Blackstone Protraxx on T trak modules

centralRR Feb 1, 2013

  1. centralRR

    centralRR TrainBoard Member

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    Was trying to figure out how to enjoy the larger HOn3 engines when I lack the space for a layout. What about using the little T trak modules, normaly double track(kato Unitrak) modules designed to sit on top of a train show table, or the dining room table for that matter. I am thinking of killing two birds with one stone, solve a lack of layout space, and being able to show the masses that narrow gauge modeling has much easier for the average modeler that wants his product ready to run. While I personaly wont be running Blackstone's engines or rolling stock, to pricey for my blood. The sectional track alone helps sell the scale and we have a couple shops in Indy that stock Blackstone product. I am guessing the track isnt out yet, their site shows 2013 delivery. Mike
     
  2. railtwister

    railtwister TrainBoard Member

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    centralRR,

    I think the T-Trak concept is great for those who have limited space, and for those wishing to make a portable display to display at shows. There are a couple of drawbacks to it as it would apply to HOn3, however.

    First problem is that the track still doesn't exist, and even if it were to show up tomorrow, the selection of pieces is too limited to be of much use for anything other than a test track (or for a train set). It would be possible to just use sections of the track at the module ends to take advantage of the Uni-joiner rail joiners, and use flex or hand everything in between. Also, since there are no turnouts even announced yet, a T-Trak style layout will require a lot more effort laying in track and blending it with with the Blackstone/Kato.

    The other drawback to to this type of track being used for narrow gauge in any scale is it's "too perfect" appearance due to the uniformly shaped ballast and perfect tie spacing, which is something rarely seen on anything other than Class 1 standard gauge track.

    That being said, I think HOn3 T-Trak would be a useful tool for demonstrating the Blackstone Models products, and for showing off the scale to others. If you go through with this idea, please keep us posted on your progress.

    Another drawback I just thought of is cost. At over $4.50 for a nine inch section of track, this stuff is certainly not for those modelers on any kind of a budget!

    Bill in FtL
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 1, 2013
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    It certainly would be interesting to know how this idea would work.
     
  4. centralRR

    centralRR TrainBoard Member

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    I suspect in the height of the narrow gauge era of the DRGW, thier right of way approached the Protraxx look. It is a little to perfect, but so is Kato Unitrak when it comes right down to it. One would hope that Blackstone will atleast get turnouts in production or a blank underlayment of matching ballest so one can use Micro Engineering or Peco turnouts. Yes the track is expensive, so is Unitrak if your building a sizeable layout. With just a small table top layout, one that would fit on the top of a couple train show tables, gonna take a pair side by side since the min radius is 19" according to BS's website. The whole T track concept is to do away with the need for extra little short pieces of unballested track at each module connection, just plug each module together to complete the layout. I plan to order the starter set of track once it comes available in late spring/early summer. I have a sneaking feeling that BS got caught up in the whole factory musical chairs in China that tanked Atlas's track production as well as massive set backs for others production schedule. We all know it seems to take BS quite awhile to get stuff to production, otherwise we would probably already have a 3rd engine to market instead of repeats of the K27 and C19. Both I think are overpriced and will buy brass instead for myself. Cheers Mike
     
  5. swissboy

    swissboy TrainBoard Member

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    Let us know when you find comparatively detailed brass models at comparable prices.

    Part of the present overpricing comes from the fact that one pays for sound even if one does not want it. Though BS say it's cheaper to only have one version. That may be true for the sound version, but it's also a matter of how the Chinese seem to calculate. Finally, we have to remember that BS started out as a sound producer, and they tend to push that line, naturally.
     
  6. centralRR

    centralRR TrainBoard Member

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    Depends on ones ablites, sound/dcc is a "take it or leave it" option for me. I can find brass at that price or cheaper, paint it myself and make it run just as good as that BS stuff. I could put sound in if I wanted to. With all this stuff from China, one must wonder if it will still run when its got the same age on it that most of the HOn3 brass does. Pretty much any older brass engine just needs a modern can motor installed to become an excellent performer, many do not need extra power pickups if properly weighted. All depends what your budget is and what you want. If you want to take it out of the box and run it with full DCC and sound, then BS products are what you want. If you enjoy the tinkering part of the hobby and building kits, then older brass can be a much better option for the smart shopper. Not all dealers have fair prices, one only has the cream of the crop and the high prices to go with. I think he is a bit out of line but he must be selling stuff to stay in business. My local dealer is much more resonable. Mike
     
  7. railtwister

    railtwister TrainBoard Member

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    The fact that Soundtraxx has an exclusive arrangement to supply sound technology for Bachmann, who is owned by Kader, who also owns Sanda Kan, the major Chinese manufacturer who sent out letters of cancellation to over 60 model railroad companies a couple of years ago, is probably the one reason Blackstone is able to have anything produced today at all, even though it seems like very little new Blackstone product is being announced.

    As for the Protraxx track, at over $4.50 a section, it is over a dollar per section more expensive that Kato's HO track, and over two dollars more than Kato's N scale track in an equivalent length. So if you will agree that Kato track is expensive, I think you'll also have to agree that Protraxx' pricing is way beyond that.

    As for brass locomotives, especially in HOn3, their running qualities leave a lot to be desired, at best. Most of them are poor runners, and most of the few better ones that may run OK when new, probably won't do so for very long, without serious work. Many of the first locos to have problems with splitting gears rendering the drive useless, were brass models. Brass models are nice to look at, but several years ago, when I was an associate member of an HOn3 modular group, most of them didn't run as well on a layout as the old MDC 2-8-0 kits, if properly assembled. Much of the poor running qualities of HOn3 can be attributed to lack of decent track pickups, and is the reason that up until the Blackstone Models were released, most N scale locos preformed better than HOn3.

    Bill in FtL
     
  8. RatonMan

    RatonMan TrainBoard Member

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    And you know I have an oval on order, Grumpy Bill.
     
  9. RatonMan

    RatonMan TrainBoard Member

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    You can always come back to HOn3, Grumpy Bill. The door is always open.
     
  10. centralRR

    centralRR TrainBoard Member

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    I wont be doing the project now anyways, decided to go On30 for my logging layout. And I have reworked several HOn3 brass engines to run like fine swiss watches. Most only took a new motor. The power pickup problem was increased from the old high amp draw open frame motors, they would cause the wheels to pit up, thus making sketchy pickup even worse. A new coreless or bell armature motor with very little amp draw doesnt do this. Soldering jumpers from the tender trucks to the floor of the tender does away with power pickup issues thru the bolster screws. Making HOn3 brass run well is an aquired ablity. Not all were bad, some were quite good, but now suffer from weak magnets in thier motors. Others were plain awfull as built but can be saved but those that know how and where to get the parts/upgrade kits. Go be grumpy elsewhere, dont bad mouth what you dont know, makes ya look like a monkeys uncle. Heck, even new HOn3 brass has issues, but at the price it goes for, you just want to put it in a glass case and look at it! I dont approve of what went on in China with all the companies getting dumped by Sanda Kan, but it is what it is now. Deal with it and move on, Atlas is still struggling to get track back on the market. A buddy is trying to get started in N scale and cant find a decent supply of N scale track anywhere localy or in Indy. Keep it fun guys. Cheers Mike
     

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