No, N-trak is a modular standard with 2x4 (typically, though larger and smaller are possible) units with three through tracks and a somewhat complicated system of legs to ensure everything bolts together and matches up at shows. T-trak starts with very small modules (roughly 1 foot square) and a simple track arrangement (two tracks of Unitrack) that sits on tables. Much easier to work with, and a much smaller investment of time and money. And by no means does that mean that your modules have to be toylike or simple. You have lots of options, and I think the challenge of making something creatively fit in the smaller space is fun.
While these are a good platform for a beginner, I don't believe I'd describe it that way. I am a long ago experienced NTrak person. I have also done oNeTrak. Thus I am certainly no beginner. These are simply smaller modules without actual legs. They sit upon a table top instead. How that can diminish their value I do not comprehend. All of those other skills which go into creating NTrak modules are also used in T-Trak. I know a good number of people who have done NTrak, or even layouts, now switching to T-Trak. Reasons are many and varied. For one, setup at home for personal use is much easier than with NTrak modules. Been there, done that. With many downsizing living quarters, both young and old, space necessary in the home for storage and setup is one. Absolute ease of transport is another. Variety in being able to swiftly rearrange is great. I had to go this route due to health issues. Which ended my last layout (oNeTrak modules) under construction. No. T-Trak is no more entry level than NTrak itself. It's just one of many great options available these days.
Which module system, one track/n-trak/t-trak entirely depends upon what you want to do in the current phase of your life. One is not better than the others. I have gone from N-trak to T-trak due to medical issues which make it difficult to move several 2x4 N-trak modules. A double straight and double corner modules are about all I can now lift at the same time. While I still have 2 2x4 N-trak modules, they have not been to a club show for several years due to the difficulty of my having to lift them. However, my t-trak modules are going to many shows and draw the same comments as did my n-trak modules, my specialty is scenery and YES, I am a MMR under the NMRA. Model Railroading should be fun and everyone can do his/her thing after all it is a hobby and is to relax. Craig
Thieu, when I have the time, I will try and figure out how to post pictures on this web site, if you need an online album and link to that, I will have to figure out how to do that. Craig
Wanting to build a couple quad modules for home or some larger setups. A small yard basically... Just curious how many larger modules are out there for T-TRAK as it kind of defeats the purpose?
I have a double, two triples and a 180 corner in various stages of construction. Those are as large as I am able to go, due to physical limitations. Even so, I'd not go any larger for my own purposes. The 180 corner is only as there is a waterfront scene I wish to create and I felt this gave me the best potential setting to do so. It really doesn't defeat the purpose, as these all are still completely table top capable. It's up to the builder to decide. If you want to, go ahead.
If you have not had a chance to do so please check out the wiki (http://ttrak.wikidot.com). It was created in an attempt to display pictures of all known N-scale T-Trak modules as well as document all active T-Trak clubs. Today (10 Dec 2011) is the one month anniversary of the wiki's creation. In the past 30 days the wiki has progressed from "I wonder if this will work ..." to pictures of over 130 modules and 40 identified T-Trak clubs around the world. We've made some significant changes in the past week to simplify the process of adding content. You no longer have to be a wiki guru to add a photo of a module or an event to the site. The wiki is not a forum or discussion board. It's merely a place to post pictures of modules and identify active T-Trak clubs. If you know of an active T-Trak club not listed please feel free to add it yourself or post a message on this forum and I'll get it added. If you see an interesting module that you want to comment on please feel free to post your comment on Trainboard and link to the module in question. If you are an individual T-Trak enthusiast or a "club of one", feel free to post your information/modules. We fervently hope our website will connect you with a nearby T-Trak neighbor! Please feel free to stop by and add photos of your modules or club events or just browse the existing photos. -Vic (not the creator of ttrak.wikidot.com, just an ardent contributor) North Texas T-Trak P.S. A big bow to BoxCabE50 for graciously permitting me to even mention a non-Trainboard website. Go look at the modules but come back to Trainboard to talk about them!
On the wiki is there a way to scroll through the pictures instead of having to go "back" from each one? Enjoy being able to look through pics of what others are doing.
We had our annual T-TRAK running day hosted by the All Gauge Model Railway Club in Brisbane today but unfortunately I didn't get any photos.:tb-embarrassed: We had about half the available modules set up as a point to point operation between me and my brother's yards instead of chasing our tails round in circles and I was too busy having fun running trains. If one of the other guy's posts pictures somewhere I'll post a link.
Not currently and I'm not sure how to easily implement that. But I like the idea. We'll see what we can do. Thanks for the suggestion!
Hi, I took a few photos at the end and put them on my blog. I spent time running trains on the inner DCC loop with another chap whilst some others ran their DC trains on a small inner loop and the big outside loop. cheers,
Thanks for the photos John, Eddie usually takes a few but he had to leave early. We've tried out the idea a couple of times but this was the first time with so many modules to give us a decent run between terminals with a couple of stations in between for switching and overtaking trains. I've been thinking since last weekend of building a purpose built terminal station on three double modules that's better suited to operation than my current yard which is designed purely as a storage yard.
