N-Trak Standards
jconway
You asked about the basic dimensions of the standard N-Trak
module as well as the track spacing.
First of all, if you are considering building an N-Trak module, I
would STRONGLY suggest that you order the N-TRAK Manual from:
NTRAK
1150 Wine Country Place
Templeton CA 93465
This will help get you started on the right track. The price is
only $1.00 postpaid.
Also available is the NTRAK "How To" book, with over 100 pages of
plans, photos and "how to" details for building NTRAK modules.
The price is $9.00 postpaid. If you are really serious about
NTRAK modules, this is an EXCELLENT reference resource.
Also available from NTRAK is the NTRAK Newsletter, $5.00
per year and issued bi-monthly (Jan/Feb Mar/Apr May/Jun Jul/Aug
Sep/Oct Nov/Dec)
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To answer your question on module dimensions and track spacing:
As viewed from the front, the standard module is 4 ft (48") wide
from left to right and 2 ft (24") deep from front to back.
There are three parallel straight tracks that cross the module from
left to right. The ends of these tracks are inset
PRECISELY 2-1/2" from the end of the module. The reason for this
is that 5" sections of Atlas straight track are used to join the
modules together when set-up. (2-1/2" + 2-1/2" = 5")
The three tracks are spaced on 1-1/2" centerlines, and laid
parallel to one another. The track spacing is measure from
the BACK (not the FRONT) of the module. The track closest to the
back of the module has its centerline measured 17" from
the back of the module.
Working toward the front of the module, the second (middle) track
has its centerline measured 18-1/2" from the back of the module.
The track closest to the front of the module has its centerline
measured 20" from the back of the module.
Typical module construction is either a 3/8" or l/2" plywood
top and 1 x 4 pine framing. Legs are generally 2 x 2 stock.
You need to insert a T-nut (your hardware store can explain
what this is) in the bottom of each module leg so that the
height of the module is adjustable. NTRAK standards call for
the height of the rail on the module to be 40" (+/-) from the
floor. Be sure to allow for the thickness of the cork subroadbed
on which the track is laid.
Again, I STRONGLY suggest that you obtain the NTRAK Manual
BEFORE starting module construction. It will show you all
the module specifications more clearly than can be explained
here.
Regards,
Don Brown
Tucson AZ
udbefos
Tom Reid
>module? Also, how far in should the track be from the front edge?
>
>Thanks,
>Jim
The basic module is 2' x 4' with the center of the track 17", 18 1/2", and 20"
from the BACK of the module. There are other possibilities such as Nn3 and
mountain division tracks, 6' modules, added room at front or back of modules.
These depend on the local club standards (for example, I belong to the Phoenix
SunNSands club which requires a mountain division).
I strongly suggest you get the NTRAK Module Manual ***BEFORE*** you plan
anything. It is $1.00 postpaid from: NTRAK, 1150 Wine Country Place,
Templeton, CA 93465. The manual is a 16 page summary of module standards. As
a deal, send $6 and you will get the manual and a six issue subscription the
the NTRAK Newsletter. Jim FitzGerald, the founder and proprietor of NTRAK as
a labor of love, also has several other excellent publications such as
- N Steam Loco Info Book for $10,
- 100+ page 'How to' book for $9,
- Nn3 Manual, for $7,
- Narrow Guage Data Book for $7,
- and various resource booklets for $3 apiece
- #1 - N Throttles,
- #2 - Basic Electronics,
- #3 - Diesels, Run Better,
- #4 - Diesels - Look Better, and
- #5 - Basic N Information).
All of these are excellent buys for the general N-scale modeler. The prices
are all postpaid.
Also, ***BEFORE*** you plan anything, contact the NTRAK club you will want to
run with. They may have added restrictions such as mountain line, scenery
standards, skirting, etc. The NTRAK standards are the minimum you need.
Besides the local standards, you will find the people in the clubs great
resources for help and advice, wanted and not!
Hope this helps you get started.
Tom Reid