Build a T-Trak Track Aligner

[hminky]

Have a "What-I-Did" delving into aligning track on T-Trak modules:

http://www.chainsawjunction.com/n-scale/t-trak/aligner/



PDF version at:

http://www.chainsawjunction.com/n-scale/t-trak/aligner/aligner.pdf

Thank you if you visit
Harold

[peteski]

Good idea, but what about the other end of the module?  Why not make the alignment tool symmetrical so it can be used to align both sides?

I see 2 ways to accomplish that.

1. Make the base as wide as intact pieces of Unitrak so the track joiners will couple on either side..
2. Leave it the way you made it, but make the back side of the alignment tool deeper, to whatever length it needs to be so be able to use it on the other end of the module.

[hminky]

Build a left and right and the track is easy to align on the module.

Harold

[peteski]

Well then, you have a nice pair.
To me it would make sense to have it as a single piece. Fewer things to misplace and look for in my messy workshop. 

[hminky]

Well then, you have a nice pair.
To me it would make sense to have it as a single piece. Fewer things to misplace and look for in my messy workshop. 

Believe you fail to grasp the concept.

There are two, one for each side.

Hook them to the track.

Both ends are offset the correct distance and the 1-1/2" from the front.

The edge gap is also maintained.

Just screw the track down.



Harold

[peteski]

No, you again, fail to understand my way of thinking.  Besides, the photo you originally posted only showed one piece.    And no, I didn't visit your site or open up the pdf file (I thought that your post showed a complete design).

Since the track is lose when you are installing, you can just as easily align it one side at a time, tack that side dwon, them flip the aligner, place it on the other side, then align that side and tack it down.

I'm not going to argue with you.  When one posts something in an online forum, one should expect others commenting on whatever the topic is.  That is exactly what I did.

 

[hminky]

  And no, I didn't visit your site or open up the pdf file.

Now I understand your point of view.

Harold

[craigolio1]

I think what Peteski is trying to say, is "great idea"!  But I'm paraphrasing. Haha. Sorry Peteski. I couldn't resist.

Seriously though great idea. Maybe I'll make one like that for N-track.

Craig.

[peteski]

I think what Peteski is trying to say, is "great idea"!  But I'm paraphrasing. Haha. Sorry Peteski. I couldn't resist.

Seriously though great idea. Maybe I'll make one like that for N-track.

Craig.

I guess my original response of "Good idea, but what about the other end of the module?"  was not enough of a praise?     Next time I'll try to do better.  How's "Superbly stellar and outstanding idea, but what about the other end of the module?"    I also like the concept.

[Maletrain]

Gotta disagree with Peteski about attaching the 2 aligners together.  That would make a much larger part to store, somewhere,and would be much easier to bust.  Just stick the pair in an appropriate size box and mark it so that you know what and where the aligners are next time you need them, if you don't have a spot to hang them on the wall. 

If Peteski's work area is so cluttered that he loses stuff that isn't larger than a T-Trak module, maybe it's time to remember Mom's advice to "clean up your room."

[hminky]

I guess my original response of "Good idea, but what about the other end of the module?"  was not enough of a praise?     Next time I'll try to do better.  How's "Superbly stellar and outstanding idea, but what about the other end of the module?"    I also like the concept.

Sorry, not looking for praise.

Am commenting about a question that could have been answered by reading the article.

Like I said I get your point of view.

Harold

[milw12]

I like it Harold, the other day I caught myself idly thinking about how to make such a jig after seeing yours in the other thread. And a few days later I have my answer! Timely! Not that I'm off to try T-Trak anytime soon but it's a good resource to have.

Thanks,
Lucas

[hminky]

I like it Harold, the other day I caught myself idly thinking about how to make such a jig after seeing yours in the other thread. And a few days later I have my answer! Timely! Not that I'm off to try T-Trak anytime soon but it's a good resource to have.

Thanks,
Lucas

When I decided to build a larger non-standard module, I made the first version based on the T-Trak Wiki article.

It makes aligning the multiple track pieces easier without have any kinks develop.

The new version is an improvement because the gap spacing is introduced by the wood strip.

The original idea was manipulating a styrene strip on the front of the track piece.

Harold

[peteski]

Gotta disagree with Peteski about attaching the 2 aligners together.  That would make a much larger part to store, somewhere,and would be much easier to bust.  Just stick the pair in an appropriate size box and mark it so that you know what and where the aligners are next time you need them, if you don't have a spot to hang them on the wall. 

If Peteski's work area is so cluttered that he loses stuff that isn't larger than a T-Trak module, maybe it's time to remember Mom's advice to "clean up your room."

I guess I should explain. My first  idea was to make a single double-ended aligner. You could use whatever shortest Unitrack piece Kato makes.  It could actually be even shorter than Harold's.  Just build it in a way that both ends can be used for alignment or with me second idea, make the wooden piece deep enough (symmetrical front to back) so it can be flipped and used on the other side.

As far as my workbench goes, clean work area is a sure sign of a sick mind! 

[JanesCustomTrain]

I agree with Pete here, instead of having a left and a right piece, why don't make one or two unisex pieces ? Just extend one side of the wood piece the same distance from the rail to the edge and you can use either piece on either side. Or go even further and cut the piece of wood only as long as the track and you would have 2 pieces you could use 4 ways each. Complicated ? No, not really, just "European" thinking, you know, out of the box.   

Jane