Southwest desert T-TRAK module (double)

[arbomambo]

Hello all...
Going to use this thread to post step-by-step photos of this T-TRAK module build - another module in my Southwest NM desert series.

Basically showing how I've gone from this:



to this:

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Is this the one you sealed around the turnouts on? If so, I'm looking forward to how that worked out.

[arbomambo]

The silicone worked like a charm!... not even a hint of creepage or wicking of the scenic cement up into the turnout mechanism.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

The silicone worked like a charm!... not even a hint of creepage or wicking of the scenic cement up into the turnout mechanism.

Fantastic. I'll definitely be doing that.

On another front, what have you done to deal with the potential shorts these things can cause? In the layout I've been playing with the one track is fed through an auto reversing circuit breaker so it's not an issue, but I could see it being a problem on a group layout.

[arbomambo]

No concern whatsoever about shorts...

Most understand that individual ‘powered’ modules are wired BWWB (the tracks - red and yellow- are wired in opposite polarity)
To be able to actually use the crossover in a layout, the polarity of the yellow track (rear) is reversed at the power source.

When the situation requires the two lines be completely separate (like when the red line is operated on DCC and the yellow line is DC, or the BWWB wiring must be preserved, like when they become the same line while using balloon loops, you simply put custom spacers into the manual throw slots to prevent inadvertent throwing of the switch.
These crossovers are isolated/gapped already, so they don’t produce a shirt until something actually traverses the divergent route when operated in opposite polarity.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Oh man, I love the switch lock idea! That's smart. I'll have to make up a set for mine.

Thanks for the info. I really like the crossovers but I've been a bit nervous. But now? No more!

[Dave V]

Bruce,

I'm a huge fan of your work.  Not only have you made that Unitrack look worlds better, you're a master at desert Southwest scenery.  Plus, one of my not-so-secret crushes is the AT&SF in NM and AZ, so yeah...you keep right on sharing!

[arbomambo]

Thanks,
Wish we could have visited when you lived down this way...
Even though I have yet to build and add a signal system to protect the crossovers, I set the module up in an oval with a couple of other Southwest themed T-TRAK modules to make sure it performed as expected.

[arbomambo]

The idea for this module started with the desire to utilize these new-ish crossovers from Kato...they are considerably more prototypical as crossovers than the original Kato all-in-one piece.
  I also wanted to build another double to extend my Southwest theme set of modules, so , as the crossover is done as concrete and resin tie double track, I knew I was going to have to paint all those ties to somewhat resemble wooden ties. (I was hoping the concrete tie profile wouldn't be obvious after painting...it isn't)

Here I've painted all the rail and ties with a microbrush






I also tweaked the crossovers to ensure smooth performance. I filed down the frogs and rails to provide a completely level and smooth surface; the frogs stand a little proud of the rest of the rail as delivered.
I created a little video while testing the performance.

[arbomambo]

Busy, busy, busy!  Denise and I haven't slowed down at all during the past year - despite the 'pandemic'. In fact, we may have been even busier than usual!
  Regardless, this particular module has been 'mostly' finished, apart from the cantilever signal bridges that will guard the crossover. I finally sat down to finish the two NJ International double track signal bridges and add the Showcase Miniatures signals (non-working)




I needed to make these easily removeable for transport, track cleaning, etc. - I decided on a magnet system. My wife uses tiny magnets for various craft projects that are just perfect for my needs.
I made a small 3 layer styrene 'sandwich'; capturing one of the magnets in the center section. I glued this to the bottom of the signal bridge base, then faired the styrene to form a larger base.




I then glued another magnet into the cork base where the signal bridges will be placed, making sure to keep the magnet in the proper orientation - attracting the magnet in the signal bridge base, not repelling it.





The extra height on the magnet base helped make sure the clearances were in order.




I sprayed the bridges flat black, painted the bases weathered concrete, and added electrical cabinets and signal boxes at each location.



Only detail left was to add the ATSF station sign (Thanks again Otto!!!)
I used an 8' Sunrise Enterprises casting, and produced the name in Word. Then, using Testors white decal paper, printed the sign names on my inkjet printer. After making sure to use the carrier spray from Testors, the decals were applied to the painted and weathered casting.

[Philip H]

I like the magnet solution.  Are these lit?

[squirrelhunter]

Bruce, I was reading up thread where you mentioned a method to seal the turnouts so ballast does not get into them- do you have any photos?

[arbomambo]

I used silicon caulk along the bottom edges of the turnouts before the ballasting process. Worked great;no issues with glue seeping into the turnout mechanisms.

[basementcalling]

No concern whatsoever about shorts...

Most understand that individual ‘powered’ modules are wired BWWB (the tracks - red and yellow- are wired in opposite polarity)
To be able to actually use the crossover in a layout, the polarity of the yellow track (rear) is reversed at the power source.

When the situation requires the two lines be completely separate (like when the red line is operated on DCC and the yellow line is DC, or the BWWB wiring must be preserved, like when they become the same line while using balloon loops, you simply put custom spacers into the manual throw slots to prevent inadvertent throwing of the switch.
These crossovers are isolated/gapped already, so they don’t produce a shirt until something actually traverses the divergent route when operated in opposite polarity.

Aren't you always going to have a direct short with the rails being wired reversed from each other on the two lines? Any engine crossing the gap will short the layout won't it? If they cannot be used in the majority of layout configurations, why put them on a module? I have to admit I have never understood the logic of the TTRAK wiring specifications. Did they originally plan that both tracks would be part of a dumbell type arrangement where they are part of the same loop? That is rarely how most clubs seem to set up their TTRAK layouts.

[arbomambo]

Aren't you always going to have a direct short with the rails being wired reversed from each other on the two lines? Any engine crossing the gap will short the layout won't it? If they cannot be used in the majority of layout configurations, why put them on a module? I have to admit I have never understood the logic of the TTRAK wiring specifications. Did they originally plan that both tracks would be part of a dumbell type arrangement where they are part of the same loop? That is rarely how most clubs seem to set up their TTRAK layouts.

Short answer...No.
even though the modules, themselves, are wired with opposite drops (the standard BWWB wiring), the bus wire orientation is the key to using modules with crossovers...
Far too many get wrapped up in the 'module wiring standard(BWWB)' and completely neglect the 'layout wiring'.i.e.bus wire.

folks can (and do) debate the rationale of the BWWB module wiring standard...as nauseum. But the fact is, whether one understands it, or agrees or disagrees with it, is the the standard, and not likely to ever change.
Rather than the individual module wiring standard limiting T-TRAK setups and layouts, it's actually very liberating and allows FAR more ways to arrange and design layouts.

https://www.ntrak.org/resources/Documents/T-TRAK%20Standards.pdf

the official standards document (which FAR too many folks never read or disregard entirely) is very well written and very illustrative.

It helps to understand if one realizes that each track, on any T-TRAK layout, is a separate line and each uses a separate bus (exceptions: in a very simple T-TRAK layout, with modules arranged in a back-to-back arrangement on a single table, as originally shown/debuted in 2000, many folks use a single bus - or none at all - connected to the power source; with both tracks operated by one throttle).

  In layouts OTHER than the 'dumbell' arrangement you cite, with balloon loop modules turning red line back onto yellow line, and vice versa, simply reverse one, or the other, of the bus wire connections to the power source. In this way, with modules wired to the correct BWWB standard, both lines are now the same polarity...

  In layouts that are arranged single file (as in a FreeMo layout), crossover modules can't be used/operated in those sections of single file modules. However, they can be used in a balloon section of back-to-back modules, formed by a junction module.

  I highly suggest perusing the standards document, with the idea that T-TRAK layout design is unlimited. Again, far too many folks, including a lot of T-TRAKers, have the notion that T-TRAK setups/layouts are limited to the back-to-back oval of modules, on lengths of single tables, in a 'roundy round' configuration.