Standard Gauge Module Association Information

STANDARD GAUGE MODULE ASSOCIATION HOMEPAGE

LINKS/CONTACT INFORMATION MODULAR STANDARDS VIDEOS

Welcome to the Standard Gauge Module Association homepage!

UPCOMING EVENTS

TCA Eastern Div. - York PA
Eastern Division York Train Show Operating Layouts
easterntca.com

October 17th, 18th, and 19th 2024
Contact Wayne Strobel
wstrobel.c at gmail.com

Train Fair - New York
The Great NYS Model Train Fair
cnynrhs.org

November 2&3, 2024
Contact Jim Cottzola
jcottzolla at gmail.com

Trainfest - Wisconsin
home
train-fest.com
November 23&24

Contact Jim Nicholson
Jim.j.nicholson at gmail.com

Holiday Toy Trains-Wisconsin
Eau Claire WI Public Library
Dec 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 26, 28. (Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Saturday afternoons.)
Contact Chuck Lindvig
lindvig at charter.net

Winterthur Yuletide - Delaware

Toy train display from December 21 to January 3 except Christmas Day
Join us for “Twelve Days of Christmas,” a festive toy train display for your child and “inner child.” Open December 21 to January 3
December 21st 2024 to January 3rd 2025 Except Christmas Day

Contact Kirk Lindvig

Kirklindvig at mac.com

Additional events are in the planning stage.

Standard Gauge Module Association Mission Statement

The Standard Gauge Module Association (SGMA) is a group of toy train enthusiasts interested in designing and building modular display layouts to promote the hobby of Standard Gauge (2 1/8" gauge) tinplate toy train collecting and operating, and for the education and enjoyment of the general public. The SGMA has established a set of standards for the construction of modules. Membership in SGMA is open to Standard Gauge enthusiasts interested in building modules and/or operating Standard Gauge trains on SGMA display layouts.

About The SGMA

The Standard Gauge Module Association (SGMA) was organized in 2006 by hobbyists interested in designing, building and displaying modular layouts operating American tinplate toy trains in standard (2-1/8") gauge. A set of standards for the construction and wiring of modules was developed in 2006 during meetings and extensive online discussions. Module construction can be done using commercially available bench work as well as home made components. While the current membership of the SGMA is centered in the upstate New York, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the country, we welcome hobbyists in other areas of the country and encourage them to join in the construction of modules built to current SGMA standards and specifications.

Join the SGMA

Membership in the SGMA is open to all hobbyists interested in tinplate Standard gauge trains including vintage, modern and newly-designed and custom-built Standard gauge trains. You do not need to own or build modules to be a member, and there are no membership dues. To join you simply need to become a member of the SGMA groups.io discussion list. To join simply send an email to: sgma+subscribe@groups.io For more information and discussions relative to Standard gauge, join the Standard gauge groups.io discussion list (Standg.) To join the Standg list send an email to: standg+subscribe@groups.io

History

The first SGMA display took place at the Train Collector's Association (TCA) Eastern Division meet in October of 2006. The SGMA followed up with an exhibit in August 2007 at the Toy Train Operating Society (TTOS) convention held in Altoona, Pennsylvania. A third exhibit was presented at the New York State Train Fair in Syracuse, NY in November 2008. Our fourth exhibit at the World's Greatest Hobby Show On Tour in Oaks, PA in January, 2009 was viewed by thousands as the two day show enjoyed a record attendance in excess of 40,000 people. In the Fall of 2009 the SGMA returned to Syracuse. In January, 2010, the SGMA once again presented a record size operating layout at the World's Greatest Hobby Show On Tour in Chantilly, VA (Washington, DC area.) Displays have been presented in various venues since 2010 including in Pittsburgh and Altoona. The middle America (SGMA-MAC) chapter of SGMA has participated at Milwaukee Trainfest since 2012. In January 2019 the SGMA returned to Oaks, PA for the World's Greatest Hobby On Tour Show. In February 2020 the SGMA returned to the World's Greatest Hobby Show On Tour in Chantilly, VA (Washington, DC area.) SGMA members meet informally at the Train Collector's Association semi-annual York Meet each October and April. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, SGMA activities were on hold during 2020 and the first half of 2021. In August 2021 the SGMA returned to Oaks, PA for the Greenberg Train Show. In October 2021 the SGMA returned to the Train Collector's Association (TCA) Eastern Division meet at York, PA for the first time since 2006. In 2022 the SGMA returned to Oaks, PA in July, Rockville, MD in November, and the club presented a special holiday display at Winterthur Museum and Gardens November through early January 2023. SGMA Midwest presented a display at the Eau Claire Public Library during November and December 2022. In 2023 the SGMA presented operating layouts at the Train Collector's Association semi-annual meets in April and October, and the club returned to Winterthur during the holidays. In 2024 the SGMA showcased a display at the TCA's annual convention.

Additional SGMA events are in the planning stage.

USA Track

SGMA modular standards call for good quality tinplate three-rail Standard gauge track to be used on modules. New track made in the USA by USA Track meets these standards. This video shows the USA Track manufacturing process.

Links

Click here for contact information or links to manufacturers of standard gauge trains and module construction supplies.

The SGMA Facebook page is here.

Contact Us

For more information, please click on this link to send us an email.