Modular railroading

[Anonymous]

I'm curious about Modular Railroading such as "N-Trak".

I've seen a few large N-Trak get-togethers that have been superbly diverse, captivating me for hours!

I was wondering if this same modular principal has ever been applied with HO scale, and if so, what the general opinions are about it, and where could one obtain any further info on it.

I'd appreciate any input, pro or con.

Rey.

[nfmisso]

See: http://www.nmra.org/standards/consist.html#module

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by sav336

I'm curious about Modular Railroading such as "N-Trak".

I've seen a few large N-Trak get-togethers that have been superbly diverse, captivating me for hours!

I was wondering if this same modular principal has ever been applied with HO scale, and if so, what the general opinions are about it, and where could one obtain any further info on it.

I'd appreciate any input, pro or con.

Rey.

Yes, the N-trak principal has been applied to other scales like HO, HOn3, O, On3, On30, S, G, and Z etc. I have seen these modules at different shows.

See the NMRA website for module standards (previous post). Some modular clubs create their own standards, but these modules can only be used on a layout composed of modules constructed by that club's members. They could not be combined with modules from across the country like N-trak unless they all followed the same standards of construction.

Dale B.

[brothaslide]

There is a group called Free-mo which also has a n-scale group.

You can go to: http://www.free-mo.org

[Big_Boy_4005]

There have been a number of articles in MR over the years. Some people have even done home layouts out of modules, so that they can periodicaly rearrange them and have a different layout without rebuilding. I have seen articles where people have built part of a layout around a portable module or modules. I've even seen a club layout that was built in modules, though it was not intended to be moved.

The secret of modules is standardization. N-Trak was a real pioneer in this area. I'm not sure if any other modular group in any scale has a standard as good as theirs. Module size, shape, track location, and electrical are all important factors in a successful system.

HO modular groups have never had the same kind of national (or international)standardization as N-Trak. Local groups tend to form their own standards. One of the advantages of N scale is that you can build a 4 foot module, and get some scenery on it. HO needs 6 or 8 feet to really be useful.

[Anonymous]

The problem I find with N-trak/NMRA standards is that it is too confining. I left the modular group in my town for the same reason. I've joined up with a group out of Wichita, KS who is building modules to Free-mo standards. on requirements are that modules be 50 inches high, 24 inches wide and track centered 12 inches on the end and DCC'd. Every thing else is up to the modeler. Much more practicle then N-trak/NMRA standars. Ch

[DSchmitt]

NTRAK was developed as a standard to provide exhibation layouts for train shows. Two tracks to run lots of long trains and one track for switching operations. In practice at shows the third track usually ends up as a running track too.

Other standards have been developed since that are more flexable. N Scale (NTRAK) is the only standard where you can go anywhere in the US/Canada and a number of other countries and be reasonably sure there will be compatable moudules nearby.

There have been spinoffs of NTRAK such as BENDTRAK, ONETRAK, and NCAT (trolley and interurban)

Part of the chalenge of modules is working within the standard. In NTRAK or any other standard it is possible to gain flexability by building "sectional" modules. I had a 3 section 18' long NTRAK module at the NMRA National in 1981. Some modelers have even been able to replicate prototype scenes

Free-mo is is a great minimal standard concept. I am always impressed by their layouts. For train shows they lack the action that draws the non -railroader crowds.

Most standards, such as the NMRA HO standards fall in between NTRAK and Fre-mo in concept.

Research all the standards you can, and the pick the one thats best suits your style..

[johncolley]

Rey, one of the two clubs I belong to, North Olympic Peninsula Railroad, is modular HO scale. We meet the last Sat of each month at 3:00 at the Sequim Public Library. It is a long drive up 101 for you but you are welcome to visit. We do 2 shows a year in Sequim. Otherwise the modules are kept in member's homes. I have (2) 24"x72" and (2) 24"x48" (the standard module size in our group) and I also made a 48" long bridge duckunder unit. My section is 20 feet of industrial switching. The spec's are top of rail from floor is 40". Front edge to 1st (eastbound) main is 5" with second (westbound) main another 2" centers. The siding is 2 3/4" from that with a runaround and several spurs. The mains are controlled at another point on the layout, with a switching power pack on one of these modules and a selector switch for inside main or local control. All turnouts are hand throws. We have 4 corner modules with 32" min.rad. and 5 or 6 additional modules. always room for more though. johncolley tholcapn

[Anonymous]

Yes, the n-trak concept CAN be done in HO. We've been doing it since 1995, after our club lost its lease on a permanent layout space. Our basic standards are our own, but are backwardly compatible to NMRA physical specs.
We've considered everything, from scenery to hill profiles to electrical to DCC. What resulted is a modular layout, that lacks the "patchwork quilt" look of some, and sets up and transports well.
Take a look at the end results at www.fcsme.org [#welcome]
The photo galleries are worth a look![:D]

[Anonymous]

Very nice to get such great feedback. Thank you!

Karl B, I took a look at the FCSME site... Wonderful work!!! Certainly something to aspire to! But darn it, I'm on the Left Coast!!!

John Colley, I'd certainly be up to the drive to come see a show. If you would, please e-mail me more info on the next show date. Also, if possible, a picture or two. I'm most interested to see the work of your club.

Perhaps I've overlooked this spec in the NMRA Standards for Modulars; What are standard module lengths for HO scale? 4 feet seems to be the good number to me, though small, but larger would seem more difficult to handle...

Well, I have no layout, no track, 4 locos and 10 peices of rolling stock... No track plan either! I've entertained a completely modular layout, as well as a permanent. Though after reading the responses, I'm weighing heavily on a permanant layout with one or two modular sections.