N Scale T-Trak

billmtx Oct 28, 2010

  1. Rob M.

    Rob M. TrainBoard Supporter

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    Technically, if you're not using Kato Unitrack you're violating the T-Trak specs.

    Practically, if you use the Atlas track you'll have trouble linking with other people's T-Trak modules, since Atlas True-Track doesn't have the same connectors as Unitrack. Also, you'll probably have to cut the Atlas track to get the lengths to match up with the standard T-Trak module sizes.

    In other words, if you ever plan to hook up with other people's/groups' T-Trak modules, it's best to stick to the mandated Kato track.

    If you're creating a private standard for yourself or your club, of course, you can do whatever you want. But in that case you probably shouldn't call them "T-Trak modules."
     
    velotrain likes this.
  2. SteamDonkey74

    SteamDonkey74 TrainBoard Supporter

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    I suppose if someone uses the Unitrack joiners at either end that in theory they could use whatever track they wanted to use in between.
     
  3. CNW 1518

    CNW 1518 TrainBoard Member

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    the modules themselves are generally bigger..

    im doing 2x4 modules so i can incorporate bigger scenes..

    I just got both mains running about an hour ago.. I also just ordered some more unitrack.. some switches and general track to add before I make anything permanent.

    I will take some pictures once I'm further along in the process.
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I am seeing folks use or try all kinds of module sizes and shapes. As long as they adhere to track spacing and wiring standards, should not be any problems. Wyes, junctions, "S" shapes, bridges, and you name it.

    I use Unitrack at module ends and having a large supply of Peco switches, Atlas flex and cork, those go in between. Except on the basic short module, where I use Unitrack all across the base.

    All I need to have, in order to use publicly, is people using the same track spacing. Some choose the standard spacing and others are going with the "alternate" option.

    I also like the color of the Unitrack plastic. It gets into that spectrum of ballast color I prefer. To me, the Atlas looks a lot lighter.

    Just my 2 micro-cents worth....

    Boxcab E50
     
  5. Westfalen

    Westfalen TrainBoard Member

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    If you check out the Australian T-TRAK guidelines you'll see that you can use whatever track you want as long as there is a short Unitrack piece at each end to join the modules, there is a section on joining Unitrack to other brands. A lot Australian T-TRAKers use peco track on their modules though I use Unitrack which with a bit of paint to weather the rails and a bit of ballast to blend it into the scenery instead of looking like it's just sitting there doesn't look too bad. At a show last weekend I had a couple of modelers ask me what type of track I was using and when I told them it was Kato they had to bend down to take a closer look.

    The Australian guidelines have made the alternate spacing the standard.
     
  6. Westfalen

    Westfalen TrainBoard Member

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    Here's a bridge module my brother is working on, it can be made longer by adding more Kato bridges.
    [​IMG]
    And what to do if you run out of corner modules.
    [​IMG]
     
  7. Thieu

    Thieu TrainBoard Member

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    I have seen the Kato Unitrack and they have nice items. Switches look very good compared to the ugly European brands. Only problem is the rail height: I prefer code 55. Therefore, I would like to try Atlas code 65.

    But I already have too many projects on hand.... Still, this kind of small tabletop modules is very attractive.... You can build small scenes with different themes....
     
  8. David Bromage

    David Bromage TrainBoard Member

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    Different modular systems for different purposes. T-TRAK relies on the properties of Kato Unitrack. If you accept the Unijoiners then compromising on rail height isn't that much of a stretch. If you want real code 55 when there are other modular systems for this.

    Cheers
    David
     
  9. Thieu

    Thieu TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, I know: oNetrak is a good one. But I already have this system. The nice thing about T-trak is the tabletop issue, and the small size of the modules.

    On the other hand: I am problably the only European who likes T-trak, so I can make my own standards. :tb-biggrin:
     
  10. David Bromage

    David Bromage TrainBoard Member

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    Actually you're not. Switzerland and Sweden have adopted the Australian T-TRAK specifications.

    Cheers
    David
     
  11. Logtrain

    Logtrain TrainBoard Member

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    In my club, the United Northwest modle RR club, we have a T-trak group within our family. We actually have 3 groups in our UNW family. We have the legacy group, which is consisted of alot of older members of the family as well as the layout which was built back in the early 80's and has been to MANY shows over its lifetime. We have the N-trak group, which most used to be members of the 4-D division but have now joined our family. And now we also have a T-trak group, which is mostly made up of 4-H members from Snohomish co. This is a GREAT opportunity for youths to get into the hobby and learn their skills at modeling as well as socializing in the model RR community. Now I know what some of you are thinking, How can a club be so big with so many groups? Well it is simple. We are ALL a family and we all help each other out. Sometimes we can only take the legacy layout to a show and sometimes we can only take the N-trak layout to a show and so on and so on. But all in all we all have a great time.
     
  12. Thieu

    Thieu TrainBoard Member

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    Hm, those modelers live far away from the Netherlands. The only country we have contacts with, is GermanTrak.

    Does someone have links to European clubs?
     
  13. SteamDonkey74

    SteamDonkey74 TrainBoard Supporter

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    :tb-biggrin:Distances are all relative, Thieu. If I go to the NMRA convention in Sacramento next year I will be traveling about 600 miles (965 km) and I am excited because it is "so close."

    T-trak.org doesn't currently list any European clubs, but their list mostly depends on people submitting their club's contact information so maybe the European clubs just haven't done so, yet.
     
  14. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Check the T-Trak web site. If nothing is listed on the member/club page, email Lee at the address listed for suggestions.

    Boxcab E50
     
  15. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Ryan-

    I am curious- Which track option is the UNW using? Standard? Or Alternate?

    Boxcab E50
     
  16. Thieu

    Thieu TrainBoard Member

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    I know. You are used to this kind of distances. We however hesitate to visit exhibitions that are more than 75 miles away. An exhibition with US layouts in Frankfurt is too far away for most people around here, and it's 'only' 300 miles.
     
  17. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    You could live here. The closest show, once per year, is about a 260-270 mile round trip. I'd love to have only a short hop of 75 miles one way.

    The next closest is either 400 miles round trip, across a usually snowy mountain pass over the Rocky Mountains, or about 475 miles if I go around either end, this part of the Range. Another in the next State is a 475 or 550+ mile 'rounder, depending upon route choice.

    We usually do these easily in one day, which also includes railfanning stops.

    Boxcab E50
     
  18. Logtrain

    Logtrain TrainBoard Member

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    I am not sure Ken as I have not built one to get invovled in the specs. But I can definitely find out for you.

    The nice thing about our T-trak group is almost all of them are built by youths getting into the hobby. Some of them are quite talented.

    Ryan
     
  19. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Ryan-

    I should look at the Club site and see if there are pictures posted. Is Peter still Webmaster?

    I am doing T-Trak right now, due to the blankety-blank health issues, and having a supply of useful material at hand. I've chosen the "standard" which has no space between Unitracks, so as to have a little more room for scenery.

    Boxcab E50
     
  20. Thieu

    Thieu TrainBoard Member

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    Is it practical, the tracks next to eachother? I mean: is there enough space between the tracks for trains to pass eachother at a decent distance?
     

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