The one drawback of t-trak is that it doesn't lend itself to grades, flying over other (live) tracks, etc. like a figure-8, folded dogbone, etc. You could have the tracks fly over dummy tracks, with (part of) a train just staged underneath, but not live trains. But if there is a modular club near you, that can be a lot of fun getting together.
No problem staying motivated… When weather dictates inside activities, I’m trying to get something/anything done on various T-TRAK modules, including details on existing modules. Example: one of my existing ‘Mother Road’ Southwestern-themed modules, “Sunset Motel” is built on a T-Mods module kit, from the late Russell Higginbotham. It is 14” deep (as compared to all my other 13” deep modules) and did not come with a skyboard. Although it fits right in with the other ‘Mother Road’ Southwest-themed modules, it distracts from the setup a little because of the lack of a skyboard, breaking up the smooth transition of the scene. While waiting to purchase an extra skyboard from Stuart Denniston, I ‘borrowed’ one from a single-in-waiting, and drilled the holes in the back of the module, installed the T-nuts for mounting, and painted the ‘sky’ color, and black on the rear. I also strung the power poles with fine EZ-Line.
I disagree with this premise… This perceived ‘drawback’, IF it were valid, would apply to ANY modular modeling system and wouldn’t be limited to T-TRAK. The truth is, the only issue that would be difficult to achieve in a T-TRAK system would be long, gradual grades; again, not exclusive to the T-TRAK modular system. It’s not impossible, though. Also, it’s quite simple to have active trackage flying over other trackage… by adding a third or fourth line. Nothing in the T-TRAK standards prevents or even discourages this. Lots of non-T-TRAKers (and plenty of T-TRAKers too) assume constraints on the concept that actually don’t exist. I couldn’t even begin to count how many modelers have assumed that T-TRAK is an oval layout of modules, back-to-back, in a table…probably because that’s all they’ve seen. I have even had folks insist that T-TRAK doesn’t allow, or even lend itself, to above the track, and below the track, scenery…
I shot a 2 minute video at the show but I’m having a hard time getting it loaded on YouTube. When I get it sorted out I’ll post it here. In the meantime I have a few photos.
I wasn't able to load the video from either my iPhone or iPad so I air dropped it to my Mac Book and that did the trick. The video is 2 minutes long.
Thanks Deacon. All the comments we heard were very positive. Jeff and I had a great time. Running the layout and talking with folks about N scale was lots of fun.
The lineman have finally gotten to the ‘Two Guns’ double module and have strung the power poles on it (after re-aligning and adding 2 more poles). There is so much more that needs to be done to this double. It’s too ‘clean’; there needs to be a lot more ‘clutter’ behind the buildings-litter/trash, a few abandoned vehicles, a few trees (Acacias, Cottowood), and definitely some more signage on the diner/cafe.
Awesome work! If you photograph the module illuminated from the right, the shadows on the ground will match the direction of the shadows in the backdrop photo.
After ‘finishing’ stringing my power poles, I realized the “Sunset Motel” single didn’t have the down line poles with step down transformers like the others did. I built two, painted them, drilled and installed them, then strung them. Now the module fits ‘in’ better with the others.
I’m working on my last T-Trak module. I usually add ballast after all the ground cover is done but I'm doing the ballast first on this one just to see how it works out. When this module is done I can start working on my layout. Working on the modules has been fun but I really want to get going on the layout.
I finished the last module. I still have to make signs for the Merchant’s Row stores and maybe add a few details but the module is ready for prime time as is. Now I can start working on my layout.
Thanks. It’s a black card stock paper that I got at Michael’s. I don’t remember the proper name or exact size but the sheet was about 20”x30”. I cut it to the shape I wanted with a scissor and glued it down with an Elmer’s glue stick. I think it looks better than painting the wood surface.
I really wish I had grabbed some pics of this weekend's show. I was just simply busy the whole time and didn't even think about it. I did though at one point just walk away from the layout (on purpose) to see if other members of my club would step up. I am usually the architect of the layout and there are a couple other club members who I know could do it, but they lack the self confidence... So I decided to get the flow started and then let them run with it. It was simply amazing watching them step up and get the job done. We had a near flawless setup with an issue with some of the wiring on new modules and a couple needed adjustments due to the temp changes throughout the day. All and all it was a good show. Oh and my new command station performed flawlessly for the most part. The PM74 does not impress me, and most of the time it would kill the entire layout and command station whenever we had a short.
New single module in progress… Based on ‘50’s style drive-in in Seligman, AZ. I’m using a Woodland Scenics kit (not the pre-built version), a Walthers Service Station, and a Blair Line Shotgun House. I created custom signage for the drive-in, and printed my own decals. My regular chipboard (cardboard) roads, and continuing the Southwest ‘Mother Road’ theme. One can put as few or as many details in a module as one likes…I like to illustrate what can be done in a small space such as a T-TRAK single module. Here are a few in-progress pics.
That is FANTASTIC! I wish I could do such detail and realistic work. Your work on this is of the, dare I say, highest caliber....
I dare not even dream of soaring to such heights! I'm in the "pre-built" stage of structures for my layout. That particular model is one that I'm considering. At least they are available for mere mortals like me. But thank you for the inspiration, Bruce!
