Conrail's Allegheny Crossing as NTRAK Modules

[Sokramiketes]

If you ever want to run as part of NTRAK, then Atlas Cd 55 is out.  However, Cd 55 from Peco or ME works, as long as you transition to Cd 80 at the ends to make connecting tracks easy to install.  

[Ed Kapuscinski]

One thing to keep in mind is that they're not always going to be used in a group.

For example, say I go setup in Philly, and nobody else can make it, then the single module (or couple) should be able to stand alone.

[sizemore]

One thing to keep in mind is that they're not always going to be used in a group.

For example, say I go setup in Philly, and nobody else can make it, then the single module (or couple) should be able to stand alone.

Transition tracks.

[Sokramiketes]

One thing to keep in mind is that they're not always going to be used in a group.

For example, say I go setup in Philly, and nobody else can make it, then the single module (or couple) should be able to stand alone.

Or you set up by yourself with end loops...   

[wm3798]

If that's your bag, then build your 12" transition boards that can tie in to N trak.  If we keep the standard 1.5" between the outside two tracks, then move the "branch line" in by 2.5 for our group standard, then you just need to build a little "S" to get in and out of the standard.  Shouldn't be that big a deal.  I think as long as you stay within your 24" increments it shouldn't cause any loss of life, and allow the primary set up to meet its visual goal.  That's what I will do to work within the standards at my club's set up.

Lee

[wcfn100]

One thing to keep in mind is that they're not always going to be used in a group.

For example, say I go setup in Philly, and nobody else can make it, then the single module (or couple) should be able to stand alone.

I didn't think the New River Subdivision could do that.  ???


Jason

[wm3798]

We DO have the fundamental problem that some of the willing participants are scattered pretty far and wide.  Probably the only time they could all be assembled into the coherent package would be at the occasional Timonium Show, or venues like Bedford or the NTS, assuming all of us could make it.

I think the trick would be to make the critical pieces, Altoona, the curve, Gallitzen, Cresson, and Johnstown, be housed in a regionally coherent place, say, the Baltimore/Washington area.  Then other segments that are less critical to telling the story could be scattered more far and wide, and brought together for a Conrail B-Q or some such business as that.

Lee

[Ed Kapuscinski]

One thing to keep in mind is that they're not always going to be used in a group.

For example, say I go setup in Philly, and nobody else can make it, then the single module (or couple) should be able to stand alone.

I didn't think the New River Subdivision could do that.  ???


Jason

Maybe not each individual module, but each individual clump, I think. So that my chunk could stand alone, Lee's could, etc...

And Lee, that's EXACTLY the reason I like the NTRAK format for this.

[asciibaron]

Which has little to do with a set a modules.

you are talking in circles.  you asked what the issue was with the ntrak standard and were told in the context of Ntrak modules, not a dedicated series of modules that are not standards complaint.  apples and oranges, which are we discussing?

recap:

the issue most have with the Ntrak centerline standard is it's too wide - sure you can move the CL on the module, but in a series of 4 foot modules, the constant weaving looks stupid.  using a standard such Ntrak would allow the modules to work independently, thus giving the owner the ability to use the module at smaller venues where a full blown 50 feet of CR orgasm would not work. 

having a module or two you can never use seems like a waste of time - making it standards complaint makes it useful beyond the initial purpose.

[wm3798]

But not everyone is going to be tied into a standard N trak set up.  Those that would, can build transitions.  The set and the theme should dictate the track plan, not the remote possibility that I would ever make it to an N trak meet.

And even with the "clumping" where would you provide for that?  You're talking about a significant stretch of railroad that is a long, three track run with that wonderful hole where track 3 was.  Aside from the split at Gallitzen, and maybe terminal areas around Alto and Cresson, where would you put the squeeze on?

I say follow the prototype, for there lies your answer.

Lee

[Sokramiketes]

And Lee, that's EXACTLY the reason I like the NTRAK format for this.

I'm just curious, because 3 or so shows a year is about all our group makes it too, and that's enough for us.  How many times a year do you set up with NTRAK?

Would Timonium, CR BBQ, and one other show, be enough?  My guess would be yes, and then you can draw from a larger geographic area.  Our group encompasses Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison.  We stay in touch via internet, get together a few times a year for shows, and a few more times for work sessions.  But, if you're looking for monthly set-ups and weekly work sessions, then our model wouldn't work for this.  See the observations column in NSR next issue. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Here's a simple reason to keep it to NTRAK standards.

NTRAK clubs already have infrastructure: stanchions, DCC systems, carpeting, chairs, etc... If you ditch NTRAK, you lose that stuff and have to start from scratch.

Trust me, there's lot of "little things" that make doing shows MUCH easier, that being part of a larger framework gets you.

[wm3798]

Yer just yella...  ya varmint!

[Sokramiketes]

Here's a simple reason to keep it to NTRAK standards.

NTRAK clubs already have infrastructure: stanchions, DCC systems, carpeting, chairs, etc... If you ditch NTRAK, you lose that stuff and have to start from scratch.

Trust me, there's lot of "little things" that make doing shows MUCH easier, that being part of a larger framework gets you.

Well, most of those things are things we designed out of the "need" column.  With a layout at kids height, yeah, you need stanchions.  We raised the layout and now don't need crowd control.  That big box of heavy C Clamps, we're working on eliminating that with our articulated clamping legs.  The carpeting I presume is for protecting the floors from leveling feet?  We moved the leg adjustment higher up the leg and have a plain 2x2 contact area so we don't need floor protection at shows that require it.  Chairs, we bring some of our own director's chairs and get tables/low chairs from the show generally.  DCC system, come 'on, not you're just being lazy.    Actually, we're lazy too so we did away with connecting tracks too.  Nobody ever wanted to install the things, and they take too long.  


Trust me, I grew up in an NTRAK club too, so I know what it takes to do an NTRAK style set-up.  I also never want to be involved in layouts that take that long to set up and have that much extra "Stuff" to bring along again.  

Like a wise man told me, NTRAK should be the universal standard so that everyone has a basis for clear communication.  You just don't have to build to the universal standard.  

There's better ways man!!!

[wm3798]

I wasn't going to mention the transition tracks, but since Mike did...  they definitely slow things down more than anything else at any set up I've been at.  They're never the right length, there's always some wiggle to them.  If we can get away without them, even better!  It's easy enough to protect the ends of the track for transport.  And imagine no more of those un-ballasted pock marks every four feet!

Lee