N Scale T-Trak

billmtx Oct 28, 2010

  1. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    Ahh ok got it. I have a junction that also has a through track to it. so you are not forced to take the detour unless you want to. Masterpiece calls it a "branchline" module. To go with the branchline I also have 2 front to back modules that tie it all together.
     
  2. Ed Youngstrom

    Ed Youngstrom TrainBoard Member

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    I considered those but they won’t fit on my table since they are as big as a triple. At the moment I’m working toward this.

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  3. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    That looks fun!
     
  4. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Ed....

    I looked like 5 times. I dont see how trains get from the outside loop to the inside tracks. :confused:
    Or is that intentional ? Is the outside loop is just a 'runaround-roundy' ? :whistle:
     
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  5. Ed Youngstrom

    Ed Youngstrom TrainBoard Member

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    Darn! You’re right! I had a different yard configuration and when I changed it and added the T Junctions I broke the connection!

    I will add a crossover or move that one. Plenty of boring doubles still needing interest.
     
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  6. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    The yard in the middle will be difficult to manage when you need to switch cars, but you will solve the inner and outer loop issue if you were to move the yard to the outside of the tables. Move the yard as it sits to the southern location and what's in the south to the center. Problem solved with no $50 double crossover.​
     
  7. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    But then there will be no way to travel from the outer loop to the simple inner loop, or between inner loops.

    There are no free lunches...
     
  8. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    You can avoid the #4 switch on the mainline in the industrial spur module, by replacing the 28R & #4 with a 19R & #6. This would also restore compliance with the minimum 33mm track-track center spacing. You can also similarly fix the spacing on the other end of that module by reversing the order of 19R and 28R curves on the rear track. When you run two same-radius curves side by side, the track-track spacing shrinks slightly.
     
  9. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    Yup, didn’t notice that... you are out $50 in lunch money!
     
  10. Ed Youngstrom

    Ed Youngstrom TrainBoard Member

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    I originally had #6 turnouts, but it required making four custom pieces in order to fit on modules.

    I can try your suggestion but I think it’s what I had before.
     
  11. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    An S curve of 19R and 28R has the exact same location and orientation of endpoints (not including those endpoints joined in the middle) no matter which one comes first...

    That goes for S curves of any radii.
     
  12. Onizukachan

    Onizukachan TrainBoard Supporter

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    I got some Dollar tree “lightweight” spackle. Not great spackle, the DAP is the way to go for sure, but is easy to smooth by misting water.

    smoothed out my beach and ocean area, as well as the sand dunes. Now waiting for it to dry.


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  13. Onizukachan

    Onizukachan TrainBoard Supporter

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    Set up my folding tables in the garage and laid out the modules.

    still need to finish outer line on corners but def getting much closer.

    3597A274-D03B-46F6-8BA7-83D8D9975458.jpeg
     
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  14. Onizukachan

    Onizukachan TrainBoard Supporter

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    Got some scenery materials down on one of two Santa Claus Beach modules,


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    Got the second turnout and switchstand hooked up to Servo

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    And got track laid on all 4 corners, and they are now all skinned with plaster cloth on fronts.

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    Will have to have golden spike moment later in week once I get a little more scenery completed and connect them all to run the first train!
     
  15. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    I had to give up in HO scale about 9 years ago because I now have to live in an apartment. I can't put much use in the HO now and sold all but one N engine. So, how do I get this frame work, assemble and disassemble the sections. I will be returning to N but need to be able to move.
    Thanks, Richard VH
     
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  16. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    Welcome to the T-Track family. We are dysfunctional and awesome! So to get started a good place to go is https://ntrak.org/T-TRAK
    That will have all the standards and RPs for the format and give you some ideas. The options are limitless in all honesty. I have purchased all my modules from Masterpiece Modules, I really like his stuff, but being cut with a router there is some cleanup work that needs to be done with the pieces before assembly. Assembly has been flawless in each module. CRM also has modules, his are laser cut and do not require the touchup that Masterpiece does. And of course you can make your own. The only thing that is really required is that they all have a footprint that matches up with everyone else.


    http://www.masterpiecemodules.com/T-trak_N_Scale.php

    https://www.cmrproducts.com/n-scale-t-trak-module-kits/
     
  17. Onizukachan

    Onizukachan TrainBoard Supporter

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    And as you saw above, I use CMR. They are laser cut so I don’t have to cleanup and the laser traces the line where the track goes.

    Whomever you choose, dry fit the pieces before you apply glue! And get at least one small section of concrete double track to use as a jig on the ends for alignment.

    I think it is a good choice... I started my TTRAK adventure about 18 months and two houses ago and had them in storage in my closet for a bunch of that time.

    edit: neither of us answered you question about how they get connected. The track itself is what holds them together. That’s why the “box” is 2mm shorter than track length. 1mm overhang per side. Unitrack has a very positive mechanical engagement to the next piece of track, not just slip on atlas style joiners.
     
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2021
  18. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks guys. I will look into those if I choose to go that way. I don't figure on taking the layout to any shows, just may have to move, and wonder if such fragile connections would be safe. Maybe I could add some soft spacers and a could use small bolts with wing nuts to add some strength.
    I know how to work with wood, wiring and plumbing but, now I have to live in an apartment and management is not co-operative. :unsure:
    Rich VH
     
  19. Onizukachan

    Onizukachan TrainBoard Supporter

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    When you move them you move the modules individually, you don’t leave them connected.

    And they don’t have legs of their own.
    you use them on a countertop, shelf, or folding table. (See above picture in my garage)


    You might be getting confused with Ntrak. Or whatever the new name is.
     
  20. Onizukachan

    Onizukachan TrainBoard Supporter

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    First time using static grass.


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