Module Concept Big Hit With Model Railroad Club

February 14, 2006

As the name implies, the Win N Trak Model Railway Group focus on the hobby of model railroading in “N” scale (1 /160). This Winnipeg (Canada) based model railroad club uses the international modular layout concept developed by “NTRAK”. The NTRAK concept employs standard track locations in order to allow modules built by members to be joined together to create model train layouts of various sizes and shapes.

A “standard” module is four feet long by two feet wide, and with the standard track locations, it is modeled with a miniature scene done to the owner-members taste.

Win N Trak owns several of the key components, such as the “yard”, power sources, and throttles. The yard is an important part of each setup as it allows members to put together and store their trains between runs on the N scale model train layout.

The model train layout takes from 2 to three hours to assemble, including the matching and connecting of the modules, the electrical components, and the cleaning and testing of the completed setup. Teardown, at the end of each show, takes up to one hour.

What is a Module?

Modules are the central concept of NTRAK. A module is a 2-foot deep by four- or six-foot long section of a model railroad. Other dimensions are possible, but these are the most common.

There are three standard tracks on an NTRAK module. The two main lines and a branch line. The main lines are designated (from the front of the module) Red and Yellow. The branch line is designated Blue.

Building a module limits the expense and effort required to participate in the model railroading hobby. You can start off with a simple 4-foot module, a locomotive and some rolling stock at a minimal cost. As your interest and skills grow, you can add a module (or modules) or perhaps custom-detail a locomotive or even a whole train! The best part is that you can start enjoying the hobby of model railroading right away!