TT track

[nkalanaga]

A TT GP-9 on 9 mm track would be a scale 1080 mm, or 42.5 inch, loco.  A practical prototype conversion, and, if one wants to model 42 inch gauge, TT scale would be a good choice.

Don't we have someone here doing just that?

[Maletrain]

Yes, a regauged TT loco could run on N scale track.  But, it is still a TT scale loco, so everything else on the layout would need to be TT scale, not N scale.  That means we would not want to run such a regauged TT loco on any of our existing N scale layouts.  And, remember, the radius of the curves matters, too, and they would be effectively 25% less radius for the TT scale loco on an N scale layout.  Regauging doesn't make the loco shorter.

I do not understand why you are pursuing this regauging idea.  It seems far harder than just buying TT scale track.  The rest of the process for foe making a small demo layout is going to be the same, whether we use standard gauge TT track or try to simulate narrow gauge TT with N scale track. 

And remember, we already have plenty of standard gauge TT turnouts, it is just the flex track that did not come with this donation.

[peteski]

And remember, we already have plenty of standard gauge TT turnouts, it is just the flex track that did not come with this donation.

As I linked to earlier, Reynaulds has a selection of Tillig's TT gauge track available.  I haven't specifically checked, but flex-track is probably available.  I've been buying model RR items from them for years,and I'm happy with their service.

[Maletrain]

Peteski, Yes, I will be calling them tomorrow - after I take another look at the turnouts we have when I get to the club, today. Some are loose, but some are in boxes, so I want to be sure of the details that I want to match.  Thanks again for posting their contact info.

[Maletrain]

OK, I got the opportunity to measure the rail on all of the various turnouts, and all are actually code 80.  So, they match the available code 80 Tullig flex track.  Reynaulds has that in-stock, so we have a ready source of matching track.  Thanks for the tip, Peteski.

The only piece of track in the whole box that is code 70 is the short piece of flex track that I initially measured.  Odd, but at least there is no reason to try to match it.

So, the only remaining issues are whether we can make the display shelf wide enough to have reasonable radii, and whether the person who would actually make the display really wants to do it, considering his other projects.

Regarding the shelf width, it is currently only 30", but we might be able to extend it a bit.  Without any experience in TT scale, I am thinking that scaling up N scale T-Trak standard dimensions by 33% would mean that I should have 40" for minimum TT scale layout depth.  But, the rolling stock looks short, and the locos are 2 GP-9s and one shorter switcher.  So, any suggestions of minimum track curve radius for the TT scale display?

[peteski]

OK, I got the opportunity to measure the rail on all of the various turnouts, and all are actually code 80.  So, they match the available code 80 Tullig flex track.  Reynaulds has that in-stock, so we have a ready source of matching track.  Thanks for the tip, Peteski.

You're quite welcome Steve.

But, the rolling stock looks short, and the locos are 2 GP-9s and one shorter switcher.  So, any suggestions of minimum track curve radius for the TT scale display?

Check the available radii in sectional TT track.  That would be a good clue.
My TT layout in Poland was rather small, with tight radii, but I don't recall specifics.  The European prototype equipment ran fine on it, and the length of the V200 diesel loco (one in the photo I posted here earlier) was roughly the same as GP9.  I also ran some passenger equipment, and of course it looked ridiculous on such tight curves. But I was a kid and didn't notice or care.



Here is the only photo (scan from a Polaroid) I  have of my first layout.  Don't remember the size. Probably around 4' X 3'.

[Scottl]

I saw a lot of TT layouts at shows in Berlin when we lived there.  It struck me as a nice balance of size and detail.