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Welcome
john valachovic
Welcome everyone!
Some basic rules: 1. Feel free to post photos, but please police yourselves on how much memory you take up. 2. Feel free to add links, the first one is my other Yahoo group for the Albany Main. 3. Feel free to post other files, but again police yourselves on your use of memory. 4. Feel free to post items for sale or that you are looking for. 5. Please watch your lanquage and tempers, remember we are all friends. 6. Feel free to use this as a blog, write your own reviews, features anything else you want. 7. We can set up polls to get some "market" research done in our group. 8. I need to figure out how to use it, but there is a calendar function also. Enjoy! Any question please contact me. NO IM'S DURING WORK HOURS PLEASE, MY BOSSES WILL FREAK!!!!! John
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Re: Welcome
nuddffoeg
Greetings to John and the rest of the group members! I am Mark from
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Colonie, and I am looking forward to learning a lot more about N-trak and model railroading. In my lifetime I have built (but never completed) one N scale layout. That's it. Period. Space for a layout has always been an issue; and now that I have the space, it is a very wet space, so we have been working for six years to reduce the moisture in our basement. For years I have waited for the opportunity to build the "Gulf Summit Lines/Susquehanna Valley Railway" from the Atlas 'Nine N Scale Railroads' book. Maybe one of these days... My latest 'bug' has been to reproduce the Hogwarts Express (from the Harry Potter series) in N scale. I'd love to put this together in N-trak modules, from King's Cross Station to Hogsmead, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This will likely require four or five separate modules, and the rest of my life to complete! Of course, one of the main challenges is that N-trak requires two mainlines and one branch line, but the Hogwarts Express route was predominantly on a single track. This is where picking the brains of those who have been involved in N-trak for many years comes into play - you folks likely know some tricks that I will never come up with on my own! Well, that's my story. I'm sure this forum will be a lot of fun and very informative for me.
--- In AlbanyNTRAK@..., "albanymain" <albanymain@...> wrote:
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welcome Mark from Colonie
mikelacas <lacasse@...>
Hi Mark, Mike here, one of the best things about N-Trak is you can
model anything you wish. The scene you invision of Hogwarth's express sounds interesting. Within N-Trak there are several variations of specs you can adopt. If a long scene with single track is what you are interested in there is a module type called One-Trak which sounds like just what you need. Hey John! can you link us to N-Trak.org? there you can find the specs for One-Trak along with all the other specs. I also recommend you get the N-Trak newsletter so you can become better informed as to what is. Mike
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Moderator
john valachovic
Geoff is now also a moderator of the group. If someone has a new
prospect to invite to the group, you can send the email address to Geoff or I
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Bend Track Organization and their long URL
nycrr8
John,
Thanks for setting this up this Y! Group. Hi John and/or Geoff, May I suggest adding the following link to our links page? http://home.alltel.net/ah50902/index.htm That rather long url is the home page for Bend Track. Since a number of us have Bend Track modules and adapters for Bend to N Trak, I think that the Bend Track web site would be a good one to add. It has Bend Track specifications and some photos of Bend Track. Geoff, I don't know if you have pics of some of the older shows, but it may be worth sending in some pics of the Bend Track end loops (with adapters). They may add us to their website. Regards, John Henry
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Posting Links
john valachovic
I added the Bendtrak link, thanks. I think you guys can add links
directly, please keep them on topic, but feel free to add. Geoff, when you get a chance could you please add the three websites?
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Re: welcome Mark from Colonie
nuddffoeg
Thanks for the advice Mike. I used to receive the N-Trak Newsletter,
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but that was MANY years ago. However, I did go to the N-Trak site and subscribe to the newsletter, as well as ordering the oNeTrak booklet. As is typically the case, the layout I am envisioning in my head is becoming quite involved. I've started a layout plan w/ the Atlas software - a slow process to be sure! I also have sketched out a rough module plan for the whole thing which includes two transition modules from standard N-Trak leading to and from a kind of peninsula that contains the modules for the Kings Cross station, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and, of course, Hogsmead and Hogwarts. I've even sketched in a small turntable and engine shed layout for storing the Hogwarts Express during idle times. The Kings Cross section will contain several tracks that will loop back around into the standard N-Trak modules, thus introducing a passenger line option for other routes. I'm also thinking of running a non-Hogwarts Express line all the way around the peninsula to accommodate a secondary route through the scenery. It is likely to take me two and a half lifetimes to get this all put together! However, if the finished product is even half as nice as what I am imagining, it will sure be a crowd pleaser. I already have a scale model of the Weasley's bewitched Ford Anglia to place in the layout, and plan to 'bash' a triple-decker Knight Bus for the London scene. Now on to some more practical matters. I read in one of the N-trak sites I found that you can create your modules using lightweight styrofoam rather than plywood and plaster for the tabletop and scenery contours. Has anyone ever attempted this? How well does it hold up? And what are the potential drawbacks of this manner of construction? Lightweight is desirable, but if the module only lasts for one or two shows, it would be a waste. Also, I am having a devil of a time figuring out my track dimensions in the Atlas software. Using standard N scale track lengths, I can't see how you can create modules in two foot increments, since the standard track sections are in 5", 2 1/2", etc. However, I see that the N-Trak site sells 6 1/2" connector sections - this means that the module trackage would start 3 1/4" in from each edge. That leaves 41 1/2" of trackage on a four foot module (assuming straight runs), which still doesn't accommodate standard track lengths. What am I missing? Is it necessary to cut your track sections to make them fit? You can tell I'm a newbie, can't you? OK - enough of this book. Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions! MJA
--- In AlbanyNTRAK@..., "mikelacas" <lacasse@...> wrote:
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Corner module construction
john valachovic
Doug and I are discussing a schedule to construct the modules. We
should start getting an idea of what else is needed to construct the modules beside lumber and members should start getting together to divvie up the labor or one person (not me) could get everything, either way we need to total up the complete costs and then figure out how much everyone needs to contribute. Also we need to reach a consensus on track configuration, I would assume everyone wants orange, red, yellow and blue. Do we want to include optional blue? I would assume we will continue to use cinch jones connectors or do we want to use power pole and make some power pole to cinch jones adapters? Also give some thought to the idea of scenery and structures. The cast resin buildings sold at the shows are nicely done, easily painted and affordable.
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Re: Corner module construction
eleser2002 <leser8@...>
I like the orange, red, yellow and blue for the fact that we can have
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a small double dog bone layout if the end loops are avelable like we had in Fishkill. Is the mountian division being considered? I have power poles and will be converting my modules over to them. The firt conversons will be my reversable corners, adapters will be made from the cinch jones connectors removed. I have no opnion on the optional blue line.
--- In AlbanyNTRAK@..., "albanymain" <albanymain@...> wrote:
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New corners
Joyce <tftr1@...>
Hi, all.
As for new corners, I feel the four main lines are a "must have". The mountain division would be a nice addition, as there are a couple of members who would want it and it would give us the opportunity to make the scenery a little more "3-D". As far as structures go, I'd like to recycle the farm scene on the 4' corner if at all possible as it's a nice scene. I also have an Atlas station kit with platforms. If I recall correctly, John. V. gave these to me a few years back for use on a module. That would take care of scenes for two corners. I'm sure I also have some other structures I can spare. I have enough scrap syrofoam to probably cover the scenery for a corner or two. In addition, I've got a couple of boxes of old trees I got at the GTE years ago. A little work with glue and ground foam.. Brian Hilgenberg
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Re: Corner module construction
nycrr8
I think that Ed's suggestion for the mountain division
is an excellent one. I realize that we have mixed feelings about the mountain division, but since there are a few members using it (not me, at least for now), by including the mountain division on club corners, that would permit having the mountain division at least stretch along a side or two at those shows where members like Ed, Geoff, Neil or Mike bring modules with the mountain divsion. If no one else brings mountain division modules, the corners with mounttain division would help break up scenes if nothing else. We should definitely stick to the "four track mainline" look of the stadard blue, yellow, red and orange, since we do use the double dog loop approach at least once or twice a year. I hope to be "back in the game" with a bend track end loop by Kingston 2007 or Poughkeepsie 2008. Regards, John Henry __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
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Re: Corner module construction
leser8@...
With the mountian division there is a possability of running DCC with out interfering with the blue, yellow, red and orange.
Just food for thought. Ed
-----Original Message-----
From: nycrr8@... To: AlbanyNTRAK@... Sent: Mon, 30 Oct 2006 11:32 AM Subject: [AlbanyNTRAK] Re: Corner module construction I think that Ed's suggestion for the mountain division
is an excellent one. I realize that we have mixed feelings about the mountain division, but since there are a few members using it (not me, at least for now), by including the mountain division on club corners, that would permit having the mountain division at least stretch along a side or two at those shows where members like Ed, Geoff, Neil or Mike bring modules with the mountain divsion. If no one else brings mountain division modules, the corners with mounttain division would help break up scenes if nothing else. We should definitely stick to the "four track mainline" look of the stadard blue, yellow, red and orange, since we do use the double dog loop approach at least once or twice a year. I hope to be "back in the game" with a bend track end loop by Kingston 2007 or Poughkeepsie 2008. Regards, John Henry ____________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.
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Corner modules
Doug Dederick
Hi,
I hope everyone had a nice weekend. John and I drove out to Syracuse to the train show and had a great day. We were able to check out a few 3 foot corners other clubs had at the show. We also sent up a date for John and I to start contstruction. We will be fronting the money for the framing materials. We were also looking for one or two volunters to purchase the track bed, track, and wiring for the mods. At the January meeting we will tally all the costs and divide it among the group. We also talked about making the corner modules capable of being a junction mod. This would be on the orange line. This would give us a great deal of flexibility on layouts. Please give us your thoughts on this. Doug
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Re: corner modules
Joyce <tftr1@...>
Doug,
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I'll get the track & wire. I picked up five pieces of flex track and cork roadbed at J.P.'s today, and have some speaker wire. Just to confirm how much I'll need to buy, are we making two modules? Brian Hilgenberg
----- Original Message -----
From: <AlbanyNTRAK@...> To: <AlbanyNTRAK@...> Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 5:32 AM Subject: [AlbanyNTRAK] Digest Number 8 There is 1 message in this issue.
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Re: corner modules
Doug Dederick
Brain Thank you for helping out and yes we are building two. We may also need 4 rights and 4 left turnouts depending on the group decision on transition capability. Please keep all receipts and bring them to the meeting in Jan. Thanks again
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Joyce" <tftr1@...> To: <AlbanyNTRAK@...> Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 4:07 PM Subject: [AlbanyNTRAK] Re: corner modules Doug,
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supplies for mods
Doug Dederick
Brain H. has offered to pick up track and wiring for the corner mods.
Thanks Brain. We still need to hear from the group on making the corner mods capable of being transition corners. Thanks everyone Doug and John
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correction
Doug Dederick
I called them trainsision mods but I ment juction mods it's been a
long day! Thanks Doug
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Re: corner modules
nycrr8
Doug,
At Poughkeepsie and Kingston (and maybe other shows, we sometimes ran a "two track" branch line off one of Mike Lacasse's corner/junction modules. At the end of the "two track" branch line was a Bend Track end loop (two track main line). Then we had a Bend Track to N Trak adapter which connects Red and Orange lines to the front of the Bend Track module and Yellow and Blue lines to the back of the Bend Track module (s). Then there were one or several N Trak modules, all with orange. This connected to the junction module, which connected the branch to the main layout and also served as a corner module for the rectangular main layout. The junction was configured so that the Orange line ran completely into the branch line (all the time). Red line had two turnouts on the junction so that Red could be switched into (and out of) the branch line, or left to continue around the main layout without going into the branch line. This allowed for operating flexibility in the branch line. That configuration has served us well and should work for future Bend Track branch lines. I suppose it would also work with a One Track branch line, should we ever have one. Obviously it would not work for a tradional rectangular layout with NO branch lines. Regards, John Henry --- In AlbanyNTRAK@..., "Doug Dederick" <ddederic@...> wrote: may also need 4 rights and 4 left turnouts depending on the group decisionon transition capability. Please keep all receipts and bring them tothe meeting in Jan. Thanks again______________________________________________________________________ __ ______________________________________________________________________ __ ______________________________________________________________________ __ ------- -------Yahoo! Groups Links
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Re: corner modules
nuddffoeg <nuddffoeg@...>
My vote would be to NOT make the corners into junctions. Having them
be junctions does two things - it makes them not fit the N-Trak standard for track radius, and (from what I read in other discussions) it makes them not usable for our normal 4-track around layouts. It sounds like others are taking care of buying things. I'll pitch in funds now or in January. As for the wiring, should we re-use the wires on the existing corners? And what will we do with the old 4' corners?
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T-Trak adapter module
nuddffoeg <nuddffoeg@...>
I have nearly finished an adapter module that will let us go from the
outer main to T-Trak modules forming a "T" with the main N-Trak layout. My plan is that it will be reversible, so the T-Trak modules can go inside or outside the main layout. This does several things. It makes everything one big layout. It keeps my son somewhat involved and interested, since he has a T-Trak module but not an N-Trak module. It will allow us to use the T-Trak modules as a setup area, which will be useful until Mike Lacasse gets off the weekend shift and comes back with his yard modules. It may hinder the use of the outer main for DCC from an operational standpoint, although I don't think there is anything electrical that will be a problem. I plan to put it into the Kingston layout this Sunday (the paint and glue should be dry!) as just a 2' module, and I'll try connecting T-Trak modules at the PCC show in a week and a half. One challenge will be to bring the "banquet" table height up to a level where the T-Trak modules can connect to the N-Trak 40" layout height.
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