Advice needed

DeaconKC Jul 31, 2022

  1. DeaconKC

    DeaconKC TrainBoard Member

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    Well....getting back into model railroading after many years away. Found out about T trak and got enthused about getting back into running trains again. Was enthusiastic about T Trak because no room for a fixed layout in our retirement home. Talking with the Missus last night and she suggests using the enclosed back porch. I have an area about 6' 8" wide and will accept the folding table used for T Trak.
    So I can have two endcaps and room for 4' of straight modules.

    Or...should I do a fixed layout, or try to figure out a way to merge the ideas?
    There is a local group that does a couple of shows each year, so maybe just a couple of T Trak modules?
    Thoughts, ideas, humorous comments all welcome.
     
  2. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    The modules sound like a perfect solution in your situation. (y)(y)
     
  3. MRLdave

    MRLdave TrainBoard Member

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    If there is a T-trak club near you that could be a deciding factor........some clubs put together some pretty big layouts. That was my original reason for joining Ntrak......the club let me run some really big trains. I've since built a large layout, but I still do Ntrak once a month with the club. Building the modules has been good practice for the home layout. If you wanted, you could do 2 4 foot modules, and then freelance the ends . That would let you join the club, but still get creative. The module concept also gives you the option of adding on if you have space, or if you have storage space, you could build some modules and change the layout from time to time.
     
  4. MRLdave

    MRLdave TrainBoard Member

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    T-trak modules are usually pretty simple , so that might also be an advantage if you're just getting back into the hobby.
     
  5. sidney

    sidney TrainBoard Member

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    if it was only couple shows a year why bother. but if you still build the modules just for you to build a complete layout then you could play all year long.
    modules #1 easy to build and # 2 very portable if you wanted to move them around . but i would not build them for just a couple shows a year.....maybe couple shows every month or every two months but not for one year. only you can build for you to enjoy when you want to enjoy them. but that just me.....
     
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  6. Daves_Trains

    Daves_Trains TrainBoard Member

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    I agree with all of the previous comments. I also just got into n scale and have seen what can be done with T-trak. I liked the idea that I can practice all areas of the hobby in a small area. Since I don't have a plan to join a club at this time my modules have a single main line that is spaced at T-trak standards for track spacing. I have gone with 12x12 modules that I assemble on a table when running trains and can work on the modules on my workbench. Here is a picture running trains on a 6 foot table.

    Layout 5.jpg
     
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  7. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    You have nothing to lose trying T-Trak. And if there is a club within commute distance, can have fun with them as well.

    A few years back, I downsized from a fair sized house. Now in an apartment. I have three of the folding "banquet" type tables- 4, 6, and 8 feet. I have a space where the eight footer can be left set up, or I could just use the 6 footer, which is what is set up right now. I can get really wild, and use all three tables, or two in an "L" shape, etc. And then take it down quickly, if so needed. I am also building my HOn30 "empire" using T-Trak modules.
     
    Martin Station, MK, in2tech and 2 others like this.
  8. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Very nice, I like it a lot! And the idea that you can practice skills in a very small area too!
     
    DeaconKC and Daves_Trains like this.
  9. sidney

    sidney TrainBoard Member

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    i kinda like the 12x12 modules and i really like the idea of you can take one to the work bench for working on it.........
     

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