Our NASA Wallops train club took a survey and roughly 95% voted for an HO layout. Even though I am an avid N scaler, I'm a sport and I also wouldn't mind having something to run my HO stock on. We're also having a hard time finding a permanent home, so we're tossing around the idea of HO T-Trak. From what I have found (and the HO information seems to be thin vs. N), the standard single HO T-Trak module is: Size - 486 mm x 486 mm x 70-100 mm (LxWxH) Track Length - 492 mm (369 mm + 123 mm) Fascia to first line (roadbed edge) - 83 mm Track Spacing (center to center) - 60 mm Do I have those numbers correct? I already ordered some Unitrack sections and I'm planning to cut up some 1/4" plywood on my table saw this weekend to build up a couple of single modules to take to our next meeting. I'm hoping by showing how rapidly the modules can be built, we can get members jumping in and a layout started quickly. We like the idea of each person bringing 2-3 modules to each meeting and setting up right on the conference table. Any tips, suggestions, warnings? Thanks!
Specs here: http://www.t-trak.org/standards.html Various module construction tips and techniques here: http://ttrak.wikidot.com/module-construction-methods
OK. Am familiar with T-Trak, as N scale. (Have built some modules.) But never thought to check back on that site for non-N scale data.
That is the same site I have been working from. I just wish there was a little more information on the modules for HO. For example, I had to really dig and do some math to figure out what the distance from the face of the module to the front edge of the roadbed should be for the outer track. It's just not clearly defined anywhere like it is for N.
I see that, but I didn't know if that was from the fascia to the middle of the first track or what? I guess as a technical guy I look for specific measurements, so there is no question.
Just wondering, does anyone have the dimensions of the Kato HO roadbed at the widest point (bottom part that lays on the bench work surface) in metric? I am working on some CAD drawings to show the standard module, as well as a corner module for our club members. I would like to represent the track in the drawing in true form, instead of just a center reference line. When I'm done with them, I'll share them here for others to use.
FYI - if you think the standards for HO need to be changed or adjusted. put together some numbers and info and get it out there for people to discuss and consider. The Z scale community recently did this and changes are being made and updated based on their needs and track availability.
It took me a few weeks to finally get around to it, but I built up two test modules for our club to check out. Brought them to the meeting today and most were impressed at the good size, simplicity and overall flexibility of the TTrak system (in HO scale). I tried not to deviate on anything. I did however cut the inside corner of the corner module to match up with a standard depth straight module. I think in our layout planning, this will become a norm and won't be a problem. I also took a couple of my Track Feeder Boards and used those to make wiring a bit neater and easier to manage. I only have blue/black PowerPoles on hand, so I used what I had. Going to get some blue/white on order. Honestly, I don't know why they couldn't have just stuck with DC voltage standards and use blue/black. Although, in DC, blue indicates 24VDC Here are a few pictures of the test modules:
Hello all. My name is Barry Rosier. My friend Mike Dettinger and myself have been working with Kato to promote T-Trak. We just ran clinics at the Amherst Train show with the students building N scale modules. We are planning to work on improving the HO standards for the USA and we have Kato's support. WE are looking to partner with the HO T-Trak people in Australia as they have a much more through standard then we do. There is only minor differences. Our goal would be to flesh out the standard and make it an international one like N and Z scale. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you, Barry Rosier Model Railroad University YouTube Model Builders Team Member NMRA Member #159585 0A
I have been able to convince a number of the other members at my club to go for it. I have an N module, but am looking forward to building a few HO ones. I have a few different sets of Standards that I have found and a place that makes HO module kits. Hopefully it will catch on here in Canada. I think it's a great way to bring new people into the hobby as well.
I hadn't seen this thread before. Obviously, by now you are committed to the T-Trak standard, but I'm curious what made it the preferred choice over other module standards such as the NMRA modules, Free-mo, Speed-mo, and other standards?
I think the biggest advantage of the T-Trak format over other formats such as N-Trak or HO modules is the size. Any "T" modules use folding tables as the infrastructure and the advantage of this is the modules are much smaller and more manageable. These modules also rely on the Kato Unijoiner to hold the modules together instead of the clamping methods used by freestanding module formats.
Since Free-mo modules are 22 and 24" wide (on the ends) and any length you want to make them, and T-Trak is 19 inches, it doesn't sound like much difference (to me). But, I can see that the absence of legs could be a major factor. I was unaware of how T-Trak joined sections. I'll have to look into the Unijoiner idea just to satisfy my curiosity. Also, it's probably worth remembering that the Z-scale T-Trak and the Z-bend module people have (I'm pretty sure) built converting sections and done shows operating them together. I look forward to seeing what you all are doing.
