Is it time to update N Trak Standards...???

[John]

[John]

[bicknell]

Awesome little oNeTrak loop off an NTrak layout, and notice it's easy to bypass on the redline if you don't want to subject your train to the conditions on the loop.

The only thing I like to see is a sign at the branch point that says:

"oNeTrak subdivision may have 18" curves and 3% grades, enter at your own risk." or similar....

[AlkemScaleModels]

What are the dimensions of that papermill loop?

Perhaps I can make my steel mill into something similar.

[Mark5]

No comment on Ntrak, but I like John's pix.

[John]

What are the dimensions of that papermill loop?

Perhaps I can make my steel mill into something similar.

Hmm .. I don't have a tape measure handy, but it's a 3 module set .. I used Atlas C55 Sectional 18 inch radius for the big curve .. there is about 1-2 inches of setback .. so about 40" at its widest .. and its about 44" long ... at the base, its 24"





I made a couple of mistakes on these. I used 5/8 ply solid .. then used 1x4 dimensional lumber .. it makes for a sturdy module, but its heavy ..

The odd shape is so that I can also use it in my basement along the wall ..

I am seriously considering retiring this set .. and starting over .. eliminating the joiner tracks at the edges, except where it mates to the rest of the Bantrak setup ..  I would build it more like the sipping and switching guys do ..

[mmyers]

No

[POVC]

John,

When I measured the set to make templates for planning purposes, I got a width of 42" and a length of 48" for end module, with a "face" of 24".

Middle module is 48" long, with a 12" short face and a 24" long face.

First module is a standard 4'x1'.

Tim

[John]

Thanks .. old age will make you forget stuff like that

[bicknell]

I made a couple of mistakes on these. I used 5/8 ply solid .. then used 1x4 dimensional lumber .. it makes for a sturdy module, but its heavy ..

If you have someone with table saw that has a LARGE table (designed for 8'x4' sheets of plywood, portable saws need not apply) or you have someone with a good panel saw then I can tell you the best and cheapest way to build.

Buy an 8'x'4 sheet of cabinet grade plywood.  Birch is often the cheapest, but sometimes oak.  It just depends.  Think about the depth you need, I find to cover tortise units 4.5" works good, you may want more or less.  Rip the ply into 8' long by 4.5" wide (or whatever width you want).  You now have perfectly straight, relatively cheap, incredibly strong "1 by" boards in whatever dimension you want.

Use them to make your frame.  For a 4x2' module just the perimeter is good enough.  Top with 1/4" "sandply" (birch tends to be cheap) and you have a very sturdy module.  Use a quality wood glue, pre-drill and screw the corners.

[Mr. G]

Back on topic, why not create a parallel modern standard, NTrak2?  NTrak, many people here have pointed out, has significant reach.  Can't they use that to put out a new set of standards for modern modules, including transition sections?

Why not slowly phase in new NT2 setups at larger clubs, possibly running separate setups at shows.  Let new members decide which standard they wish to adopt. 

Dieselization didn't occur over a weekend.

[Walkercolt]

You guys need to get a copy of the N-TRAK manual and READ IT. If you want non-code 55 track on a oNe-track loop, THAT'S OK as long as you tell everyone it doesn't conform to N-TRAK standards. Nobody seems to remember the metal Micro-Trains wheelsets that were nearly the same as low-profiles. Why did MT stop making them? Because they wouldn't run thru Atlas turnouts. MT's coupler height and therefore ride height was based on the GERMAN RAPIDO standards. Most of you are either too young or too ignorant of the beginnings of N-scale to understand why we are where we are today. N-TRAK is a display layout format, not a home layout with radio-headsets and operators. People running trains at an N-TRAK display MUST talk to the visitors, even while "following" your train around a really big layout. People (Joe Average) are FAR more impressed with a 145 car ice reefer train behind a new Athean Big Boy, than switching. Now, we had two brother who had switching modules, all DCC, and so on. They would attract and hold 5-7 people, sometimes for nearly an hour. In the same time frame (I used a pocket counter) 6 guys running trains on the three lines talked to over 200 people about getting started in N-scale. You put your effort where it does the most good. If you don't like N-TRAK, then you are free to do something totally different. Last I saw, there was no law requiring you to only build a display layout to N-TRAK standards, and if you hate Micro-Trains, buy something else. We know a Texas group who build modules with Atlas code 55 trackage. The next year, they had ripped it all out and replaced it with code 80 because it wouldn't hold-up to shipping and handling. Now you go and do better, let me see you trackage after 12,000 miles on the road in the back of a duece and a half.
Yeah, have at it! Develop new standards for a new module system! We won't mind a bit. If your's becomes more popular, the original N-TRAK will go away. We have made hundreds of MAJOR changes in the module specs while still making the original modules "compatible". But we've tried to NEVER exclude anyone's equiptment from our layouts. If you want low code track and all DCC and whatever, go for it. But be prepared for super precision in trackwork and module connections and track damage in transit.

[wcfn100]

You guys need to get a copy of the N-TRAK manual and READ IT.

I have.

"Track held in place with nails is certainly acceptable on NTRAK modules." ¹

 

Jason

1. The NTRAK Module "How-To" Book, 6-1.

[Mr. G]

Whoa there, Colonel Jessup.

You guys need to get a copy of the N-TRAK manual and READ IT.

That's certainly not 1/160th scale condescension. 

If you want non-code 55 track on a oNe-track loop, THAT'S OK as long as you tell everyone it doesn't conform to N-TRAK standards.

"Stand back sir! This is not to N-Trak standards!  Someone could get hurt."

 

Most of you are either too young or too ignorant of the beginnings of N-scale to understand why we are where we are today. N-TRAK is a display layout format, not a home layout with radio-headsets and operators.

Yep, that's full 1:1 condescension. 

We know a Texas group...We won't mind a bit...We have made hundreds of MAJOR changes...But we've tried to NEVER exclude anyone's equiptment.

Who is "we" and more importantly, why all the hostility toward a second standard?  The arrival of N scale didn't kill HO.  We can be certain of that.

[inkaneer]

"Who is "we" and more importantly, why all the hostility toward a second standard?  The arrival of N scale didn't kill HO.  We can be certain of that.?

"second standard"???  Isn't that sort of an oxymoron?   And what's wrong with creating an entirely new organization separate from Ntrak instead of trying a hostile takeover.  "Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door";  "Build it and they will come" and al that.   And one more old saying in memory of Walter,  "And that's the way it is."  Okay, pep talk over.