NTrak Module DCC construction hints

Bus Wires

The N-trak standard recommendation has two parts:

• 12 gauge wire
• uncut bus wires with no joints other than with the power poles at each end of the module

Of the two, the later has greater importance in reducing voltage drop across modules. Therefore, the common practice of a barrier strip at each end of a module with pigtails to attach to the adjacent modules should be discoraged.

UP3/5 Plug-in Panels

UP3 panels have been replaced by UP5 panels. Both work just fine in our layout loconets.

It is advantageous to have plug-in spots for throttles located around the outside of the layout. While portable plug-in points can be attached to modules during show setup, building them into the front panel (and occasional rear panels) of modules can simplify setup. Including a UP3 or UP5 panel on a module is strictly at the option of the module builder.

If you choose to include UP3/5 panels on your module be sure that any folding legs do not damage the panel when the legs are folded.

Ed's sign links

adflip.com
allposters.com
americanheritage.us
antiqueadvertising.com
art.com/gallery//western-posters.htm
billboardsofthepast.com
metal-signs.com
gassigns.org
gatewaynmra.org/download.htm
photovault.com/Link/People/Domestic/Stores/Mannequins.html
mycrazyhobby.com
50sretrosigns.com/ind.html
trainweb.org/tylick/signintro.htm
signstore.com
signalfan.freeservers.com/road%20signs/stopsign.htm
theimaginaryworld.com/disp.html
street-signs-usa.com
beersodasports.com/items/beer-products-by-type/metal-beer-signs/list.htm
shop.vendio.com/vintageads4u

Ed’s Make and Take session

Kits

Motor Car Shed - CLD-N-005 $6.95
Motor Car Shed - Maine Central CLD-N-053 $6.95
Teamster Barn - CLD-N-025 $3.95

Tools

The following tools will be required for the Make & Take clinic at the May 9th meeting:

• X-Acto knife with a # 11 blade
• Small file or emery board
• Cutting mat (this is a must!)
• Tweezers or needle nosed pliers for handling small parts
• Water based paints, colors of your choice (Must be water based!) This will be for whatever color you want to paint your model. One color for the walls and one for the trim
• Small paint brushes – One for painting walls and one for doing small detail work
• Small container for holding water (brush cleaning)
• Paper towels
• Container of yellow or white glue
• Toothpicks for applying glue
• Glue stick for applying roof
• Straightedge – A small 6inch metal ruler will work