PRR MG Interlocking NTRAK Module

[chicken45]

The prototype:



The plan options:




Option 1: Not ideal. I want it all on a single module.
Option 2: Better, but with the wide spacing of the NTRAK standard, it pushes the bottom turnouts very close to the edge. This includes two 2 foot modules on each end for transitions of 3 to 4 track mainline.
Option 3: I think this is the way I want to go. This features non standard NTRAK spacing (a name I cleverly call "JTRAK spacing"). This will look more prototypical and let me use my Traincat signals.

With this track spacing, I'd always have to use the end transitions, but I planned to do that anyways if I did option 2.
One thing Option 3 does not show is that the top turnouts  will be moved out to align with the bottom ones.
The configuration will be Orange, Red, Yellow, Blue from top to bottom. The transitions will likely change from being on blue line to red line.

[seusscaboose]

I like it

Hopefully Ryan will chime in here

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Option 2, all the way. It allows for maximum flexibility of use, both operationally, and from a "fit it into the layout" perspective.

It's NTRAK, and I know this sounds odd coming from me, but function over form is important.

[chicken45]

Option 2, all the way. It allows for maximum flexibility of use, both operationally, and from a "fit it into the layout" perspective.

It's NTRAK, and I know this sounds odd coming from me, but function over form is important.

nooooooo but I want my signals! I know traincat made longer NTRAK versions, but I don't have those! And I'd need two!
I do understand the need for it to function, but if I have transitions on the end, like I'd need with either option 2 or 3, what's the disadvantage?
Hmm. Other 4 track modules ?

[seusscaboose]

How so?

The modules would always be used together as a set,

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Because, if the track spacing is kept standard, you wouldn't have to use the transitions. This is helpful for small shows, where the full thing might not fix, or situations where, for some reason, you can't schlep the entire thing (think long distance trip where you need luggage/etc).

Additionally, it can easily be plugged into stretches of four track modules (if others, for example, wanted to do theirs with all four).

[seusscaboose]

Spacing is tighter for signal bridge useage as well as switch spacing

Transitions are needed to get the junction all on one module

[chicken45]

So, I was going to do the transitions anyways because that way, no matter where I go, all four tracks can be used between us.

So, Eric, you said that the full interlocking wouldn't all fit? Could it be fudged with dedicated jointer tracks?

[seusscaboose]

for my 2 cents....    i would do the transitions...  and keep MG to 6 ft.

finding 10 feet is not an issue on any of the shows we have done over the past 5 years (other than Oakland, which we havent been back to in 3 years).

if you're worried about schlepping it around... the 2 footers can be cradled together into a nice 2x2x2 cube...  and the 6 foot coffin should fit in your car on it's side with no worries.

and if it gets built and you have problems moving it, i am sure there is help avaialble for moving it.

[chicken45]

It looks like total NTRAK standard spacing is 1.5 inches, so for 4 tracks, that's 6 inches total. My signals are 5 inches.

So, I wonder what if...instead of two 2 foot transitions, we do a pair of 1 footers that have four tracks on both sides. That allows other 4 trackers to join "the slope," but limits their usefullness in using all four of their lines unless they have standard 3 to 4 track transitions. But at the end of the day, will it even matter for NTRAK? We would need another full interlocking to even use an interlocking as an interlocking. For now, it's mostly for decoration.

Thoughts? Be frank (I'll still be Garth).

[seusscaboose]

You can use the interlocking to change tracks as long as both (or all three) lines are dcc... Which is most of the time

[chicken45]

So, interlocking basically create miles-long passing "sidings," right?
We can re-route trains, but how do we get them back while being cognizant of people assigned to their line?

[seusscaboose]

Do it all n the yard or on martins banjos

There may be other places as well

[S Class]

Thoughts? Be frank (I'll still be Garth).

I can hear the SPF's getting their shooting irons and lynching ropes, but, do you really need the 4th track? Just in that space with the interlocking it is going to look mighty weird.

Forgive me if I am wrong but isn't there a fourth or green track in the NTRAK standards? can you bring that into the foreground?

[seusscaboose]

Green track is mountain division

His will be orange red yellow blue