Conrail's Allegheny Crossing as NTRAK Modules

[Ed Kapuscinski]

See my defense of the NTRAK idea: http://milepost242.blogspot.com/2009/07/why-ntrak.html

[asciibaron]

And Steve, we'd need to replace the switches too.

why?  they are code 80.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Yeah, but the Atlas customline ones. Remember how much kvetching there was about them?

[wm3798]

Yeah.. to go with the N track standards you have to get the Model Power snap switches with the big coffin on the side...  If only N scale track could have a middle rail... :

Okay... That's the last I'll say about N trak standards....

...maybe.

Lee

[NorfolkSouthern9708]

I'd like to model maybe 1 or 2 modules with the through the woods idea, thanks Ed!

[asciibaron]

Yeah, but the Atlas customline ones. Remember how much kvetching there was about them?

NMRA gauge says they are OK - did the NMRA gauge say the people with problems were OK?  and don't forget, Martin said they were ok - that's like getting the Pope's blessing

[wcfn100]

See my defense of the NTRAK idea: http://milepost242.blogspot.com/2009/07/why-ntrak.html

The track center need only be 1 1/2" at the interface. Chapter 4 of the manual states that tracks can be 1 1/4" apart in other places of the mainlines and 1 1/8" on yard tracks (non mainline).

I never understood why these specs overlooked so often since it's such a major complaint.

Jason

[asciibaron]

I never understood why these specs overlooked so often since it's such a major complaint.

because on a series of independent 4 foot modules, the constant shifting of the main looks stupid.

[wcfn100]

I never understood why these specs overlooked so often since it's such a major complaint.

because on a series of independent 4 foot modules, the constant shifting of the main looks stupid.

Which has little to do with a set a modules.

edit: By introducing a slight curve at the start of a module, track centers can be brought together very effectively.

Jason

[Sokramiketes]

See my defense of the NTRAK idea: http://milepost242.blogspot.com/2009/07/why-ntrak.html

Not very convincing, but you have to find your own group of like-minded modelers, not Skibbe-minded modelers.  So, if it's really what you want to do, have fun.  

You need a hook to draw people in.  Maybe a common theme is enough?  But, pushing the envelop can inspire people too.  If the basis of the group is founded on a compromise in something basic like track spacing, then right off the bat you're going to be setting a certain tone for the group.

[wcfn100]

Here's a module base on SPUD that uses 1 1/4" track spacings.



Jason

[AlkemScaleModels]

See my defense of the NTRAK idea: http://milepost242.blogspot.com/2009/07/why-ntrak.html

The track center need only be 1 1/2" at the interface. Chapter 4 of the manual states that tracks can be 1 1/4" apart in other places of the mainlines and 1 1/8" on yard tracks (non mainline).

I never understood why these specs overlooked so often since it's such a major complaint.

Jason

Right, and if you build a two or more modular set, you can easily use 1.25 inches.  In fact, you can ignore the 1.5 inch track spacing  completely (like at the ends and use 1.25 all on your module) as I have seen the 0.25 inch difference made up in the connector track when connecting to a standard NTRAK module.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think that sounds remotely like a plan... but what about only doing that on ONE track, so we get the 1 - 2 - * - 4 look?

[sizemore]

Im with Bernie and Lee, C55 (prefferably Atlas), if we're gonna pull if off might as well do it justice. Use Atlas 5" straights between modules and Peco 55 5" straights for transitions. And if were being sticklers, all of use low pro stuff anyway.

[wm3798]

I think that sounds remotely like a plan... but what about only doing that on ONE track, so we get the 1 - 2 - * - 4 look?

There's the rub.  You're not just wiggling three tracks by a 1/4"  You're shifting one of them by 2-1/2"!  As Steve-O says, that would be dumb every 4'. 

At the end of the group it would be easy to make the transition via an interlocking plant, where such a transition could be made to look natural, but not along a mainline run.

My plan is to make Cassandra on a 6' module, and use 12" transitions at each end to deal with "storage" installation at the club, or set ups with other modules.  If I use ME track, the rail height vs. flanges isn't as big a deal, and my section won't have any turnouts in it anyway, so that's a non-issue.

Again, I'd like to stay as true to the prototype as possible in terms of track spacing.  Rail height I can compromise on if I have to (ME c70 anyone?), but track spacing not so much.

Lee