N Scale T-Trak

Dremel + Shop vac = rockwork for the Queenman Canyon end cap!

 

just a little more carving-this time on the 'Arbo Canyon' modules...
to answer an earlier question..the only reason the two mesas are made using different foam is that that was what was on hand-I didn't want to cut into another piece of pink and just used as much scrap as I could...

 

Bruce, modules are looking nice. One suggestion is to put ply on the outside of the return to protect the foam carvings. Just like you did on the front of the canyon modules. From experience the foam will take damage from being transported to shows. Keep us posted. later, Craig

 

On the Queenman Canyon end cap - what are the exterior dimensions of the module, and what Kato curves are being used here? It look 'broader' than the usual standard curves, maybe not though......

Post-Altoona, my T-trak module project is parked for a while, I'm back working on the logging railroad module again.

 

some work on the T-TRAK modules (specifically 'Arbo' and 'Queenman' Canyons...

some extra detail carving and the first coat of paint (ostensibly to pick a good base color)...this first coat reveals that I won't have to cover the entire slope(s) in precolored Sculptamold (keeping weight down), only 'repair' a few areas where the layers of styofoam show...still have that, talus, ground cover, careful sedimentary layer painting, and some scrub vegetation left!
Thanks for looking,
~Bruce

 

The video shows the start of what look to be some nice modules. Keep up the great work. Enjoy your run time on that layout. later, Craig

 

I'm new to T-track -- I hadn't even heard of it until Model Railroader Video Plus had its series earlier this year. I have some N scale stuff basically packed away since switching to HO in the early 1990s. I began to realize the advantage of T-track for things like wiring, where you can do it on a module that's been flipped over and get to things from above -- I'm growing older and find going under a layout more difficult. So I ordered some module kits and am starting to work on a small layout. As far as I know, there is no T-track group in Southern California, but the idea works for individual layouts as well. I have a blog where I discuss what I'm doing http://modelrrmisc.blogspot.com/2016/09/progress-on-t-trak-modules.html

 

jwb3, attend some train shows in your area and see if any t-trak layouts are there, not all groups are listed on the web. Check with n scale or n-trak clubs in the area and see if they have a t-trak group within them. Welcome to t-trak, I hope your adventure here is fun and if you run into any problems, ask and hopefully someone can give you an answer. later, craig

 

took an hour to go ahead and 'sculptamold' (verb-ed) the mesa slopes...it does improve the look and will be even better after drying and sanding...I'll wait to ballast after adding a little more talus, river sand/silt/boulders, and paint the cut and add riprap...that way I can 'wet' and 'glue' in one session.
Then...some careful strata airbrushing (I received a brand new Iwata gravity feed Eclipse for my birthday today!), pinon and juniper 'scrub', telephone poles, and the cantilever signal bridges...still debating whether to add a couple of slide fences. "Arbo Canyon" is prone to rock slides, so it would follow that there would be one...
Thanks for looking,
~Bruce

 

Here's what I'm working on with T-track. This is what I would call my "key module" for the time being:



This is where it fits into what is a home layout, not something to be taken to a group setup. It's a rough sketch of "phase 1" of where I'm headed:


This is the underneath of the module:



One issue I have with T-trak as a group effort is that the standards leave so much unsaid. DCC or not? Just for starters, the BWWB color coding can lead to errors and shorts if all tracks are electrically connected for DCC. If you use DCC, whose, and whose bus? What standards does a group use for naming stationary decoders? It would take strong and capable leadership to bring a group like that together. But for home layout use, it seems to me that there are a lot of pluses. You can't do a shelf layout in an apartment, because you can't put brackets through the drywall. But you can put T-track modules on a folding table just fine. The modules are easy to move and reconfigure. You can swap out different scenery aeas or track arrangements to suit your mood.

 

If you use return loops on each end of your layout, the BWWB wiring is perfect. If you want to deviate from that standard, maybe you can use two drops per track on your modules with drops, one BWWB and the other to your own standard, just clearly mark which drop is which. A member of our club has done just that, two drops, unfortunately some drops are not properly marked which does lead to some problems until fixed. Just be aware that any crossovers between the tracks now become reversing loops.

 

So I'm going to be buying some T-Trak modules soon. As for the end cap modules, can I use Kato's doubletrack mainline Unitrack for that? In other words, can I use the transition to superelevated curves on the endcap modules? Do they line up correctly with the straight track sections?

 

Master Piece Module Kits does make a 19" radius corner module that is for the super elevated curves. Check their web site and see how they suggest doing it. You will need 4 of their 19" corner kits for your corners.

 

Thanks for the information, but I think I'm going to stick with the standard 11" and 12 3/4" radius curves.

 

Here is a 29" end cap module with the concrete tie curves and transition pieces. They fit fine.

 

That's EXACTLY what I want to do! Thank you kind sir!