nvntrak.org/nb/onetrak.php |title=oNeTrack homepage |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060908180700/http://www.nvntrak.org/nb/onetrak.php |archive-date=2006-09-08 }}</ref> operationally similar to FREMO, standardises around a single-track mainline, with modules of varying sizes and shapes. Designed with the existing NTRAK spec in mind, is fully compatible with such modules.
*[[Sipping and Switching Society of NC]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mindspring.com/~gugliotta/ |title=Sipping and Switching Society of NC website }}</ref> is a society/association of individuals which has developed a system of HO modules, which feature lightweight waffle construction using 5&nbsp;mm [[lauan plywood]] underlayment and an interface which depends on using a metal template to locate {{convert|1|in|adj=on}} pegs to mate to 1-inch holes in the adjoining module. The rails of the tracks are positioned in an exact relationship with the pegs. The rails come up to the end of the modules, so that the rails on adjacent modules do not need joiner track, but depend on the accuracy of the placement of the rails to allow trains to pass from one section to another. This style of module allows for very quick set-up, compared with module systems that use joiner tracks.
*[[sTTandard]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sttandard.org.pl/ |title=sTTandard homepage }}</ref> Polish TT-scale (1:120) modules organization.
*[[T-TRAK]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://t-trak.org |title=T-TRAK website }}</ref> is a modular system that uses table-top modules, {{convert|2+3/4|in}} high, which set on tables, that are not part of the modules, but are often found at sites which members meet. It uses a specific track interface, which has joiners which hold the modules together, which enables quick setting up and taking down.
*[[Z-Bend Track]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zbendtrack.com |title=Z-Bend Track homepage |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828135249/http://www.zbendtrack.com/ |archive-date=2008-08-28 }}</ref> uses a double-track mainline running down both sides of a module. Modules can be of any length or width in the middle and any overall shape. The "standard" called Z-Bend Track applies only to the last {{convert|5|in}} of the module's interface to other modules, the electrical interface and the module height.