oNeTRAK Concept

The oNeTRAK Concept

Several members of NVNTRAK, the largest NTRAK club in the US, have proposed and built oNeTRAK, a new modular subdivision of NTRAK featuring a single track mainline and Digital Command and Control. Sample oNeTRAK module.

The objective of oNeTRAK is to augment and expand NTRAK to allow prototypical modeling and operations on a single track modular railroad. oNeTRAK offers modular railroaders the opportunity to build smaller, less expensive and easier to transport modules. Because they are smaller than NTRAK modules they provide more mainline per unit weight yet still have a high scenery to track ratio. They are easier to incorporate into home layouts. A wider variety of prototypes locations are available to model.

Wingate, IN, oNeTRAK plan.

More oNeTRAK prototype plans.

Except for the inclusion of just one mainline, the oNeTRAK modules follow NTRAK specifications. For example the track center line must be located between four to seven inches from the module front with the top of the rail 40 inches from the floor, the same as NTRAK. Electrical connections are the same as NTRAK utilizing the standard Cinch-Jones plug-in connectors but with two fewer sets of plugs. Thus, oNeTRAK modules are compatible with NTRAK modules. In fact NTRAK modules can be used to fill out the oNeTRAK subdivision and in some cases oNeTRAK modules can fill in an NTRAK layout such as on the spine of a multiple loop layout. oNeTRAK layouts can be configured in ovals, point-to-point (using existing NTRAK yards at the terminals), or by utilizing junction modules, as a branch off a NTRAK loop.

oNeTRAK Configurations

oNeTRAK modules, by virtue of their lower track density, can be smaller than NTRAK modules and still have sufficient space for a convincing scene. Straight modules have a minimum width of one foot. Many of our oNeTRAK modules are just one by four feet, a very portable size. We have found one foot wide modules to be not as stable as two foot wide modules, but when clamped together, the whole layout is very sturdy.

Corner modules can also be smaller. We have built oNeTRAK corner modules as small as two feet by two feet but recommend slightly larger dimensions of at least two feet six inches by two feet six inches to allow room for track easements and the 18 inch minimun radius curves. Conventional NTRAK corners can also work in a oNeTRAK layout. Design options are nearly unlimited. We have built modules with offsets, curves, industrial tracks and some with double track to create long passing sections. We have also built portable end loops to allow the oNeTRAK layout to be set up with modules back to back.

Some oNeTRAK Module Types

By utilizing DCC we can increase the density of our train operations on the single track, have realistic operations and simplified wiring. Analog (non-DCC equipped) locomotives are not excluded from the oNeTRAK subdivision since DCC allows one analog consist to run along with nearly unlimited DCC consists. We currently use a tethered DCC system but anticipate switching to radio DCC as soon as possible.

Realistic operations on the oNeTRAK subdivision requires passing sidings long enough to hold an entire train. We have made effective passing sidings by placing a matched set of turnouts on each of two one by four feet modules. The resulting one by eight foot module set can house a double track passing siding about six and half feet long, enough to hold two engines, 18 cars and a caboose.

The operating scheme is tailored to the situation. For realistic operating sessions we employ a dispatcher, yardmaster and several train crews. For display at shows we merely use the subdivision as a display loop in conjunction with the rest of the NTRAK layout. We are also considering other advanced operation schemes including grades with helper districts, waybills and car forwarding.

For more information contact Bernard Kempinski at bkempins@ida.org.