Now that the SanTrak modules have been placed in temporary storage along with the club trailer, a couple of our members have turned more aggressively toward T-Trak. We have several T-Trak modules between us at this time and more are planned for the near future.

A couple of recent, informal discussions have suggested that we consider the following:

• All future modules to be constructed with the alternate track spacing of 33mm.
   
• The Basic Straight Module (12 1/8" X 8 1/4") may be made for beginner or younger members but the more advanced members may wish to make deeper modules to provide more scenery space. We may suggest that all straight modules have a maximum depth of 13 3/8". This would provide a clearance of 1 1/2 " to 2 " down the center of a table for wiring and/or a common backdrop board.
   
• We presently have 8 or more 90 deg. corner modules, 2 ea. 180 deg. end caps and 4 junction modules. We need 2 or more inside, 90 deg. corner modules as well as a yard to complete our basic list of speciality modules.
   
• We may consider having all straight modules with backdrop boards to provide for protected transportation. Two modules of equal size may then be nested together.
   
• I prefer to cut straight modules 12 3/16" wide and then sand down to 12 1/8" or 308mm after assembly. This will give proper clearance for module connection and provide a smooth edge for painting. The length of the rails will be 12 3/16" or 310mm. That would be one piece of Kato 20-000, 9 3/4" (248mm) and one piece of Kato 20-040, 2 7/16" (62mm).
   
• If we use straight modules with a depth of 13 3/8" and an open back side, the side boards may be cut to a length of 13 1/8".
   
• Double length modules may be cut to 24 3/8" and then sand down to 24 5/16" 0r 618mm after assembly. I think this would be a more practical size for individuals that wish to try some experimentation and improve their scenery techniques. The length of the rails on this module will be 24 3/8" or 620mm. That would require two pieces of Kato 20-000, 9 3/4" (248mm) and two pieces of Kato 20-040, 2 7/16" (62mm) or one piece of Kato 20-020, 4 7/8" (124mm).
   
• We need to give serious thought to wiring for an expanded T-Trak layout. A small 3' X 6' tabletop oval can easily run with one set of drops per track, especially when the track is new. However, larger layouts and worn rail joiners will soon increase voltage drops with increasing problems. A bag of new rail joiners would be one solution, but there should be a better way!
   
• I feel that T-Trak modules larger than double length size tend to be somewhat harder to construct and much harder to protect and transport except in a specific case such as yard modules. I have also found that overall dimensions of the larger modules seem to have a slight error between English and Metric measurements, at least on paper. This is apparently due to conversion formulas that are rounded off instead four or five place accuracy. I do believe the Metric track is accurate and the wooden modules should be corrected accordingly.
  Therefore, dimensions for the larger modules as shown below should be considered as approxi-mate until such time as track can be assembled and the unassembled module length may be verified with track. The use of turnouts for yard and passing tracks must be carefully checked to ensure proper track length for the module
   
• Triple length modules may be cut to 36 5/8" and then sand down to 36 9/16 or 928mm after assembly. The length of the rails on this module should be 36 5/8" or 930mm. A straight thru track can be made from three pieces of Kato 20-000, 9 3/4" (248mm) and one piece of Kato 20-010, 7 5/16" (186mm).
   
• Quadruple length modules may be cut to 48 13/16" and then sand down to 48 3/4" or 1238mm. The length of the rails on this module should be 48 13/16" or 1240mm. A straight thru track for this module may be made from five pieces of Kato 20-000, 9 3/4" (248mm). However, this is where my tape measure shows an error for this size module. Measurements must be verified!
  NOTE: Part numbers for track on the larger modules will vary according to layout design.
   
• Over the years our club members have painted the legs and sides of our N-Trak modules a chocolate brown color with minor variations and we plan to continue with that color for our T-Trak modules. Recently, I decided to go to Home Depot and use a brand name paint in an attempt to obtain repeatable and consistent results. Therefore, I decided on Glidden Evermore Interior Latex Enamel Semi-Gloss. I chose a paint chip for the color and the name is Woodhaven with the numbers 60YR 08/186. Now we should be able to duplicate that shade of paint at any Home Depot or any other store that sells Glidden paints.