Draft Specifications

Here are the updated oNeTRAK SPECIFICATIONS. The paper set with drawings is available from Jim Fitzgerald of NTRAK Publishing. He has a 4 page spec sheet available for a SASE and $1.00. His address is

NTRAK MRR Society, Inc,
1150 Wine Country Place
Templeton, CA 93465

Definition

oNeTRAK is an NTRAK compatible single-track branch line that can augment NTRAK layouts.

Goals

1. Light weight, simple to build modules, especially for beginners or those with limited transport capability.

2. Provide an alternative to three track modules that can be connected to an NTRAK layout. Connected layouts encourage team building and enhance fun!

3. Easy home layout integration

4. Extend the NTRAK Red Line Route at shows

5. Provide a branch line for more prototypical operations.

Guidelines

Most of these guidelines are based on NTRAK standards.

1. HEIGHT OF TRACK Nominal 40 inches, plus or minus for grades.

2. FRAME SIZES Frame lengths in multiples of one foot. Twelve inches are the minimum width. This width may be increased up to one foot, front or back for a total maximum width of three feet.

3. MODULE INTERFACE Same as NTRAK with one clamp and the standard 4.91 " Atlas connector track section. The frame on the module end can be 1 x3 or 1 x4 lumber or plywood equivalent

4. TRACKS Code 80 track is standard. Code 55 is acceptable with code 80 transitions at module interface. Any Atlas, Peco or Micro Engineering code 80 or code 55 turnouts are acceptable. One track is required, additional through tracks are permitted.

5. MINIMUM RADIUS is 18 inches with appropriate easements. To prevent binding the minimum length of tangent between all reverse curves must be 5 inches.

6. LOCATION OF TRACK On straight modules the location of the main has no impact on the loop of modules and is not important, but generally the track is set back 4 or 6 inches from the nominal front so that the Fascia may be reasonably aligned. Bump outs on the modules are permitted, same as NTRAK. Double or triple track should have 1.5-inch center spacing at the module interface.

7. CORNERS Standard corners can be 30 by 30 inches, 3 by 3 or 4 by 4 feet, etc. On a standard comer the track should be set back 6 inches from the nominal front edge. This makes layout design with inside corners easier. On a 30 by 30 inch comer there is ample room for the 18-inch radius curve and easements.

8. CLOSING LOOP LAYOUTS Due to the wide variety of frame sizes and locations of tracks, some gaps may develop in a loop layout. Most large loops should be flexible enough to close a gap by "scrunching" the modules together. In some cases a temporary bridge may be necessary. This can be made by using a piece of foam, some flex track and a bar clamp to close the gap.

9.JUNCTIONS The smallest recommended junction is 3 by 4 feet.

10. GRADES 1.5 percent maximum across a dedicated set of modules. Grades on other modules can be created with shims under legs of modules. Grades suggest addition of a helper district and helper engine facility.

11. END TURNS are modules that include a 180-degree curve in the track. They should be a minimum of 3 by 4 feet to allow the 18-inch minimum radius and easements. The distance between the ends of tracks on an end turn must be three feet or more in even foot increments.

12. TURNOUT SIZES All turnouts should be number 6 or larger on the mains, passing sidings and interchange tracks. Number 6 turnouts are also encouraged in yards for better operation.

13. ELECTRICAL The main line has a red plug fastened the same way as NTRAK. The white and 110 volt requirements are the same as NTRAK. There are no special DCC related wiring requirements. NTRAK standards for wire gauge suffice.

14. SCENERY Any realistic scenery is permitted. Round down hills on the ends of modules so the view from an adjacent flat module looks like scenery. Colors for the fascia and skirts should blend with the scenery (generally shades of green or brown). Do not use diorama dividers.

15. SKYLINE Skyboards or vertical scenery flats are optional.

16. PASSING SIDINGS To enhance operations most layouts should include several passing sidings. Clubs should try to include one or more standard passing sidings in a layout. A standard passing siding is a set of two 1 by 4 feet modules with turnouts at each end of the pair and double track connecting the turnouts. The resulting passing siding is about seven feet long. Double or triple track modules can be used to extend these sidings.

17. OFFSET MODULES provide track offsets in one-foot increments for visual variety. Observe 18-inch minimum radius and tangent track between reverse curves standards.

18. OPERATIONS SCHEME Although a stated purpose of oNeTRAK is to provide a venue for more prototypical operations, no operational scheme is specified. Clubs and individuals can tailor the operating scheme to their situation. To increase potential for realistic operation, wireless DCC is recommended.

19. LAYOUT DESIGN oNeTRAK modules have proven very flexible in layout design both as part of a NTRAK layout or when standing alone. Note that NTRAK modules can be used in a 1T layout.

oNeTRAK Mailing List

The current oNeTRAK mailing list is maintained on ONELIST.com.  Go to:

http://www.ONELIST.com

and register, then join the mailing list called oNeTRAK.

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