that particular T-Trak module is a custom 'power module' that has powerpole power receptacles built into the front, continuing through to regular powerpole connectors on the backside, and tied into the track drop feeds... it's designed to act as a power entry point for powering the setup when feeding from the rear of the modules isn't feasible...it's already come in handy twice since receiving it as a bare custom module from Terry Nathan and T-Kits
I had a few minutes to go up to the office/hobby room and orient the general store in the manner suggested... i have to agree that it doesn't look un-natural this way...
The general store looks very realistic with the side to the tracks. Good start, post pictures when you finish with your detailing. Great work. later, Craig
I spent a few minutes adding a little detail to the General Store, then clearing the area where it will be cemented...
I've cemented the Store in place and had a few moments to work on the gas pump island... very nice casting from Showcase Miniatures... these castings come (2) to a package, along with a bagged ice freezer and Coke machine... card stock signage is provided (Although I would have preferred decals) I painted mine in a red/white scheme...and cleared an area in front of the Store where it will go... Here, the island is temporarily in place...I still have to pick out the nozzles and hoses, along with painting the oil can display (I may have to search for appropriate decals for this)...I also will paint the vertical edges of the island a 'safety' white. Although this 2' module is fairly simple...it's going to soak up a ton of details...road signage, highway barriers, wire fence, grade crossing, a few more distant trees...then static grass and weeds. Bruce
This is one aspect of T-Trak I really like. You can do an intricate scene, but not endure the long process of a layout and have less money invested.
Yes, you can, and when you have several t-trak modules finished, you can have a home layout that is really nice and changeable at your wishes. Also, easy to store, display and transport as needed. I feel that this is the best system for showing n scale to the public. Enjoy and keep up the scenes. later, craig
Those pumps have me recalling how you used to turn crank to reset to zero. A bell would ding, there would be a very audible click as each number rolled past.
In Ohio, you could only look and listen, a law required only service station employees could operate the pumps. Self service was way in the future for us in the Buckeye State. On a different topic, one of the club members told me about a different t-trak module manufacturer, Masterpiece Modules. He has some different modules, and a Kato track cutting device. So, by my count, there are now 2 t-trak kit manufacturers. Both use a 13" depth to the straight modules, anyone have any idea why? later, Craig
It may have to do with the maximum depth you can have with "standard" corners where you can fit modules back to back and still have room for a backdrop?
I think Russell has the answer....with standard corners, or the 180degree end cap, the 13" depth allows a 2" 'trench between the backs, to allow for a bus wire to run.... Bruce
finally added a flag...searched the internet for some clipart, sized and mirrored the image, then printed it onto regular copy paper...I glued he images back-to-back with Elmers Glue, then affixed to a piano wire 'pole'.
I added a Pepsi machine to the porch (Railway Express Miniatures product)...I still have to add a drop mailbox and trash receptacle. I'm also going to add a storage shed behind the Store...along with plenty of details/clutter.
Good choice for the storage building. The general store looks really good. Can't wait to see the finished product. Have you thought about a trip to Ohio in May for the Ohio N-scale Weekend? There is a large t-trak layout with Bloomington-Normal and Contrak t-trak modules. The layout is open to other t-trak modules, just let me know so that I can get the module info to the layout designer. It is May 13-14-15, 2016 in Hilliard, Oh at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. If your are interested or if anyone who reads this is interested, send me a message and I will get full details to you. Great fun, bring lots of money(new and used items) and enjoy yourself. later, Craig
I am inspired by your work. Would you please present more detail about how you make your roads. A lot more detail. Like a road clinic. I need to do about 1000 feet of road for our club layout. I intend to do a couple of TTrak modules to practice on. Michael Duckett Moffat Modellers Forney Museum of Transportation Denver, CO
Michael Duckett, if you have access to Facebook... I have a fairly extensive library of pics and/or tutorials posted there....ask to join 'SWARMTrak'. Here is a direct link to the road album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.1108691605811623&type=1 Bruce
I finished the shed and added the postal drop box and a 55 gallon trash bin to the General Store...Now, I'll fill in some gravel, add some static grasses, and see what type of 'clutter' I can add to this scene.
