Hello all!
An update on The National T-TRAK Layout at the NMRA's Scenic City Express National Convention's National Train Show on August 1st and 2nd, 2026.
As some of you may know, planning for this event has been in place for over two years now; ever since it was revealed the 2026 National Convention would take place in Chattanooga. A planning committee was formed then and we've been meeting every month via Zoom, working on everything from power and infrastructure needs, to Rules and Guidelines governing Operations, Participant Code of Conduct, Layout Appearance guidelines, and schedule for arriving, unloading, reception, and module inspection on set up day.
The 10,000 sq. ft layout filled up over a year ago (less than 7 months after a call for participants), and, as of this date, includes 149 individual participants WITH modules, and 167 participants in total).
a few statistics:
The layout occupies 10,000 sq ft and consists of 880 individual modules of all sizes (this includes singles, doubles, triples, quads, and some 'quints'!)
If the layout were converted to single-equivalent modules only, it would consist of 1.704 individual single modules!
The layout is DCC only and divided into 16 individual power districts, governed and managed by separate Digitrax DB210s with corresponding power managers (either PM42s or PM74s). At least 10 Digitrax LNRPs will provide protected loconet throughout the layout.
A Digitrax DCS240 Command station will run the layout, with both Duplex provided by Digitrax UR93, and WiFi provided by Hi-Speed routers (running JMRI - Steve Todd will assist us at the Command Station)
All operating participants will be assigned their own number (starting with 1001) to which any locomotives that they will operate will be programmed (plenty of address changers will be on hand to assist those who didn't come with their locos programmed. Participants will only operate one train, per participant, at a time.
A large screen monitor will be set up at the command station so that participants can easily view their slots on the layout.
A unique feature of the layout will be the two 'Double Cross' double diamond junctions at opposite corners of the layout...these two modules, combined with the adjacent junctions, direct trains onto the yellow line, increasing the overall "Scenic City Route" line, which is estimated to be over 71 scale miles...
In addition to the actual layout, we, The National T-TRAK Layout, are also, in conjunction with ScaleTrains, are having an Awards Breakfast Banquet on Sunday morning, August 2nd, before the last day of the Train Show opens to the public. In addition, we are offering dozens of door prizes, and raffles of items generously donated by our many sponsors, in addition to providing free goodie, swag, shopping bags to all participants, also filled with items from our sponsors, INCLUDING the iconic Moon Pies from Chattanooga Bakery, and treats from McKee Bakeries, better known as Little Debbies (in the adjacent Chattanooga suburb of CollegeDale)!
We continue to raise the money we need for the 220 8' tables which we will need for the layout and are almost to our goal.
We have done this by soliciting sponsorship and by selling 'extra fare' items at
www.nationalt-traklayout.com. Including the Official T-TRAK module alignment tool, and the Official extended length rerailer (at 11" long, perfect for those Big Boys, Baldwin Centipedes, and articulated rolling stock)
Although the layout is technically full, we are ALWAYS looking for participants without modules who want to help us operate the layout during setup and the Train Show. Participants without modules will have FULL participant benefits including all the freebies and being able to operate trains on the layout.
As an additional note, ScaleTrains, in addition to sponsoring the layout, is also building, as an office project, modules to participate in the layout! Their build blog can be seen on their Facebook group page and their website.
If you wish to participate in the layout (without a module), please visit
www.nationalt-traklayout.com and submit your registration/participation form ASAP!
