T-Trak module warping

[Scottl]

Why not just glue up the necessary thickness in foam and then glue/attach the T-Track ends to it mates up properly?

[MK]

The module frames should have a nominal height of 2-3/4" and must be adjustable to 4"

I think pink foam comes in increment of inches so it will be hard to get to 2-3/4".  Also, it would be challenging to add height adjustments on foam.  T-Trak modules get handled quite a lot and I think foam will not be able to survive all that handling.

[Scottl]

You can buy .5, .75, 1, 2 pink readily, at least here.  Much more dimensionally stable than any wood and meets the lightness criteria.  A 2" foam block could be suspended with TTrack ply edges extending down 3/4" as well.  Add a second 2" underneath for a quick and easy 4".

[robert3985]

Although my layout sections (modules?) aren't TTRAK, I've used premium pine dimensional lumber for their frames and CDX plywood for the ends.  No warpage, but I live in Utah with an extremely low humidity rate, and I buy my lumber locally...so it's had time to adjust to the low humidity.

I'd suggest making your own out of local lumber...top quality birch plywood probably, or 1/8" aircraft quality plywood if it's available, and using premium pine internal corner reinforcements to glue and screw your corners on using counter-sunk square drive grabber screws with pilot holes.  When you're making your own, it's pretty essential that you have a fairly strong, flat surface to build 'em on.  After you get everything glued & screwed together and the glue is thoroughly dry, I'd seal everything so moisture isn't gonna bother it no matter what the humidity level is.

If your seller sends you new kits, I'd still suspect that they will warp since they're coming from a distant clime and the wood hasn't had time to acclimate.  That's why local lumber will probably do the trick.

Truth is, 1/4" Masonite would probably work well also, but be quite a bit heavier because of its density.  I'd reinforce all the corners and edges with premium pine pieces because of the brittleness of tempered Masonite, and probably use 1/2" CDX finished-one-side birch ply for the ends and if you want to screw/bolt 'em together for your home layout.

I'm not a fan of using substandard, cheaper materials for module construction and I prefer my modules to be a sturdy, robust base on which I'll lay my track for both longevity and reliability.

Anyway, GOOD LUCK!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[robert3985]

I think pink foam comes in increment of inches so it will be hard to get to 2-3/4".  Also, it would be challenging to add height adjustments on foam.  T-Trak modules get handled quite a lot and I think foam will not be able to survive all that handling.

I agree.  100%.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Scottl]

Lol, cabinet makers constructing modules that get 'rough' handling. 

[Point353]

T-Trak modules get handled quite a lot and I think foam will not be able to survive all that handling.

It'll be interesting to see how well the Kato/Woodland Scenics modules - which are made of foam, with some wood reinforcements - will hold up over the long term.
https://katousa.com/t-trak-modules-by-woodland/

[Scottl]

That is a pretty cool package, everything included.  It sure won't warp with the weather.

[robert3985]

It'll be interesting to see how well the Kato/Woodland Scenics modules - which are made of foam, with some wood reinforcements - will hold up over the long term.
https://katousa.com/t-trak-modules-by-woodland/

That's interesting!  Y'know, there's foam, and then there's "FOAM"...different strengths and other properties for different applications.  Most of the time us model railroaders just get what's available at THD or L's, but if you have a comprehensive plastic supplier in your neighborhood, purchasing structural Styrofoam is probably not a bad idea, especially reinforced at critical points with stronger materials.  OR, just get WS's kit!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[arbomambo]

It'll be interesting to see how well the Kato/Woodland Scenics modules - which are made of foam, with some wood reinforcements - will hold up over the long term.
https://katousa.com/t-trak-modules-by-woodland/

???
Both my, and my wife’s Kato/Woodland Scenics modules kits, gifted to us personally by Hiroshi Kato, at a private dinner during the NMRA’s National Train Show, where our National T-TRAK Layout broke the previous world record for T-TRAK layouts, have held up just fine. Although we haven’t done so, the module would benefit from a thin chipboard strip glued to the front of the foam fascia just to reduce inevitable small dings and divots. But the structure of the module itself has held up very well. The Woodlands Scenics ‘Shaper Sheet’, included in the module kit, also helps to add structural strength.
The module ends up being fairly heavy for a regular single when using the included plaster as a scenery addition.
BTW, we (The National T-TRAK Layout) will be shattering our previous T-TRAK world record layout at the 2026 NMRA Convention’s National Train Show in Chattanooga-2026.
www.nationalt-traklayout.com









Again,
I solve my module warping issue by never encountering them…
I only use Stuart Denniston modules (pre-built, cabinet grade quality) ttrakbydenniston@gmail.com

[Dave V]

If I don't hear from Klawndyke's, yeah, this is going into the trash and I'll be making sure everyone who follows me on YouTube and Facebook knows. But I'm hoping I'll hear back.

Not going to heroic efforts to fix this one module. If it's f*cked, it's f*cked, and I'll go a different way.

@arbomambo , does your friend Stuart have a catalog somewhere?

[arbomambo]

If I don't hear from Klawndyke's, yeah, this is going into the trash and I'll be making sure everyone who follows me on YouTube and Facebook knows. But I'm hoping I'll hear back.

Not going to heroic efforts to fix this one module. If it's f*cked, it's f*cked, and I'll go a different way.

@arbomambo , does your friend Stuart have a catalog somewhere?

He makes all the basic T-TRAK module sizes, in addition to custom sizes, and specialty modules.
He’s finally setting up a website but, for now, he has the dedicated email. He responds quickly to queries.
Stuart Denniston
ttrakbydenniston@gmail.com

[mkearns]

Why not just glue up the necessary thickness in foam and then glue/attach the T-Track ends to it mates up properly?

I think pink foam comes in increment of inches so it will be hard to get to 2-3/4".  Also, it would be challenging to add height adjustments on foam.  T-Trak modules get handled quite a lot and I think foam will not be able to survive all that handling.

I'm surprised resident TTRAK prophet @Ed Kapuscinski hasn't weighed in yet.

While I agree with the sentiments questioning foam's long-term robustness as the primary structural element, recall Ed's TTRAK demonstrator: 1 inch of foam on a 1-inch high wood frame. The leveling legs should give you quite a bit of wiggle room to adjust height even in the base isn't the exact same 2 3/4" as the TTRAK standard.

[crrcoal]

I have Stuarts latest price sheet. I can send to you.

If I don't hear from Klawndyke's, yeah, this is going into the trash and I'll be making sure everyone who follows me on YouTube and Facebook knows. But I'm hoping I'll hear back.

Not going to heroic efforts to fix this one module. If it's f*cked, it's f*cked, and I'll go a different way.

@arbomambo , does your friend Stuart have a catalog somewhere?

[Chris333]

This is why I only use spline roadbed on all my T-Trak modules