 |
T-Trak Sub Mississippi Valley Associated Railroaders |
|
Home (7 Nov 2011) Introduction (7 Nov 2011) MVAR T-Trak info (5 Jan 2012) Members modules(5 Jan 2012) Members layouts (7 Nov 2011) Tools for shows (7 Nov 2011) Show archives (5 Jan 2012) Useful links (7 Nov 2011) |
Historically, it is claimed that T-Trak started in Japan as a solution for model railroaders who had limited space, but wanted the opportunity to build model railroad layouts and run trains in the space available to them. Thus the concept of modular railroading was introduced. Using Kato unitrack, modular railroading offers the ability to create a functioning modular layout that can assembled on a table (30” x 60”), taken apart when not in use and stored away in a closet or transported to various locations if the need arises. In 2009, a group of N scaler's within MVAR wished to create a Special Interest Group for N Scale. As two of the members were already modeling T-Trak modules, and there was a great deal of interest in this concept, it was determined that a T-Trak Sub would be created. . It was also determined that each member of the T-Trak sub would be responsible for creating at a minimum one (1) module for the Sub layout. It was further determined that members of the Sub would bring their modules to the monthly workshops, that the "corner" modules would belong to the Sub and that every effort would be made to assemble the modules and "play" with trains at the workshops. Participation in the T-Trak Sub is open to everyone in MVAR. There are no other dues/fees. See the Events page (menu at left) for dates and locations of meetings. Clinic/advice session will precede the playing with trains. Come out and join us - this is an excellent opportunity to learn more about model railroading, make friends, play with trains, participate in various train shows and meet people of a like interest. There are many T-TRAK sites on the Internet, but there are two of particular interest. They are the Official Recommended Practices and T-Trak Outside the Box (The Unofficial T-Trak Handbook). The T-Trak Sub incorporates the recommendations and guidance in both the T-Trak Modular Layouts - Official Recommended Practices and The Unofficial T-Trak Handbook; however, we more closely follow the un-official handbook. While the design is similar to the image below, our corner modules are 14 3/8" x 14 3/8", and are constructed on a ¾" plywood base with 2" Styrofoam on top. Each module has levelling legs made from t-nuts and 1" bolts, which allow for levelling the modules and connecting them together for smooth running of trains. 
Because we are using the larger corner modules, we can accommodate a larger standard module. Therefore our average standard modules are 12 1/8" wide x 11¾" deep. 
Because within the T-Trak Sub, modules are created to the members wishes (whims), we anticipate a variety of forms. Some members are experimenting with modules up to 4' x 14 3/8", anticipating spur lines, turnouts and industries, or fiddle yards. Others have modules similar to the design pictured above. There is also the option of incorporating DCC and sound. |
John Allen 3 November 2011