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If anyone is in the DC area this weekend our club, the Japan Rail Modelers of Washington DC, will have a small Ttrak setup at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art this weekend for the Cherry Blossom Festival event from 11:30a-3p. iIts a fun event with Taiko drummers, Dances, and music. We have done a number of different cherry blossom festival events here in DC [its a month long thing here] over the years, but this is the first time for us to get into a Smithsonian! We will also be at the huge Sakura Matsuri street festival on Pennsylvania Ave April 12-13 with Ttrak as well. This one is over a hundred thousand people and quite an event. It’s really fun to bring model trains with Ttrak to these public [non train] events. Folks are not expecting to see model trains and are very surprised and get big O mouths and always say oh how I remember my trains as a kid or my dad had a layout in the basement! Really fun to talk to people about the hobby and plant seeds out there to bring new folks in. Of course we are a super kid pleaser and these events tend to have a lot of kids. Cheers Jeff Reynolds

Greetings, We'll be setting up a T-Trak Exhibit at the Johnson City Big Train Show, May 30-31, 2025. In case you looked at your calendar, yes, this is Friday and Saturday. We set up on Thursday afternoon and any T-Traker is more than welcome to hop on board with us. This will be our third year, and the venue is awesome, to say the least. We have lots of space and tables set aside, so the more, the merrier! We'll set up during the afternoon of May 29 (Thursday) and you can drive your vehicle inside the arena to unload. How easy is that? Plenty of nearby parking available in a "no charge" parking garage. Our control system supports Digitrax Duplex Throttle, and we use JMRI WiFi Throttle Server. We have one additional booster and plenty of harness, to cover the space allotted to us, so all you should need is your modules and trains. We support both Kato and Power Pole connections along with 12VDC and 16VAC power. This is picturesque setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Norfolk Southern Meridian Express corridor. On behalf of Tennessee T-Trak Associates, it's my sincere hope that you will join us at the Johnson City Big Train Show on May 30-31. Following is the link to our signup form, or you may email me directly with your contact information and modules to ebminn@.... Please sign up here: https://forms.gle/4U2bm2ETRfTMxxsz5 ETSU/Ballad Health Athletic Center Mini-Dome 1081 John Robert Bell Dr, Johnson City, TN 37601 We hope to see you in Johnson City TN.... Ed.. Tennessee T-Trak Associates

This is my first post to this group, after looking through some of the archives. I expect my question has already been discussed before, but I am not finding that easy to find. So, links to previous posts are welcome. I am trying to get a T-Trak program started at our club, and am also repairing some bus wiring for some old N-Trak modules at our club, which is my only experience so far with Anderson Power Pole connectors. The N-Trak modules at the club use buses with red and black housings stacked side-by-side, which allows either end of a cable to be plugged into either end of any other cable. That seems convenient to make and hard to screw-up during layout assembly. But, looking at the N-Trak standard, I think that arrangement is not standard. I am not going to mess with the N-Trak bus practice at the club, because those modules are not going anywhere anymore, and I just want the loops to run well. However, for the new T-Trak program, I am trying to follow the standards, as best as I can find them. What I seem to be finding for the T-Trak standard is to use blue and white housings, stacked VERTICALLY, which makes the "left" end different from the "right" end of a cable. I can do that, but I am wondering WHY the standard is done that way. It seems like it is too easy to goof when making cables, so that a cable could accidentally be made with 2 left or 2 right ends, and have to be remade. And, I am not seeing any mechanical, electrical or logical benefit from the vertical stacking compared to the side-by-side stacking So, my question for the group is whether this is the actual current standard, and, if so, what the benefit is for the vertical stacking configuration for the Power Pole housings. Steve Long

I'm looking for an engine with a factory installed capacitor to go across short sections of dirty track on T-Trak layouts. Does such a thing exist? I don't need any long period of "keep-alive", maybe one second for really dirty sections. Thanks for any advice. Geoff Dunn

Hi I Am Kevin Heatherly, I am located in Fayetteville, TN I lived in Alaska for 42 years until I retired in November 2021 I model N-Scale: Alaska RR, Canadian Pacific (CPKC), Canadian National, and Burlington Northern. I have been modelling N-Scale on and off since 1977. Since I have retired I have more time to spend on the hobby. I am a member of the NMRA, N-Rail, TNT-Trak Associates and Tennessee Valley Model Railroaders in Bell Buckle, TN. Kevin Heatherly Fayetteville, TN 907 231 9780

Official National T-TRAK Layout T-TRAK Module Alignment Tool AVAILABLE NOW! Featuring the National T-TRAK Layout logo shield, the official T-TRAK logo (used with permission from NRail), and 3D printed in durable resin, this T-TRAK module alignment tool has all the features you need to accurately position your track pieces, ensure correct track spacing and overhang, and even mark screw holes for your Kato Unitrack! Available for sale now! $17.95 per tool ($5.40 shipping to Continental US extra-USPS) total per transaction $23.35 Visit www.NationalT-TRAKLAYOUT.com (under the ‘Extra Fare’ tab) and purchase yours today! *IMPORTANT!- Please include your full shipping address in the ‘notes’ section of the transaction page!

Someone had asked on another thread about the possibility of T-TRAK-HO being at the NMRA’s National Train Show in Chattanooga 2026. I have no info as I’m heavily involved with the T-TRAK presence there (The National T-TRAK Layout). Even this far out, the NMRA and the National Train Show has committed to hosting another world record-breaking T-TRAK layout at this show. Someone suggested contacting the NMRA’s SER (Southeastern Region) for info, but they are involved with the convention itself. The NMRA’s National Train Show, although held in conjunction with the convention, is a completely separate entity and managed by a separate NMRA office. Jenny Hendricks is the National Train Show manager and her contact info is listed at the NMRA website. It’s probably too far out to know what she has already booked for Chattanooga (apart from the space she’s already reserved for The National T-TRAK Layout) as she still has the National Train Show in Detroit to plan for 2025. However, if someone here wants to have a T-TRAK-HO presence in Chattanooga in 2026, I would advise communicating with other T-TRAK-HO groups and organize something to present to Jenny and solicit a space at Chattanooga.

aboard the Chattanooga Choo Choo! It’s happening! Our sights are set to break the current T-TRAK layout record at the 2026 NMRA convention in Chattanooga,Tennessee – July 30-August 2, 2026 In conjunction with the NMRA’s National Convention in Chattanooga, the NMRA’s National Train Show has given us 10,000 square feet of space in their 100,000 square feet exhibit hall at the Chattanooga Convention Center to break the T-TRAK layout world record that we set previously at the NMRA’s National Train Show in Kansas City, 2018. (You don’t have to be an NMRA member to participate, nor do you have to register for the convention) YES, it is 2 years out and by planning standards that is not as long as it may seem. We need time to plan, coordinate, and execute with each of you. We‘re calling for participants, modules, boosters, and bus, among other things. Fill out, and complete, online form, located at www.nationalt-traklayout.com so you can be included and take part in this record breaking event!" In addition to participating, with your module(s), and running trains, in this record breaking event, there will be raffles, contests, prizes, giveaways from various manufacturers, and a special breakfast and awards banquet exclusively for the participants, their significant others and our sponsors! I’m thrilled to announce that ScaleTrains has partnered with us to not only sponsor the “Best in Show” T-TRAK module contest at this event, which includes a beautiful trophy and a $250 gift certificate, but is providing the first 150 participants that sign up and pay for the National T-TRAK Layout breakfast and awards banquet, a certificate to be redeemed for a special run n scale car!

Paul mentioned having a set of tracks, various lengths, to fill in gaps. Someone else mentioned something about tools. lt seems like putting together a list of tools that people take to shows would be a good idea which can then be transformed into a Newsletter article. So exactly what length of track pieces would you recommend having available in your T-TRAK toolbox? How about other items to carry? We have a track cleaning wand, levels, and brochures among other items. Please do a reply with what you take to a show in your T-TRAK toolbox. thanks -bruce

I'm curious how others deal with a U-shaped layout, with an 8' table between the two side tables. An 8' table is 96" long. 8X of standard length modules is 97.64". Having the 8' table between the two side tables means the layout on the 8' section will be 1.64 inches too long, and will push the vertical parts of the U off the side tables, or it means that the tables will have a 1.64 inch gap between them, making the underlying table somewhat less sturdy. One option is a pair of special, slightly short modules. Has anyone dealt with this issue in another way? Thanks for any suggestions. Geoff Dunn, Albany NY NTrak

What do T Trakers use for Track power connectors. The KATO Terminal joiner seems wasteful since I have wire and crimpers. I tried ordering some Connectors on EBAY but they are slightly oversized and will not fit into a standard KATO connector. Dave T

Then, you need to join the fastest growing Official T-TRAK site! NRAIL has sponsored an Official T-TRAK page where we will bring you information on ZoomTrak, Official Calls for modules, NRAIL participation in Shows, and supporting Local clubs and shows with T-TRAK participation. If you are not a member, you need to be >>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/officialttrak closing in on 900 members and on track for twice that by year's end. Great topics, news and resources! Andy Andy J. Zimmerman ATCS AW USN Ret. BBMRA President NRMRC Member NRail Director and Social Media Manager NMRA SSR Director at Large NMRA Standards &Conformance Manager and IT Volunteer Member

When this group moved from Yahoo groups, it was set up so that everyone's first post is moderated - checked to see if it's a real message (not spam), mostly. The moderators get an email when someone new posts. In the best case, a first-time poster's message can take a few minutes to post. If the moderators are not checking their email, it could take much longer. Once someone has had their first message approved, they are no longer automatically moderated. Just in case anyone is curious... Geoff

Hi everyone; I'm thinking of trying my hand at building a module, and was wondering if there are any other T-Trak'ers in the SF Bay Area? Nick -- http://nkncat.blogspot.com ? Nicholas Kibre ?

GREETINGS FROM TENNESSEE... COUPLE UP!! Join us for the BIG TRAIN SHOW at Johnson City Tennessee sponsored by East Tennessee State University's George L. Carter Museum on June 2-3, 2023. This is a great venue at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A great relaxing place at the point where Virginia, North Carolina, and Teneessee all meet. We have almost unlimited space available for a super layout and hope that our T-Trak neighbors will join us in this great event. Note that this is a Friday - Saturday event with setup on Thursday afternoon or evening. We hope you will participate by registering your modules and any support gear by clicking here to our online form. SEE YOU IN JOHNSON CITY..... Ed.. Ed Minnich tennttrak.org

Okay T-TRAKers! We are in need of Modules for the Reno N-Scale National Convention! This is a CALL FOR MODULES to participate in the show. MODULE registration is being handled by NRAIL here ---> https://nrail.org/event-4958467 Are you an NRAIL member? for $5 dollars you can have an annual membership with full rights and benefits. You do not need to be a member to put your module in the show but it helps. Register your modules now so we can figure out the total square footage required!

Okay T-TRAKers! We are in need of Modules for the NMRA National Train show in Grapvine Texas! This is a CALL FOR MODULES to participate in the show. MODULE registration is being handled by NRAIL here ---> https://nrail.org/event-4969093 Are you an NRAIL member? for $5 dollars you can have an annual membership with full rights and benefits. Register your modules now so we can figure out the total square footage required!

In a couple of weeks, I'm moving from Cincinnati to Orlando, in what I hope is my last major move. I'll be near Sea World, to the SE of downtown Orlando. I know about Orlando N-Trak, but I no longer drive, and they're far on the other side of town (Bithlo). Transportation would be a major issue. Is there any T-Trak activity in the area, or interest in starting something? I have a number of modules, and plans and track for more. I'm particularly interested in developing a more "free form" layout than the usual simple "bubbles".

Hello, I just thought I would throw out this idea since commercial sources for modules are slim these days, availability is spotty, and they are not cheap due to rising ply prices and shipping costs. Out club (Japan Rail Modelers of Washington DC) has been doing Ttrak for a long time and in the past I’ve whacked out modules for members in my shop or they have purchased the various lasercut kits. But at shows we talk up Ttrak a lot to the public as a way to get started and one drawback has always been just the price of a single module from $25-50 (depending on brand). Add track some building and scenery materials and it starts adding up to get someone to jump in. So I’ve been looking around for something that is less expensive and more readily available and potentially locally. This lead me to wooden canvas panels, these are basically a Ttrak module design used to paint onto. They make 12”x12” and 12”x9” versions that are 1.5” tall which are just about perfect for a single module. It’s 1/8” shy on the width, but really that only adds a small amount to the module gaps (they would work out to about 5mm (3/16”) gaps between these types of modules), but that can be compensated with some gap filling scenery strips or just having a gap which isn’t horrible to separate different scenes on adjoining modules. The 1.5” height is fine, just need the appropriate length bolts to bring it up to standard running heights. 1” extruded foam board could be glued on top to create depression scenery and bring the module height to close to the usual 2.75” if desired. Nice thing is these are prebuilt, sturdy, and very standardized. Cost is around $6-14 each. Only thing that needs to be added are inserts for leveling. This could be done as simple as made from foamcore squares layered up with glue to make more the old style corner blocks and then drill a hole on it and epoxy a T nut into it. Or small square of ply to put the insert into and just glue in front two corners and back center off the back side (we’ve found the 3 legs to be way easier to level modules). We have been doing lots of more general public events with Ttrak and lots of folks get interested in this a an interesting way into the hobby. Many love the crafting/diorama aspect of Ttrak. Also younger folks usually have a lot less room to work with so the idea of small modules that don’t that don’t take up a lot of storage space and they can work on it on the kitchen table. The meetup aspect also interest many as a simple group event. Just curious what folks think and if they have any ideas to make this more workable on the leveling inserts or other ideas for simple modules for newbies that is easy and cheap. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GHBN9GM/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza https://smile.amazon.com/MEEDEN-Painting-Mixed-Media-Acrylics-Encaustic/dp/B098DM6PHW/ref=sr_1_22?c=ts&keywords=Wood%2BArt%2BBoards&qid=1660614501&s=arts-crafts&sr=1-22&ts_id=12896351&th=1 Cheers, Jeff

{quote] From: Jeffrey Reynolds <Cteno4@...> We actually have little in the way of curious fingers, the few we do have are usually adult as well! Biggest issues we have are bags and camera straps. Folks forget they are dangling from their arms while they are focused on their camera or phone as the bags or straps swing around in front of modules. Since they didn’t see what was happening they usually don’t think they did anything wrong. Cheers Jeff {end-quote} - - - Hmmmmm-- JUST INTO (in thought, not yet executing) T-Trak/modules, but think even have SEEN [K.C. major show, 2014 or '15] "plexiglas' front shields which allow viewing, and could maybe even make an "angular" top shield, similar to food buffet sneeze shields (but no reaching under) -- as an additional top-barrier to "reaching" and thus a reminder "Uhhhh, 'hands off!' " plus could deflect or catch any dangles. Attachment and bracing could be a challenge, although in a static setting ["show"] even some 'stands" with vertical poles spaced out likely could serve. Russell Warzyn RURAL West Tenn. [0.8mbps] with STILL variety n-scale items in boxes and drawers awaiting "shelf" in the "new room." [NEED look into Nashville group!]