?

Letter from the NRail President

A January 1^st Announcement

?

Hi Folks:

?

Happy New Year.

?

1973 was a very significant year in model railroading. The first N Scale modules were designed, constructed, and displayed at a public show. That show was the MRIA show — no layout, just modules displayed. The first public NTRAK layout was the NMRA convention in 1974. These were the seminal NTRAK modules, and their debut began the widespread use of modular layouts, not only in N Scale, but in other scales as well. With the definition of NTRAK standards and the founding of the NTRAK Newsletter by Jim FitzGerald the modular concept took off. Today, almost one-half century since their freshman assembly more than an estimated 7,000 NTRAK modules have been built.

?

Over the years NTRAK has evolved with variations on the basic NTRAK module including oNeTRAK, Ncat, BendTRAK, TwinTRAK, and others. Technical advances were made in the form of wireless throttles and Digital Command Control.

?

In 1996, Jim FitzGerald took steps to ensure the ongoing viability of the organization with the formation of the NTRAK Modular Railroading Society, Inc. (NTRAK, Inc.). A Board of Directors was appointed to oversee the organization, which continues to this day.

?

The next major advance in N Scale modular railroading was made with the introduction of T-TRAK in 2000 by Lee Monaco-FitzGerald and Jim FitzGerald. After a slow start, the growth of T-TRAK was rapid and now has more modelers than NTRAK. Standards for T-TRAK were established by Lee and Jim, and they started building T-TRAK modules and module kits. Today, multiple manufacturers are making T-TRAK module kits.

?

NTRAK, the organization, has continued to be the standard bearer for NTRAK and T-TRAK by maintaining the standards function, as well as providing support to NTRAK and T-TRAK clubs, publishing the newsletter, organizing layouts at major shows, maintaining the web sites and our social media presence. But NTRAK has become more — promoting N scale in all forms including home layouts and supporting N scale activities including Free-moN and giving N Scale clinics at major shows.

?

As we have expanded our scope over the past few years, it has become evident that we are more than just NTRAK and the newsletter and our show activities have reflected that. But for many N scalers, NTRAK is a specific modular standard.

?

With that in mind, the Board of Directors has considered a new name and approved NRail as a more appropriate name to match our goals and our ongoing evolution as an organization. Legally, our new name is NRail, Inc.

?

?

What does this mean for members? NRail will continue to focus primarily on the two most popular standards, NTRAK, and T-TRAK, but we will also continue to expand and increase attention to the other aspects such as Free-moN, Clubs, and Home Layouts. And NRail will continue to expand and enhance our relationship with the various N Scale manufacturers.

?

Already our efforts have resulted in the following:

?

??????? A new, improved web site with a members’ only section.

??????? Monthly ZoomTRAK meetings for members.

??????? Expansion of the Newsletter and its staff.

??????? Recognize and promote Super Clubs.

??????? Expand the use of social media channels.

?

Other programs are under way and will be announced as they are ready for unveiling.

?

Although the new website is NRail.org, it will continue to be available using the existing URLs of NTRAK.org and T-TRAK.org.

?

We look forward to continuing the 47-year-old tradition under the new name, NRail.

?

NRail, NTRAK, T-TRAK and ZoomTRAK, and their logos are trademarks of NRail, Inc. Permission to use for commercial purposes is required.

?

?

More information is published in the January/February 2021 issue of the NRail Newsletter.

?

Regards,

?

?

John Wallis

NRail, Inc. President