Author Topic: Mackinac Northern - a Z scale T-Trak layout  (Read 9143 times)

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keeper

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Mackinac Northern - a Z scale T-Trak layout
« on: November 02, 2021, 05:07:59 PM »
+1
Hi everyone,

Some of you might remember my unfinished Z scale layout: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34870.msg405990
Mainly because of its size I can not finish it. My main N scale layout grew too fast ;-)

So I'm thinking of a Z scale T-Trak layout which could easily be stored away and set up quite quick on a table.
Right now it would consist on two end caps, two quad and two triple modules.
It would be a layout mostly for running trains and minimal switching.
This might be a possible trackplan:



The bottom is loosely based on Newberry in Michigan's UP.

What do you think?
« Last Edit: December 19, 2021, 11:34:20 AM by keeper »
Thomas

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dem34

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2021, 05:42:14 PM »
0
Layouts made out of modules are like the borg now aren't they.  :trollface:

I like it, and the fact that it is just T Trak modules means if you don't like something you can just pop it out and make something else. My 2 cents would be to make a couple staging modules even on a short session on the table it saves some headache of spending %90 of the time just boxing and unboxing stuff, maybe even some T Trak Cassetes that can snap onto the leftmost track.
-Al

keeper

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2021, 02:04:42 PM »
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Some changes to the track plan. I tried to get rid of the straightness...
I do tend to the second version.




Thomas
Thomas

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Pomperaugrr

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2021, 03:05:14 PM »
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I like getting rid of some straight lines, if justified by the scenery, but I do have a concern about the "S-curve" you introduced in the circled area.


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ednadolski

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2021, 03:16:14 PM »
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Why not join the two short sidings into one long one?

wazzou

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #5 on: November 03, 2021, 03:33:48 PM »
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I also am not a fan of one end of the Mainline/Siding being in the through route and the opposite end on the divergent route, but that's just me.
Bryan

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keeper

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2021, 04:19:51 PM »
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I like getting rid of some straight lines, if justified by the scenery, but I do have a concern about the "S-curve" you introduced in the circled area.

Yes, I'm not so sure about that too.
Thomas

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keeper

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #7 on: November 03, 2021, 04:22:48 PM »
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Why not join the two short sidings into one long one?

https://www.google.de/maps/@46.3562199,-85.5068451,382m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=de

If you zoom in into the map, you can see the reason...  ;)
Thomas

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keeper

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #8 on: November 03, 2021, 04:42:16 PM »
+2
Maybe this is better...

« Last Edit: November 03, 2021, 05:06:38 PM by keeper »
Thomas

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #9 on: November 05, 2021, 12:30:13 PM »
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T Trak modules ordered: check.

 :)
Thomas

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keeper

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #10 on: November 05, 2021, 01:12:09 PM »
+1
Order track I need: check

 :D
Thomas

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keeper

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #11 on: November 10, 2021, 03:52:18 PM »
+3
Yesterday the tracks arrived. Nothing special, just some curved track.

Today the module kits arrived. That was very fast, considering that they were packed and shipped on Monday in Poland and arrived today (Wednesday - in Germany).
I'm very glad I ordered those kits. They are very well done. This evening I built one of the six modules and everything fitted nicely.


These are the parts for one endcap plus all corner parts, screws and adjustable feets.


The finished module. Note the lasered lines for the mainline.




A third curve would fit as well.

Thomas  :)
Thomas

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Chris333

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #12 on: November 10, 2021, 05:28:10 PM »
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Damn nice kit.

MK

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #13 on: November 10, 2021, 06:18:51 PM »
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Who makes these kits?  They have a website?

These are nicely done as the major grip about modules is locating the screw holes for the Kato tracks from the underside.  Looks like these are pre-drilled or pre-marked for you to drill.

keeper

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Re: Z scale T-Trak layout
« Reply #14 on: November 11, 2021, 03:37:07 AM »
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PIKART Models makes modules for FREMO and T Trak in various scales.

https://ttrakmodules.com

Yes, the holes are pre-drilled but you have to make them bigger if you want to use the screws which come along with the kits.
These kits are easily build.

Thomas  :)
Thomas

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