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!]

An occurrence I see a fair amount is hands landing on the modules when somebody leans in to look. This happens mostly (but not exclusively) from youngsters enthusiastically approaching the layout. As all that is holding the layout is Unijoiners, It is pretty easy for the layout to be knocked out of alignment, or even modules separated. I try to make sure that modules are located eight or nine inches back from the front edge of the table, so that there is a safe place for hands to land -- on the table, rather than on the modules. This should also hlp with dangling straps and similar difficulties. It's not always possible, but whatever space that you can add between the table edge and the modules helps. This obviously doesn't work for single table width, up and back layouts, but is good practice for any larger layout. Bob

Hi friends, I went back to the Energency rooms Friday 6pm and came out this evening, Sunday. TIA again. This time spent about 60 minutes with a slow and heavily slurred voice. I am so over this and still no clear answers. Much appreciation for the members who sent me messages of support. They helped keep my spirits up as I went through all the crud that a visit to the ED can provide. Sincere thanks. Now back on with the layout. I need to get this big module finished just in case the next one affects me permanently in some way.

Hi friends, it has been quite a while since I posted an update. Being unwell for some time really takes it out of you but whenever I got the feeling I have worked on the Layout plan and it is coming together nicely. Including all the elements I wanted in a logical and justifiable fashion. I can confirm that all design decisions I have taken fit within the Rule #1 Protocol. This is a very big Layout diagram so you might need to Zoom in several times to see the details. * All Branch Lines are functionally and electronically separate from the T-TRAK Main lines. I might wire in stops at the stations to activate randomly like a resort Halt might operate. * T-TRAK Mains are all PECO Concrete tie track with the last ~20mm at the Interfaces being KATO. I have all of these that I need (I think). * Branch lines are either PECO Timber tie tracks, Fleischmann cog-rail tracks, Tomix tracks and all turnouts are Tomix. I have almost all of these other than the big Tomix X-over 12147 and the mini-Y turnout 1240. Coming soon. * There are no plastic structures, all are card structures from Scalescenes.com. I have all of the online-sourced files to make all of the items I need. The only plastic (so far) will be a whole collection of KATO and TGW plastic gantries for the catenary system which will only be poles and imagination. (Well, this timber Bascule Bridge structure might be there unless I build a copy - https://www.dm-toys.de/en/product-details/MU_N-L00166.html * Branch line control is (hoped to be automatic PWM) through Arduino Nano boards, Hall effect switches, individual sound players and micro speakers embedded in tunnels and structures. There will be Arduino-controlled switch machines under the boards for all turnout operations as well as the Uncoupling tracks in the shunt areas. * There will be LED and LCD instructional screens on module edges to invite the punters to activate touch screen buttons so the train movements can begin. I have almost all of the hardware, none of the programming. * The baseboard for the super module is built as is one of the side module bases. I have a big strip (2.4m x 600mm) of 50mm XPS foam and styrene sheets to make my canals and mountains with the goal of secure transportation and simple safe transportation to shows. * Perspex sheets will keep all fingers out of the reach of the fragile trains and components. I plan on carrying a mini controller of some sort so I can change operation on the fly. Lastly, this has all been developed in XTrkCAD Layout Planner. This program is OpenSource and entirely free. I would be happy to work one-on-one over Zoom or Teams etc to help anybody get started or who needs help along the way. Download and install info: http://xtrkcad-fork.sourceforge.net/Wikka/DownloadInstall Beginner Tutorial: http://xtrkcad-fork.sourceforge.net/Wikka/BeginnerTutorial The layout files can be readily downloaded and used for personal use. No Commercial use or Storage without my written permission. Large PNG of the Layout plans: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AqoIaqoPd3H3iY85afkbI_XsUFmXkA?e=ImMW5W Latest XTrkCAD file of the layout. You will need to have installed XTrkCAD to be able to see this layout: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AqoIaqoPd3H3iY82USEyQ32DcedKiA?e=Ou5gME If there are problems Downloading these files please PM me and I can send them to you direct. This Forum has reached the Limits of Storage so I can't just upload them here. Sigh.

Putting out a call for modules for the T-TRAK Layout that will be presented at the 2022 NSE Convention/Show in Nashville in June of this year. (June 15th through the 19th) The layout sets up on Thursday, June 16th, and tears down on Saturday afternoon, June 18th. Those who would like to participate with a module are asked to request a participation form from layout@.... ONLY those who have submitted a participation form before the deadline (when all spaces are full) will be able to participate. Space is limited , so if you wish to participate, don't wait to request and submit a participation form. Registration for the convention is not required in order to participate in the layout with a module, however you are precluded from participating in any other convention activities other than the layout itself. The form is for participation in the T-TRAK Layout only. If you wish to participate in the NSE Convention, you must register separately for that at their website, although, those who participate with a module receive a registration discount from NSE.

Good Evening, Hopefully a member here can enlighten me. Ray used a value of 22000 when calculating the capacitor size in the circuit and I am wondering how he came to that figure. If anyone knows can they please share that information. Kindest Regards, Martin Watts Heading down the rabbit warren of using ESP8266 devices to drive relays to switch the BCD circuit and throw the points when not working on track detection for a T-Trak based layout.

Letter from the NRail President A January 1st 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

Hello All, It has been about three months since I last worked on the Kato T-Trak module kits and I wanted to get back to them and start to apply the Woodland Scenics Shaper Sheets and see how it went. Here is the link to the video for anyone interested, https://youtu.be/gOkH8ycchgM Thanks, Heath -- Human[c]ity Junction Human.c.ityJunction@... https://www.youtube.com/c/HumancityJunction

Dave, > Can you post a circuit diagram for the power transistor method? > 200msec pulse worked for me, too. > As I've ended up making these pretty much ad hoc, I don't have a clear schematic written down. However, there are projects on the web about how to control a TIP120 from an Arduino. An example is here: https://www.circuitbasics.com/how-to-control-dc-motor-speed-using-tip120-on-arduino What you need is to set up two circuits like this, one to push the current in either direction. I realize this is too much handwaving, however I'm having trouble posting a file with a rough schematic, so I'm going to try to describe it verbally. Essentially the circuit is a variation of how to control a single coil machine like a Kato, with a circuit for a twin coil machine. Basically you have three wires in and two out. Power normal, power route and common in, two wires to the coil out. The normal and route input go to the coil inputs. There are resistors between the inputs and ground, so that when you apply a voltage to one of the inputs, some of the current goes through the coil, back through the opposite resistor, to power the coil and some goes (wasted) through the adjacent resistor to ground. Got that? So for controlling a Kato coil with an Arduino and power transistors you need your input voltage, ground, the wires to the Kato coil, and wires from two Arduino output pins. Voltage connects through the resistor to the TIP's collector, and to on lead to the Kato coil. This is repeated for the other coil wire. The TIP emitters are connected to ground. The pins from the Arduino to the base pins on the TIPs. For the resistors, I've been using 22 ohm 5 watt units, but this is not critical, anything from about 20 to 35 ohms, and at least 1 watt should work. I hope this is clear. Bob