Author Topic: Southwest desert T-TRAK module (double)  (Read 2294 times)

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basementcalling

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Re: Southwest desert T-TRAK module (double)
« Reply #15 on: April 27, 2021, 01:10:27 PM »
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Short answer...No.
even though the modules, themselves, are wired with opposite drops (the standard BWWB wiring), the bus wire orientation is the key to using modules with crossovers...
Far too many get wrapped up in the 'module wiring standard(BWWB)' and completely neglect the 'layout wiring'.i.e.bus wire.

folks can (and do) debate the rationale of the BWWB module wiring standard...as nauseum. But the fact is, whether one understands it, or agrees or disagrees with it, is the the standard, and not likely to ever change.
Rather than the individual module wiring standard limiting T-TRAK setups and layouts, it's actually very liberating and allows FAR more ways to arrange and design layouts.

https://www.ntrak.org/resources/Documents/T-TRAK%20Standards.pdf

the official standards document (which FAR too many folks never read or disregard entirely) is very well written and very illustrative.

It helps to understand if one realizes that each track, on any T-TRAK layout, is a separate line and each uses a separate bus (exceptions: in a very simple T-TRAK layout, with modules arranged in a back-to-back arrangement on a single table, as originally shown/debuted in 2000, many folks use a single bus - or none at all - connected to the power source; with both tracks operated by one throttle).

  In layouts OTHER than the 'dumbell' arrangement you cite, with balloon loop modules turning red line back onto yellow line, and vice versa, simply reverse one, or the other, of the bus wire connections to the power source. In this way, with modules wired to the correct BWWB standard, both lines are now the same polarity...

  In layouts that are arranged single file (as in a FreeMo layout), crossover modules can't be used/operated in those sections of single file modules. However, they can be used in a balloon section of back-to-back modules, formed by a junction module.

  I highly suggest perusing the standards document, with the idea that T-TRAK layout design is unlimited. Again, far too many folks, including a lot of T-TRAKers, have the notion that T-TRAK setups/layouts are limited to the back-to-back oval of modules, on lengths of single tables, in a 'roundy round' configuration.

Ah, reversing one set of wires at the power source makes sense.

BTW, the module looks amazing. You need another one with one of those SW desert backdrop scenes from JLARC or Train Junkies.

https://www.trainjunkies.com/desert.html
Peter Pfotenhauer

arbomambo

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Re: Southwest desert T-TRAK module (double)
« Reply #16 on: April 27, 2021, 02:11:38 PM »
+1
Ah, reversing one set of wires at the power source makes sense.

BTW, the module looks amazing. You need another one with one of those SW desert backdrop scenes from JLARC or Train Junkies.

https://www.trainjunkies.com/desert.html

Thanks,
here are a few more Southwest-themed T-TRAK modules I've built...




















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CATT- Coastal Alabama T-TRAK
https://nationalt-traklayout.com/