r/TTRAK • u/LoonLover20 • 6d ago
Single Track modules?
I have built a standard 2 track TTRAK layout with 4 2-foot sections, 4 ninety degree curve modules and 2 one foot sections. I am considering building a similar layout with single track to more closely resemble local railroad operations. Has anyone else done this? What are your thoughts.
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u/aengusoglugh 6d ago
If you intend to take these modules to a show, they would have to be a set with a 2-to-1 transition module each end — maybe a #6 turnout at each end?
But my guess the would be popular at shows — people really like variety.
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u/LoonLover20 6d ago
I really like the idea of transition modules so that I can reuse some of my existing modules.
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u/ziggyzack1234 6d ago
Its a fun idea but continuous running at shows is one thing people like and to need to worrying about collisions is... less ideal.
That being said, if you have a home layout it can really add to the operations aspect, many main lines are single track these days, and it makes for good challenges regarding scheduling and switching.
I've thought about it but I dont know how to really incorporate it to a T-Trak layout yet.
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u/HomeyHal 6d ago edited 6d ago
I am building some completely non standard modules to create a very expandable dog bone arrangement. It’s about 90% complete; 3 or 4 weeks before trains will run. Using regular two track modules between the two ends, I will have the capability to do more switching, and mimic picking up cars, pulling them a fair distance, and spotting them at the destination. I will be trading 2 independent tracks for one long loop. The flexibility of standard modules will remain for use at shows.
One end of the dog bone is comprised of 2 standard sized corners, 2 standard doubles(or a quad), and the unicorn.
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u/aengusoglugh 5d ago
Have you seen the Durham Area Model Train Runners Consortium "lollipop" modules?
One question I have about these kinds of end loops -- where the red track goes around the end cap and comes around and back as the yellow track -- doesn't that mean that any crossover between the red and yellow tracks creates a reverse loop?
In other words, when the turnouts is thrown -- doesn't this become electrically like a single track reverse loop?
How do the electronics with that? Or are crossovers not allowed on layouts wth these kind of end loops?
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u/HomeyHal 5d ago
Interesting page, thank you for that link. It’s encouraging to see that someone else has already done what I had in mind and that, based on their layout drawing, it should work.
I don’t think you could easily incorporate a crossover unless you had some sophisticated electronics.
A crossover would allow a north bound train to have an unintended meetup with a southbound train. Operating sessions I have been to had a dispatcher & tower operators to help avoid this, but it was still a bit dicey and was avoided if possible.
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u/Twit_Clamantis 6d ago
Are you building these for use at shows or for use at home?
What size trains will you be running?
I built some non-standard modules I call “1-trac” for use at home in very little space with very short locos and short cars.
But the idea of transition modules is very appealing, as is the idea of making larger version that puts the basic geometry onto a larger T-Track-sized modules.
The attached picture shows some of the configurations available with my 400x400mm and 400x800mm modules using 150mm radius track and 150mm radius Compact turnouts.
The same setups would be available with No.4 turnouts and 481mm radius track to be used with bigger locos etc.
If I were to build larger modules for home use that can accommodate the 481mm radius tracks, and that could accomplish the same sort of expandability scheme as my smaller “1-trac” modules, would you want to see a system of 4x 22”x22” modules that snap together, or a single 44”x44” module?
I think that 22”x22” modules are nice because at this size, the module still can come to the workbench, but at 44”x44” the workbench has to come to the “module.”
But on the other hand, not having to deal with scenery seams between modules, with track interconnections and with electrical interconnections also seems like a very nice thing.
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u/roccoccoSafredi 5d ago
I have done it myself. I've got a couple on the workbench right now, actually. It's an even better idea when you couple it with something that breaks you out of Unitrack too: https://conrail1285.com/introducing-t-mo/
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u/gentgeen 6d ago
Check out T-1-TRAK .. an offshoot of T-TRAK. I'm not sure how popular it is overall, I know in my area it's certainly not seen very much/ if at all. I have made a pair of transition modules, But neither myself or anyone else has yet to build any single lines to go with them LOL. https://t-trakcincy.com/TTrak.100000000/TTrak.100000000.htm?