Has anyone built any T-TRAK modules that can function as a self contained small layout when not connected to a wider T-TRAK system?

T-TRAK is a N Gauge/Scale modular system based on Kato Unitracks in multiples of 310mm (about 1 foot) with two tracks running along the front of the module. Self contained modules generally come in multiples of 1x, 2x, 3x and 4x the basic length (known as singles, doubles, triples and quads). Multiple boards can be put together to create even longer scenes.

The boards are 330mm (about 1' 1") front to back, with approximately the front third taken up with the two main running lines.

I've seen a wide range of modules from the US, Europe and Japan but would be interested to hear if anyone on this group has built anything that is capable of being operable on its own. I'm currently planning using a pair of doubles to make an Inglenook style shunting puzzle that could function as a loco shed or freight depot with a change of buildings.

Steven B.

开云体育

On Thu, Jul 7, 2022 at 09:18 PM, <phixer@...> wrote:

?? I'm currently planning using a pair of doubles to make an Inglenook style shunting puzzle

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What do you see as the advantage for using the T-TRAK modules? They seem more appropriate for train sets rather than model railways.

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?? modules that can function as a self contained small layout when not connected to a wider T-TRAK system

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If you do not plan to join with other operator’s modules, wouldn’t you be better using a different type of baseboard?

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The advantage of using T-TRAK modules for me is that I can take them down to my club and join in running long trains on a much bigger layout than I have room for at home. Being able to use them as a self contained unit means I can use them at home on the dining table. Whilst at the club I can shunt to my hearts content whilst trains run past on the main lines.



Steven B.

{quote}The first one I made by removing the canvas. I thought that the
frame might warp without the stress of the canvas but the frames,
despite being very lightweight, are robust. I screwed some thin ply to
the frame and laid a test track which has stood the test of
time.{/quote}

If laying light ply on frame, why bother removing the thin canvas?
The canvas continuous "pull" on the frame would tend to HELP keep it
pulled together. With ply laid atop the canvas side, anything poked
or drilled through will still go through ply AND canvas.

Russell Warzyn
RURAL west Tenn where still new into OAP
and immediate-after OAP start spent WAY more
than realized ebaying for n-scale "things,"
those things still in boxes & drawers awaiting
PROBABLY T-trak shelf-layout in "new room"
(FINALLY ready) "NO you can't have entire
room. You can have SOME 'edges ' " So
NOW need hunt up "how design/build n-scale
layout shelf/shelves" (when LUMBER ALREADY
"inflated" before general current inflation)

See N Scale Magazine, Mar-Apr 2020 and May-Jun 2020 for shelf layout idea.
Tom K.

Hi all
Here's what you can do with T-track if you line up a few of them. As seen at the Rosehill exhibition Sydney Australia in May this year.
5 photos have been added to?/g/small-layout-design/album?id=276578

{quote}The first one I made by removing the canvas. I thought that the
frame might warp without the stress of the canvas but the frames,
despite being very lightweight, are robust. I screwed some thin ply to
the frame and laid a test track which has stood the test of
time.{/quote}

{quote}If laying light ply on frame, why bother removing the thin canvas?
The canvas continuous "pull" on the frame would tend to HELP keep it
pulled together. With ply laid atop the canvas side, anything poked
or drilled through will still go through ply AND canvas. {quote}

If I laid the ply on the underside of the frame, the canvas would prevent wiring of the layout. My original trimming of the ply to fit was not very straight, so I then looked at using the other side.

The frames are a square and triangle profile on top [with the right angle on the outside]. The triangle profile is slightly smaller and the point would prevent screw attachment. The profile allows the ply to drop inside and lays virtually level with the top of the frame. The rough edges of the ply can be hidden by scenery. It also allows track to be laid across to another board with minimal trimming and there is sufficient depth of frame to drill dowels or attach means of joining. [P1140135]

The profile on frames made by other manufacturers can be different [P1140136].

A 16x32 inch frame will take an oval of T-TRAK with a loop [P1140138].


Stewart

On Sat, Jul 9, 2022 at 12:01 PM, Bill Belsher wrote:

I built an Inglenook Sidings switching layout designed to use Atlas GP length locomotives and Micro-Trains & Trainworx 50' Covered Grain Hoppers on a double and triple T-Trak module set.? Her is a link to the club page with my module set information.?

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? Inglenook Grain Co-op - T-TRAK Wiki ?

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Oddly enough it was this module that set me off planning my own. I like the idea of using the Kato buffer stops to stop stock rolling off the disconnected main-lines.


Steven B.

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While most of us think of TTrak in terms of standard “one foot” (sort of) or “one box” and “two foot” (sort of) or “two box long” modules, there is no reason you can’t make your module(s) longer or any length you like to support a home layout or an operating scheme you want.? As long as the ends conform to the standard, and your length is a multiple, any multiple, of a standard one box module, if you want to display at a train show or convention with a TTrak Group.?

(The “odd” lengths and widths are because TTrak is historically based on the A4 paper format, which is the metric equivalent of our letter sized paper.? It is also based on lengths of Kato UniTrack, which is also metric.)?

A few years ago I saw an amazing TTrak module in the model contest room at an NMRA Northeast Regional Convention.

Here is a link to the owner’s webpage on the Little Rhody Division site:

Justin Maguire, MMR, had a TTrak module based on an East Providence RI prototype that was about 4 or 5 feet long.? I was admiring his amazing diorama and finally noticed the Kato UniTrak connectors sticking out of the ends.?

I certainly lack his skills, but it made me think about different possibilities with TTrak.? Consider it thinking outside the A4 sheet of paper.

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Be well,

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“John Henry” L

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Thank you for posting this! ?My interest in T-Trak is in longer than single modules, too - I have a pair of quads in planning, and also oversized 180° ends with the largest radius Kato superelevated curves. ?It’s good to see what others are doing.?

Ken Ford
Temple, TX

T-TRAK Modules Display At Lomita RR Museum (Aug. 27)

Information from Peter T.

Group 160 N-TRAK will be displaying our new T-TRAK modules at the Lomita RR Museum Family Fun Day, August 27th, 11 AM - 4 PM

2137 West 250th Street, Lomita, CA

Free admission, kid games, crafts, balloon animals and an ice cream truck.

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Bob Chaparro

Hemet, CA