The ESNG works to two N-gauge modular systems.  With our show coming up, perhaps a quick reminder of the standards is in order.  The first is N-mod.  This is an adaptation of the USA N-Track system, the main difference being that there are 4 tracks and all tracks are at the front of the board.

The length of the module is defined as 4 foot, to keep a standard geometry and enable a continuous layout, but the width can vary, behind the four tracks, as desired.  All track is PECO Code 80 (at least at the module ends.)  The modules are joined by a short, nominally 3 inch, removable length of track to take up variations in length and width.  And variations there are, perhaps due to unevenness in the hall floor, wood changing shape with time, and the general incompetence of the members.

The sketch shows these dimensions.

The idea of an N Club International module came from wanting a pan-European N gauge standard.  The boards are double tracked (although a single track standard also exists).  The standard board width is 400mm, with tracks at 120 and 150mm from one side.  The boards can be any length, as the modular layouts set up are generally end-to-end, with loop boards at either end.  Common lengths are 800 and 1200mm.  Junctions can be used to set up a complex layout.

The track goes right to the end of each board, and is laid with a jig.  The modules are aligned by dowels and bolted together.  Theoretically, this method of using a precision jig guarantees a perfect alignment between adjacent modules.  It usually works!  Track is PECO Finescale Code 55 which has a more prototypical look thanks to its lower profile Code 55 rail.

 The sketch shows the board end profile.

Two different standards, and two different concepts.  N-mod does allow some crowd pleasing running at an exhibition.  We keep enough N-mod modules to build a circuit in our meeting room,  and allows members to run (and watch) plenty of trains on club nights.  NCI perhaps allows more variation of track planning, as double track lines were (and are) more common than four-track sections.