Standards

Standards are the rules that make larger builds easier and collaborative possible. MILS plates make this possible. RenLUG uses 32×32 MILS plates with a green top plate layer and dark blue grey edge as our default.

RenLUG uses a modular layout formation for large displays allowing us to adjust to any room size or space constraints for a given event. Typically, we use combinations of 30×60, 30×72, or 30×96 tables doubled up on the long edge, but we are adaptable to other table sizes and arrangements due to the built in modularity of our club standards. Several club members working together under the same standards can create a layout of any size needed for the venue.

Prior to an event, the RenLUG event coordinator will issue a call for participation asking for the amount of content (in 32×32 stud baseplates) that individual members will be bringing. The RenLUG event coordinator in conjunction with the RenLUG Train Club coordinator will come up with a layout based on the venues space constraints and how many baseplates each attending member will be providing.

Track

Club members are encouraged, but not required to provide the modular track components adjacent to their display area.

• 9v double mainline track runs across the front edges of our displays. This is our prefered track for displays, since it eliminates the expense of batteries.
  • This track sits on a 32×32 stud MILS plate with either BrickingOhio (preferred for 2025 forward) or PennLUG style ballasting (what we started with in 2019-2024).
  • Any version powered train (9v, RC, Power Functions, Powered Up), can run on this track.
• RC aka Dead Track (non-powered plastic only) is also utilized in the club, especially for point to point runs (trolleys) or on narrow layouts where curves are not possible.
  • 9v powered trains can not run on this non-powered track. All other variations are fine.
• Each straight track section is mounted with four studs clear from the outer edges of a 32×32 baseplate. This leaves 8 studs between tracks.
• Curves are standard LEGO© R40 track. Each 90 degree corner uses 2×2 baseplates.
  • For 2025, we are researching vendors to purchase compatible larger radius curves from. These do take up more display space, as an example R104 (inner) & R120 (outer) double mainline curves, each 90 degree corner will take up 4×4 baseplates.

Ballasting & Baseplates

• Track is mounted to 32×32 MILS plates with either BrickingOhio (preferred) or PennLUG style ballasting. This provides 2 plates between the track and the top of the MILS plate.
• Green is the standard MILS top plate color for most layouts. However tan is used for Western layouts and white for Winter Village and snow themed ones.
• Ballasting is dark bluish grey, augmented with 1×1 plates in light bluish grey and black to represent stones. A ballasting variation that is also acceptable is to make the bottom plate color match the top of the MILS plate vs dark bluish grey. This works particularly well on curves where the bottom layer is tiled to help it blend into the ground layer.
• When added, ties consist of 1×4 and 1×1 tiles. Tie colors may be light blue grey (concrete), reddish brown (wood)-preferred for most RenLUG layouts, or black (creosote soaked wood). The first tie starts at the right side of the display when facing it from the front. This make connecting track sections together slightly easier. Leaving the LEGO© track unadorned without additional ties is also an option.

Track Clearances and Tunnels

• 2 studs is the minimum clearance from track tie edges for anything higher than track level. Four is better, especially around curves.
• Tunnel entrances are typically 12 studs wide.
• Tunnels and similar structures must adhere to the above clearances and must also be 15 bricks higher than the base of the track plate. This is 16 bricks higher than the top plate level of a MILS plate, as the track plate and ballasting account for a bricks height.
• Arched openings to tunnels are permitted, but be mindful of the above clearances. Typically starting the curve at brick 12 works fine for most engines, but we encourage a push test to make sure a custom train actually fits.

Trains

• 6 studs wide is the standard width of a LEGO train bed. This is also the distance between the track rails (inclusive of the rails themselves).
• 8 studs wide is a common custom width. Trains and train cars should have no projections beyond this size. This is the width of a LEGO© track piece including the ties.
• Trains and train cars wider than 8 studs should only be run on an individual members self contained layout, unless a RenLUG collaborative layout was specifically designed to accommodate them.
• 14 bricks maximum height measured from the track plate. This is to assure clearance with tunnels and other obstructions. It is recommended to always do a push through test, especially for curved tunnels, to check for clearances.

L-Gauge Modular Standard LGMS

This is the standard that is used in the United States for multi-group layouts at the larger conventions. The current L-Gauge Modular Standard Guidelines can be downloaded here.

Open L-Gauge has free train model pdf instructions.

Third Party Tracks

Sometimes, LEGO simply does not make the track configuration that is needed for your layout. Some of the places our members have purchased from. We recommend doing your research to find which products best suit your needs.

• LEGO – the original (R40)
• 4Dbrix – 3d printed (R40, R56, R148)
• BevinsBricks – 9v (R40)
• BrickTracks – injection molded (R104)
• FXTracks – injection molded, 9v compatible (R56, R72, R88, R104, R120, R136, R152)
• TrixBrix – 3d printed (R24, R32, R40, R56, R72, R88, R104, R120, R136, R152, R168, R184)

Train Clubs Worldwide – a handy list provided by our Lego train friends across the pond at Lego UK Railway.

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