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They can't and they don't. They can't use a gauge either. Wouldn't have 8 different lengths of 5 inch joiner tracks if they could. But spiking down a 6 inch section of loose track on a module? I wouldn't call that a better solution even if it does look better. It proves that even the best can't measure dead on. Heck, I can't walk on a job and start cutting perfect for another carpenter on the first day. Takes a few cuts to get our "eyes" in sync. Of course pros know which side of the line to cut and how thick a pencil lead is.Martin Myers
But spiking down a 6 inch section of loose track on a module? I wouldn't call that a better solution even if it does look better. It proves that even the best can't measure dead on. Martin Myers
We built two shorty template modules that clamp to either side of a new module. Then we run the track right up to the edge, matching the templates, and fix it in place. We get away with no joiner tracks, no spiking, and ballast right up to the edge.
...we align the outside tracks at the module ends, then (if needed) we just bend the inside tracks a little to get them exactly aligned, and spike them down on the Midwest cork roadbed, which is ballasted on the sides, and painted on the top to match the ballast.
Doesn't the constant spiking/de-spiking chew up the roadbed? Eventually, it seems to me, you'd have difficulty finding a solid place to put the spikes. Do you deliberately "misalign" the modules a little from show to show, to allow the spikes to be in fresh cork each time?
Cody,If you're Ntrak, then the busses are 12ga. as that's the requirement. Anderson Powerpoles are GREAT, and way better than Cinch-Jones Connectors, even though the technology for both of them is roughly contiguous.The truth is that joiner tracks, which at first may seem "simple" are not simple. They are a royal pain in the butt. Although I run my tracks flush with the module ends and glue them down permanently on my LDE's because they are always set up together (dedicated), on our common ends, the inside track is not glued down 5 to 6 inches back from the edge...so, at shows when we set up, we align the outside tracks at the module ends, then (if needed) we just bend the inside tracks a little to get them exactly aligned, and spike them down on the Midwest cork roadbed, which is ballasted on the sides, and painted on the top to match the ballast. It takes only a fraction of the time Ntrakers take messing with joiner tracks, and additionally, track current is not carried by corroded and loose rail joiners, but through the rails connected to feeders like the rest of the layout. Also, the track is painted and weathered just like the rest of the trackage, so there's no transition from nicely weathered, painted track to raw plastic ties and unpainted rails with shiny rail joiners. Doesn't look a little better, it looks exponentially better.The Ntrak joiner track solution illustrates my point exactly. Using joiner tracks is only "simple" because nobody thought of a more efficient, functionally better system, and Jim Fitzgerald evidently thought that the vast majority of model railroaders don't know how to read a tape measure, nor can they glue something down precisely...so...Ntrak has joiner tracks...the "simple" solution that really isn't simple at all and the source of the vast majority of running problems that the Ntrak design encourages.My CTC system will be hooked up through Loconet, and be a simple, plug-in affair as CTC was used on only three sidings between Petersen and Wahsatch up Weber Canyon during my time period (1951 through 1956). The rest of the rails, between Petersen and Altamont, were ABS until 1952, following a collision of the COSF and the COLA at Wyuta which happened because bad weather (blizzard conditions) made reading the signals impossible. Following that, the signaling was ACS, which is essentially the same as ABS but with repeaters in the cabs. So, my ABS signalling scheme will operate prototypically, with sensors actuated by occupancy to control my signal lamps...without human intervention, just like it was in 1951 in Weber and Echo Canyons.I don't have a problem with "revealing too much" as everything I do is open for perusal, criticism, improvement and adoption by any model railroader. I'm puzzled as to why your club's CTC system specifics are being kept confidential????Lee, I like your ideas and the LDE you'll be modeling. I too can't wait to see what you choose to do in the end. As to skyboards, some people like 'em, some people don't. I'm one of the people who really like 'em, and I believe they add considerable depth to any scene. They are restrictive by their very nature, but that's one of the principles of a boxed diorama, in use by many museums throughout the world. On the other hand, no skyboards is also restrictive in that it limits a "realistic" view of modules to God's Eye views and realistic photography with portable backgrounds or setting up outside. Of course, there's always Photoshop. I in no way think that eliminating them makes the scene more realistic. In fact, I would argue just the opposite, which is the main reason I decided to incorporate them into my module design. However, mine are removable, both for maintenance and transportation ease and if you decide to go with a club whose standards don't allow skyboards, simply removing them would help adapt your modules to their standards. One thing I've done that is a little odd is to make my skyboards 8' long in my LDE's, which are comprised of 6' modules. This offsets the skyboard seams from the module joints, which de-emphasizes them (and is another reason they're removable!) Something to think about.
I'm not keeping anything a secret. Explaining the intricacies of the CTC system and the proper terminology involved is above my pay-grade unless I were to have visuals on hand, by which I mean set-up in person.As for everything else... If my schools woodshop can't keep a piece of wood from twisting on the racks, then I would never expect anyone to get any measurements/alignments 100% correct unless they hired machinists to do it all for them, including me.Plus, No one can prevent expansion and contraction.Obviously you demand much from yourself (as do I of my own self, although it doesn't get me anywhere usually), but to ask the same of someone else is pushing the boundaries if you ask me. For me It's a matter of personal morals.-Cody F.
If I had them in my possession at the moment I'd post a photo. Measuring is fine, but there's a few additional benefits to template modules:
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Topic: Free Mo N or Ntrak. Seeking direction now for a project later. (Read 9713 times)
