Description

by Steve Jackson

Last month, the Hostler’s Shack contained a discussion of modules with Green Flyovers. Well, Mann’s Bluff is one of these modules. The idea is to provide a way to run trains within the framework of NTRAK without getting caught up in the train looping that can result from the NTRAK standard. New Jersey Southern (NJS) NTRAK first introduced me to the concept of using NTRAK modules for something different than running trains in a circle. They accomplish this by constructing and using modules that allow movement between the NTRAK standard lines and permit them to maintain very dense train running on a relatively small layout. Since the modules are NTRAK compliant, they can be used in any type of NTRAK layout.

Mann’s Bluff is a 4’ by 5’ corner that provides a starting point for alternate blue, and allows access from the red and yellow lines up to green. It is actually a pair of modules; a 3’ by 4’ corner section and a 2’ by 2’ section. The 3’ by 4’ corner section provides the flyover and turnout from blue to alternate blue. The 2’ by 2’ provides a crossover from red to yellow, allows green line to re-align, and provides sidings on the alternate blue and green lines.

I used atlas track on the module throughout. I used the custom line #6 turnouts and code 80 flex track. The turnouts are each controlled with a DPDT slide switch mounted adjacent to the track surface. The slide switches serve two functions. They provide a positive throw for the Atlas turnouts since the Atlas turnouts do not have the snap action of the Peco turnouts. Also, the slide switches provide power routing that is coordinated with the direction of the turnouts. This allows me to include stopping blocks and to automatically route the red or yellow power up the grade to green. Piano wire is used to run between the slide switches and the turnouts through coffee stirring sticks.

The grade on Mann’s Bluff is part of where the name was derived. A roughly 15” radius curve runs up a 4% grade. The name Mann’s Bluff was selected partly because of its tie to the New River theme. It was also selected because the grade on the module will ‘call your bluff’. Don’t think that your GP30 is going to pull that 35 car train up that grade. You had better put a couple more locos up there!!

The scenery of the modules is sparce and consists of dramatic elevation changes with a river/creek through the middle. The mountains are made predominately from extruded foam with a little bit of plaster cloth. The mountains are aspiring to have the New River vegetation, but for now are settled at something more akin to the desert southwest. Many hours with the glue gun remain. The creek bed (still dry until I figure out how to make water) is make if plaster cloth. There is not much level land for any type of settlement; however, one end of the corner section contains an abandoned homestead site including a partially collapsed cabin and the new bovine residents. On the 2’ square section, there are two sidings that service a small tipple that permits the movement of coal from the green line down to the alternate blue.

The frame of the 3’ by 4’ section is 1” by 4” white pine. The frame of the 2’ setion is 1” by 3” white pine because that happens to have been what I had around at the time. Both sections have a ¼” luan plywood top. This material combination has served me well and is both lightweight and sturdy. The legs are standard 2” by 2” legs held in pockets using thumbscrews. All of my modules share the same pocket construction and I can therefore use any of the legs that I have with any of my modules interchangeably. This makes getting out of the house on show day a little easier since I don’t have to look for the ‘right’ legs.