Considerations for T-Trak Modules & Layouts
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ABSTRACT Model railroading is an intriguing hobby for young and old. Newer technologies and techniques are engaging when working with others focused on similar tasks. This guide will assist you in learning about the standards and guidelines for building T-Trak modules for N Scale railroaders with considerations for the standards for other scales as well. The basic premise is the same for all scales except for the measurement specifications relative to each scale being reviewed. Read, Learn, and Enjoy! September 20, 2019 CONSIDERATIONS FOR T-TRAK MODULES & LAYOUTS BBMRA T-Trak – N, HO, Z, T, O, G Acknowledgments This document is a work in progress. Many BBMRA members and friends from other organizations have contributed information, time, and effort in developing this resource guide. As new information becomes available this guide will be updated and revised. Dr. Neal Meadows, Stacy Elliot, Robert Feuerstein, and Andy Zimmerman, President Editors If you have information you would like to share with this workgroup or comments about some of the information contained in this guide, please mail your comments to: Big Bend Model Railroad Association PO Box 3392 Tallahassee, FL 32315-3392 Or contact: Andy Zimmerman, President BBMRA (850) 524-4399 [email protected] i TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 1 2. TERMINOLOGY USED IN THIS DOCUMENT .................................................................................. 2 3. T-TRAK MODULE CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................. 3 Standards & Recommended Practices – Base Modules ............................................................................................. 3 T Trak N Scale Modules (1:160) .................................................................................................................................... 3 T Trak TT Scale Modules (1:120) .................................................................................................................................. 5 T Trak T Scale Modules (1:450) .................................................................................................................................... 6 T Trak Z Scale Modules (1:220) .................................................................................................................................... 6 HO Scale Modules (1:87) .............................................................................................................................................. 7 T Trak S Scale Modules (1:64) ...................................................................................................................................... 8 T Trak O Scale Modules (1:48) ...................................................................................................................................... 8 T Trak L Scale Modules (1:87 Lego) .............................................................................................................................. 9 T Trak G Scale Modules (1:22.5) ................................................................................................................................... 9 MODULE BASE COLOR ........................................................................................................................... 11 Skyboard Construction ............................................................................................................................................... 11 Skyboard Color ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 Module Construction ................................................................................................................................................. 13 Joining and Separating Modules ................................................................................................................................ 13 UniJoiners ................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Restrictions on Placement of Modules ...................................................................................................................... 13 Non-Standard Modules .............................................................................................................................................. 14 Layout Planning .......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Special Considerations for Junction Modules ............................................................................................................ 15 Module Transportation .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Module Identification ............................................................................................................................................. 16 4. KATO UNITRACK FOR T-TRAK N SCALE MODULES ............................................................... 18 About Kato Unitrack ............................................................................................................................................... 18 The Horizontal Grid (62 mm) ...................................................................................................................................... 18 The Primary Vertical Track-to-Track Spacing (33 mm) ............................................................................................... 18 The Secondary Vertical Track-to-Track Spacing (49.5 mm) ........................................................................................ 18 The Radial Grid is 15 Degrees ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Standards & Recommended Practices for Track Placement .................................................................................... 19 Paint First ................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Track Planning ........................................................................................................................................................ 19 Correct Spacing of Mainlines...................................................................................................................................... 20 Track Spacing on Corner Modules .............................................................................................................................. 21 Correct Track Overhang at Module Ends ................................................................................................................... 21 Joining Track at an Angle at Module Ends .................................................................................................................. 21 Track Clearances ........................................................................................................................................................ 22 Fastening Kato Unitrack to T-TRAK Modules ........................................................................................................... 22 i Fastening Using an Adhesive (Not Recommended) ................................................................................................... 23 Fastening Using Track Nails (Not Recommended) ..................................................................................................... 23 Fastening Using Wood Screws (Preferred) ................................................................................................................. 23 Connecting Track Feeders to Kato Unitrack ............................................................................................................... 24 Feeder Track Strain Relief .......................................................................................................................................... 24 Using the 20-041 62 mm Feeder Track ...................................................................................................................... 25 Using the 24-818 Terminal UniJoiners (Preferred) ..................................................................................................... 25 Using Atlas Code 80 Terminal Rail Joiners.................................................................................................................. 26 Soldering Track Feeder Wire Directly to the Unitrack Rails ....................................................................................... 26 Soldering Rail Joints within Modules ......................................................................................................................... 26 Preferred Soldering Technique .................................................................................................................................. 26 Connecting Unitrack to Other Brands of Track .......................................................................................................... 27 Using