OneTRAK is an extension of the NTRAK specs that allows modelers to build interoperable modules with a single track. This allows us to model scenes where the NTRAK three track spec would not be realistic. It also allows us to build shallower pieces (1′ as opposed to the NTRAK standard of 2′). This makes them easier to move and store.

I initially built this module as part of a planned home switching layout, but always with the OneTRAK spec in mind for future use with others. As BANTRAK (Baltimore Area NTRAK) got interested in starting a Onetrak section for our layout, I was glad to have this pretty far along and was able to use it to demonstrate some of the concepts and possibilities of what the format could do.

Theme

The module represents a generic urban area with manufacturing and a scrap yard. I was heavily influenced by two specific Baltimore locations, the area along CSX in West Baltimore and the remains of Conrail in the Canton area. I also looked at a scrap yard in Northeast Philly near where I grew up for a better idea of what these looked like.

Microsoft’s Maps.Live.Com really help give you an idea of the scenery I’m talking about. Their map webapp is probably the best thing that company has ever done.

Trackplan

The module itself was designed to be very versatile. The BANTRAK OneTRAK effort is still in its nascent stages, and being able to accommodate many situations was one of my goals. The track plan allows for four major uses.

  • Straight through with industrial sidings – In this case only the main is really active and the other sidings can all just be used for switching
  • Originate a passing siding on either end. – The module can start a second track on either side of it, as the “yard” area is all set at NTRAK track spacings and the correct setbacks, and the second main is setup exactly how it appears.
  • Interface with an NTRAK module. – We haven’t had to do this yet, but if we are presented with a case where we need to originate the OneTRAK branch directly from an NTRAK junction module, we can do that using the yard section, as all of those tracks are on NTRAK centers. Special joiner tracks would have to be used though, as our OneTRAK track setback is 1.5″ from the edge as opposed to 2.5″ as it is in regular NTRAK modules.

I originally drew the plan for this module in Atlas’s Right Track Software to make sure everything would fit as I wanted.

Track & Wiring

The module uses Atlas’s Code 55 track products exclusively. You can read more about my thoughts about track in my track techniques article. It is also where I developed my trick for hiding Caboose Industries ground throws.

I hate soldering. As a result, this module utilizes four technologies to make wiring quick and easy.

  • The kindness and skill of fellow club members – One of our members is kind enough to build wire sets that include the required plugs (in this case Anderson Powerpoles) and the proper lengths of wire for the NTRAK bus lines (one for the track bus, one for a power bus, and one for the DCC loconet bus). This meant that I didn’t have to pick up a soldering iron to wire up the plugs.
  • Scotchlok connectors – These are connectors manufactured by 3M and purchased locally at Baynesville Electronics. They are also called suitcase connectors. They work by driving a staple like metal piece through two wires creating a metal to metal conductve bond and sealing themselves with a latching cover. These made it very simple to connect wires without soldering.
  • Terminal blocks – I pulled all the feeder wires into a terminal block to allow me to easily isolate them, and also to allow me to join them all without soldering.
  • Atlas’s terminal joiners – These are rail joiners with feeder wires already soldered to the bottoms. They make it very quick to get power to tracks and also mean no feeder wire soldering. They’re not dirt cheap, but are still pretty affordable when you consider the time it might take to do the wiring all by hand.

Industries

The module contains two major and one minor industries.

Factory


Click to enlarge

The first one is a generic factory. I’m still working on exactly what it does, but it’s got an enclosed loading dock that holds up to three 50′ cars. I’m still trying to figure out exactly what to call it.

The structure was kitbashed from two kits, a Walthers paper mill kit’s brick building, and a Bachmann car shop building. One of the most stand-out features of this structure are the green fiberglass window inserts. These window inserts are staples of many post-industrial structures which have needed translucent window coverings that weren’t prone to breakage and vandalism like glass.

This industry is located in the upper right on the image above.

Scrap Yard


Click to enlarge

The second major industry is the one patterned after the scrap yards in Philly and Baltimore. It has space for three 50′ or two 70′ gondolas. I’ve built a Railway Express Miniatures High-cab American crane with an electromagnet to demonstrate the purpose of this spot. It’s surrounded by a BLMA chain link fence and has a number of hand painted Fine N Scale scrapped car piles.

This scrap yard is designed to represent a yard that aggregates local scrap and ships it to another location where it is to be shredded.

This industry is not shown in the trackplan photo above, as that photo was taken before I replaced the industry visible there with the current scrap yard. The scrap yard is located in the upper left of the photo above.

Small Central Structure


Click to enlarge

I hadn’t initially planned to have a third structure dead-center on the module, however, as I looked at the module more over time I realized that I wanted something to break up the sight lines and to increase the “clutter” of the urban scene.

This structure is made up of model power factory sections but was assembled into an odd shape to fit the space between the tracks, much like structures in real life.

This is another structure that I’m not sure exactly what it represents. It’s like many N Scale structures in that it’s too small to really receive rail service. I see it more as only part of a larger industrial complex that exists off-module to the front.

The track serving this facility is almost overgrown, indicating very infrequent service and serving as a very interesting place to pose rolling stock.