Description

by Chester Freedenthal

This is my second module. Similar to Peaceful Valley, I wanted a module that I could display at set-ups, but also be able to use at home to run a train. Again, using a modified layout from the original NTRAK book I created BRAC Flats. Flats, because the module has no elevations at all and BRAC stands for Base Realignment and Closure, a military project I worked on for the Army. The legs are attached with hinges. It is a big, heavy module. BRAC's main features are a military base, a City Street and big park. 

As with Peaceful there are lots and lots of detail. Also like Peaceful it has a loop, but here I made it totally independent of any of the main lines (selfishly so I can run My trains, My way! J). Unlike Peaceful it has no sound, although I am working on that. In order to maximize the space for my loop I offset the three main lines the maximum allowable curvature by adding six-inches to the front. This left just enough room to run a two-lane road across the front edge. This was the first military-themed module in the club and has been followed by such great modules as Nick's Manata Gap, Cotton's Indiantown Gap and Dave's Hanger 54.

Starting from the front left, we have a small Gas Station at an intersection. The road continues along the front ending on the right side. Along the left side is small city block with several stores along a paved road, an automobile accident at an intersection, the entrance to the military base on the right of the road and an entrance to a military airfield at the end of the road. The airfield has a few buildings, trucks, planes and a helicopter. The military base has a guard shack, headquarters and barracks, two industrial buildings (which will have factory sounds) , fueling area and water tower with dozens of trucks and people in many mini-scenes. Next to the military base is a large park with rides, a steam engine on display, miniature golf, petting zoo, food vendors and trees. A crossover allows access from the parking lot to a tennis court on the other side of the tracks. The right side of the module has a circus parade (which will have circus sounds) and a convenience store.