Best Of Modutrak Updates

[dem34]

So this right here reminds me of my major gripe with Freemo... the lack of backdrops. Because even just the white nothing one here makes this all look so much better.

Didn't Mark Watson used to binder clip skyboards to his modules? I've sorta stolen that for the cliff.

[vermonter_railfan]

Didn't Mark Watson used to binder clip skyboards to his modules? I've sorta stolen that for the cliff.

Yeah, he has a pair of tripods that he used to make a portable backdrop at shows. He used it at Amherst in 2023.

[SAH]

So this right here reminds me of my major gripe with Freemo... the lack of backdrops. Because even just the white nothing one here makes this all look so much better.

For photos, yes it does look better.  For general observation (or detailed observation for that matter) at a show, it makes no difference.

[skytop35]

For photos, yes it does look better.  For general observation (or detailed observation for that matter) at a show, it makes no difference.

Exactly !  Since the modules are set up at shows and can be observed from both sides, a backdrop makes no sense. Interestingly, I didn't expect the comments to be about the backdrop or lack there of on a module that features interlocking rods that are seldom if ever modeled in N scale.

[dem34]

Exactly !  Since the modules are set up at shows and can be observed from both sides, a backdrop makes no sense. Interestingly, I didn't expect the comments to be about the backdrop or lack there of on a module that features interlocking rods that are seldom if ever modeled in N scale.

When the exceptional is the norm the mundain stands out.

[SAH]

Exactly !  Since the modules are set up at shows and can be observed from both sides, a backdrop makes no sense. Interestingly, I didn't expect the comments to be about the backdrop or lack there of on a module that features interlocking rods that are seldom if ever modeled in N scale.

One of the things I DON'T get to model on Spur 4 is an interlocker.  I've long wanted to give it a try.  Bill's build is stunning.  My AC&Y/W&LE Spencer module crossing is an electrical plant.  Drat.  Hiles tower, the ACY/Big 4 crossing at New London, modeled as "the donut" by @btrain, is a full mechanical interlocker.  We discussed how he might do that some time ago but I think he's fully committed to the Water Level Route FreeMoN build these days.

[Sokramiketes]

So this right here reminds me of my major gripe with Freemo... the lack of backdrops. Because even just the white nothing one here makes this all look so much better.

We get it.  Keith Kohlmann gets it more though... shows are one thing, and portable modules in natural light and settings are another.  All taken on Modutak modules in the outdoors by Keith:

[Sokramiketes]

Let’s talk rabbit holes and CTC machines for a minute.

Because trains and because Modutrak, we need the Sturtevant depot’s (ex-tower A-68) machine to control Sturtevant to Oakwood.

Those crazy dudes at CTCParts will trade cabinets for cash.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

It is astounding. And about as close as you can get to an original.

Alan Bell has cleverly adapted LED holders and machined lamp collars with modern plastic lens covers.

I started trying to tune the colors to better match the original.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Sokramiketes]

Now here's where the rabbit hole gets deep.  My friend (enemy?) Web dropped off some original US&S lamp sockets, 24V bulbs, and Western Electric jewels to help match colors.

These are waaaaaay neater than modern plastic.  Look at the life in these bubbled glass lens lamp covers:

[ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Sokramiketes]

Western Electric called these "lamp caps" as shown in an excerpt of the 1948 catalog:

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

And here's what a lamp cap removal tool 319B and lamp extractor looked like:

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

So if you ever wanted to know how those modern plastic LED bezels got their size and shape, it's to match these original WE lamp covers. 

Now I'm off to collect enough originals to get the proper look on the cabinet.  Let me know if you see any for sale! 

[milw156]

So Mike, is someone going to be manning this during shows? When will you be teaching the class to run it?!!! 

[Sokramiketes]

I think it’s time for a tour of the layout!

Modutrak set up at two shows this spring, one in Madison, WI and one in Rockford, IL. Here’s the current layout plan, with most scenes ending up in geographic order.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

With this arrangement, I’m starting to ponder operations, as it sets up well for both passenger and freight action.
But that’s the future, let’s start our tour heading eastbound from Tunnel City, WI:

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

This is a newer end loop set for us. It was built by Karl Andraschko out in the PNW and hauled over to us at St Louis RPM last year. The scene is the twin tunnels, one Milwaukee Road and one C&NW. We’re between Lacrosse and Tomah on the Milwaukee Road mainline between Chicago and the Twin Cities. After the time period modeled, the C&NW tunnel collapsed, causing them to route over the Milwaukee instead.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

The minimum radius on these bigger end loops is 24” R. The smaller end loops were 19” and were limiting for long freight trains. So, go big or go home.

[Sokramiketes]

On the plan this filler module, a standard 5ft straight module, is lovingly referred to as Pig Farm. Wilbur routinely makes an appearance in the mud. But it is really Springdale Road, and planned to be part of a Duplainville set. Originally constructed by Matt Gaudynski back around 2010.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Sokramiketes]

Also at the west end of the layout is Wisconsin Dells. This two module set, 10ft overall, is by Nate Pierce. One module features a depressed fascia to show off the double deck bridge over the Wisconsin River. The other features the depot and freight house.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Nate is a prolific circus train modeler, and his advance car is parked in the siding helping to advertise in town before the circus arrives in the coming weeks. Also being unloaded at the dock is a Duck!

[Sokramiketes]

The first of our large, 5ft corner modules is next. This scene is modeled after a curve outside of the Dells. The railroad up on the embankment, the roughly 54”R super elevated curves, make this a very photogenic scene. After the frame and track were built out, Mike Skibbe and Jamie Vondruska banged out the scenery in like two hours one weekend. I still don’t know why progress takes so long otherwise. LOL.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

I’ve included an in progress photo so you can see the spline roadbed under the track and surrounding foam scenery base.