T-Trak The N scale Pennsy Juniata Division 2.0 - T-TRAK!

[Dave V]

Dave,

I’m really enjoying seeing you model the PRR in N scale again.  Not sure why this hits me so and certainly not to disparage your other HOn3 and N scale layouts.  Perhaps it’s nostalgia back to the days of the N scale Juniata Division HCD layout. 🙂

DFF

You and me both, brother. It feels like "coming home."

[Dave V]

Shared on Weekend Update:



Notice the signals now protect the limits of the interlocking.

Next steps on this module:

1) Reconnect the signals and detectors
2) Finish the tree line
3) Add line poles
4) Add tie piles and such

Then it's on the the next thing which is either going to be a PRR L1s build from a Kato 2-8-2 or continuing work on the stone arch bridge at Ryde for the Juniata River crossing module.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

That cinder shoulder looks GREAT. What is that?

[Dave V]

That cinder shoulder looks GREAT. What is that?

Scenic Express #50 Dark Gray Fine.

https://www.sceneryexpress.com/50-DARK-GRAY-BALLAST-QUART/productinfo/SE0263/

I used it on the HOn3 RGS too...Rico and Ridgway yards are mostly this stuff.

[Dave V]

[davefoxx]

Very nice, Dr. Dave.  Very nice.

DFF

[Dave V]

Been thinking of this as "not your father's T-TRAK." I still think someday I may do something more permanent (which is part of why I'm stockpiling Alkem Scale Models position light signals) but for now I want this to be something that could double as a home layout.

[Dave V]

Here's the extent of the Juniata Division 2.0 so far. I have the benchwork for 3 more 2-foot modules; one is a deep bridge module and the others will be Huntingdon.

I also have a pair of singles I haven't figured out what to do with, though I think one's going to be eastern Lancaster County

I have an 8' by 30" folding table inbound as benchwork, and just ordered a standard end cap that will become Harrisburg (I have n NSA kit for HARRIS Tower I've been waiting to use along with catenary poles). I also ordered four double-wide skyboards. Yeah, I could cut 'em myself...but my table saw is in a storage unit and I'm lazy AF.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

When I was texting with you about the extra "nothing" modules: I had a thought that was too complicated for a cell phone.

You could make some "negative space" modules that fit on either side of the interlocking module so you can pose nice long photos of your PRR consists. That's the benefit of modular stuff, right?

But here's where the magic kicks in: do them so that their scenery matches up on their ends that would be opposite this scene.

So that if you assemble them like this: LEFTY - CENTER - RIGHTY it all lines up and flows, but if you do RIGHTY - LEFTY - CENTER or  CENTER - RIGHTY - LEFTY it does too.

This way you can shoot stuff coming OR going!

[Dave V]

When I was texting with you about the extra "nothing" modules: I had a thought that was too complicated for a cell phone.

You could make some "negative space" modules that fit on either side of the interlocking module so you can pose nice long photos of your PRR consists. That's the benefit of modular stuff, right?

But here's where the magic kicks in: do them so that their scenery matches up on their ends that would be opposite this scene.

So that if you assemble them like this: LEFTY - CENTER - RIGHTY it all lines up and flows, but if you do RIGHTY - LEFTY - CENTER or  CENTER - RIGHTY - LEFTY it does too.

This way you can shoot stuff coming OR going!

Yeah, I think one's gonna look like just plain scenic running on the Middle Division and the other I have an Amish barn and farmhouse along with a Bluford cornfield.

I've been lining up the scenery (1" hill to 8" from back) on each module for continuity.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Yeah, I think one's gonna look like just plain scenic running on the Middle Division and the other I have an Amish barn and farmhouse along with a Bluford cornfield.

I've been lining up the scenery (1" hill to 8" from back) on each module for continuity.

No, I mean NOTHING, just a continuation of the edges of the existing modules like your corners.

Remember, when it comes to this stuff, linear space is not precious the way it is on a home layout.

[Dave V]

Maybe one of those Captain Obvious moments... but I'm only now realizing how freaking easy this thing will be to expand, or to turn into a hybrid where it attaches to a more permanent, free-form home layout.

Most layouts aren't designed specifically to be expanded. My two completed layouts are witness to that. But T-TRAK is just like "Hey, I like this scene in this PRR book I just got. Lemme 'gin up another module and include it in the layout!"

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Maybe one of those Captain Obvious moments... but I'm only now realizing how freaking easy this thing will be to expand, or to turn into a hybrid where it attaches to a more permanent, free-form home layout.

Most layouts aren't designed specifically to be expanded. My two completed layouts are witness to that. But T-TRAK is just like "Hey, I like this scene in this PRR book I just got. Lemme 'gin up another module and include it in the layout!"

YES! This is what I've been saying for years!

It gets even better once you've got your game figured out for building the frames yourself. $20 in supplies from Home Depot and you've got a lot of linear layout.

[Point353]

Maybe one of those Captain Obvious moments... but I'm only now realizing how freaking easy this thing will be to expand, or to turn into a hybrid where it attaches to a more permanent, free-form home layout.

Most layouts aren't designed specifically to be expanded. My two completed layouts are witness to that. But T-TRAK is just like "Hey, I like this scene in this PRR book I just got. Lemme 'gin up another module and include it in the layout!"

You can create an entire layout composed of Layout Design Elements.
https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/618204LayoutDesignElements.pdf

[apudelek]

I'm just waiting until Dave inevitably succumbs to our "implied peer-pressure" to do the Curve in T-Trak modules...

Maybe the peer-pressure isn't as implied now that I've said that... Lol

Deep down, he knows he wants to as well!