Why T-Trak?

It’s sometimes a challenge, but most of all, it’s fun and rewarding. T-Trak travels easier than any other modular railroad system. It’s also quick to set up and quicker to take down. It’s the perfect way to try different modeling ideas and scenery techniques while not investing a great deal of time or materials. And, it won’t take up all the space in your attic, garage, or spare bedroom.

T-Trak Background & Our History

The T-Trak idea originated in Japan. Lee Monaco-FitzGerald has been credited with naming the concept and promoting it to the world. Her first examples debuted at a St. Louis train show in 2001. Since then, the original idea of using Kato Unitrack on a simple board frame has quickly grown in popularity.

After moving back to Texas, Mike Moore stumbled around for several years looking for the right fit for his N Scale model train interests. He learned about T-Trak through an Internet forum and decided to investigate deeper. At a local train show in early 2004, he recognized Liz Johnson and discovered her and her husband, Chad, both had a growing interest in model trains. This chance meeting quickly developed into a strong bond and their thoughts turned to T-Trak.

Within a short while, Trey Asel, his young son Ryan and father, Tom, as well as Mike’s wife, Barbara had all signed on. The boilers were stoked, the bells were ringing, and North Texas T-Trak was ready to leave the station. These seven were able to get four corners and six straight modules built and finished off in time to make a presentable display for the November 2004 GATS show at the Ft. Worth Convention Center.

Our first layout was so very well received that several more folks decided to get actively involved. The number and variety of modules has increased ever since.

Our frequent appearance at all the train shows throughout the area continues to attract attention, especially by the kids, and interest in our T-Trak layout.

Although our activities are centered in Plano, our members come from all over the area. We currently have over a dozen folks actively involved and there is always room for more. We have no dues and very few don’ts. Regular participation and ownership of one or more modules is all we expect.

Our Module Guidelines

The basis of the T-Trak system is the Kato Unitrack that is affixed to a standard frame, which we call a module. Regardless of what you might read or hear elsewhere, there is more than one way to construct a suitable module. A small plywood box is very workable, but other methods are equally acceptable.

For our purposes, T-Trak is defined as a module that securely supports the two lines of Kato Unitrack at a height of 2-3/4” but is adjustable up to 4” high.

The modules can be built in various specific sizes, including corners, to meet a particular need for a scenery element or an operational function.

Our club follows the “alternate” track placement format, meaning the two lines of Kato Unitrack are set on the base 1-1/2” back from the fascia and spaced 33mm apart on the track centers. This arrangement allows the use of all the additional Kato Unitrack accessories without any modification. The wider track spacing also allows passenger trains and more modern equipment to operate without problems.

When constructed to these accepted guidelines, each individual module can be easily joined with others without compromising the overall geometry of the layout or affecting the efficient operations of the trains.

The T-Trak system’s beauty lies in the simplicity of the modules and attached Unitrack. After that, the scenery that is added will make the module come to life as the trains traverse the rails.