A typical module is 4, 6 or 8 feet in length and 2 feet wide
    PAGE INDEX
    MODULE MEASUREMENTS      TRACK MEASUREMENTS
    ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS     DIAGRAMS
    ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION     PARTS LIST
    CLUB STANDARDS THINGS TO CONSIDER

    National N-Trak Standards can be found on the National N-Trak Web Site
    NorthWest N-Trak Main Page

    MODULE MEASUREMENTS

    MODULE FRAME     
     
          		LENGTH     
     
          		4 foot modules    47 3/4 inches
    6 foot modules    71 3/4 inches
    8 foot modules    95 3/4 inches
         WIDTH 23 7/8 inches
         HEIGHT 4 1/2 inches to top of rails (see below)
                  
    SKYBOARD HEIGHT 8 inches above top of rails
         LENGTH Full length of module including End Caps
                  
    FRONT FASCIA HEIGHT Cut to match the contour of the scenery
       LENGTH Full length of module including End Caps
                  
    END CAPS HEIGHT Cut to match the contour of the scenery
       LENGTH End Caps should fit inside the Skyboard and the Front Fascia

    MODULE FRAME HEIGHT

    The height/width of the module frame lumber depends on what type of track base is being used on the module (see below).

    N-Trak Standards require the distance from the top of the rails to the bottom of the module top to be 4 1/2"

    Our instructions show the "Spline" method for track support.
    Our spline method consists of a 1/4" Luan Plywood Base Board, 7/8" x 1/8" Hardboard Track Supports mounted on end with a 1/8" Hardboard Track Support Cap.

    Road bed is cork, approximately 1/8" thick and Atlas tracks, approximately 1/8" base of ties to top of rails.

    This brings the total height of the top, supports, road bed and track to 1 1/2".
    Using this method, the height of the frame lumber should be 3".

    If the module is being built without a spline, the 1/4" Luan Plywood Base Board should be replaced with one at least 1/2" thick.

    Using this method the height of the, base, road bed and track would be 3/4".
    The height of the frame lumber would need to be 3 1/4" to meet N-Trak standards.

    It is recommended that 6 and 8 foot modules have an additional center brace

    MODULE LEGS

    Module legs are made from 2x2 wood stock with height adjusting feet and should have a cross brace at the top and a cross brace 8' up from the bottom.

    Legs should have 2 1/2" - 3" Height Adjusting Feet with 5/16"-18 threads. N-Trak standards require a height adjustment of of +/- 1". The 2 1/2" allows enough thread left inside the tee nut when extended.

    The length of the legs depends on how the module frame is constructed.
    Allowing for the height adjusting feet extended approximately 1/4" to 1/2", the legs should be cut so the top of the rails is 40" from the floor.

    Our instructions show legs that are 37" high and 22 1/4" wide with 3" x 5/16"-18 Height Adjusting Feet (the parts list shows 2 1/2" feet).

    There is a 1x3 x 22 1/4" Cross Brace is recessed into the top of the legs and another 8" up from the bottom.

    Using this method allows any set of legs to be used on any module.

    This is helpful if someone forgets to bring their legs to a set-up. Modules clamped together can be supported by one set of legs. We have even had modules with no legs.

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    TRACK MEASUREMENTS

    TRACK             
             		From           
    Skyboard     		Height           
    From Floor     		Minimun       
    Radius     		Maximum       
    Grade     		Cable       
    Color     		Notes       
        
    RED 20" 40" 24" 0% Red Required
    YELLOW 18.5" 40" 24" 0% Yellow Required
    BLUE 17" 40" 18" 1.5% Blue Required
    ALT BLUE 10" 40" 18" 1.5% Blue Optional

    N-Trak standards require the last 4 inches of track work at each end of all modules to be as follows:

    2.47 inches from the end cap in is left open to connect modules together using Atlas "Snap Track" straight 5" sections (actual length 4.91").

    Next must be an Atlas straight track at least 1.53 inches long to attach the connecting track to. It is recommended that it have a "factory" end.

    The Road Bed must extend to the end of the module.

    All measurements are from these tracks.
    Track measurements from the skyboard are measured from the face of the skyboard to the center of the rails.
    Track height is measured from the floor to the top of the rails.

    Between the 4 inches at each end you may lay your tracks as you like, as long as the minimum radius and maximum grade requirements are followed.

    If you are building multiple modules that will always be connected together, only the end modules that will be connecting to other modules need to meet the standards for the track distance from the skyboard.

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    ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

    All track lines plus the DC Supply must have an electrical buss. This is a wire running under the module to supply power to the module and carry power from one module to the next.

    There must be 1 18 gauge or larger "zip cord" wire (household extension cord type) for each track and 1 White 16 gauge or larger "zip cord" wire for the DC Supply running the full length of the module. These wires should be run in the Center 12 inches of the module to leave room for the clamps at each end and should have 20 inches hanging down at each end with Cinch/Jones connectors installed.

    The wires for the tracks may be any color except White. The Cinch/Jones connectors must be color coded with paint or tape (Red, Yellow, Blue) to identify it, the optional alternate blue line would also have a blue connector.
    Twin conductor lamp cord (zip cord) has a rib on one conductor. This conductor should be connected to pin 1 (the wide pin) on the Cinch/Jones connector. This wire should be connected to the rail closest to the front.

    The wire for the DC Supply must be White with the Cinch/Jones connector color coded White with paint or tape.
    Twin conductor lamp cord (zip cord) has a rib on one conductor. This conductor should be connected to pin 1 (the wide pin) on the Cinch/Jones connector. This wire should be connected to the DC+ (Positive) voltage.

    Female Cinch/Jones connectors should be installed on the left side of the module (as determined by facing the skyboard) and Male Cinch/Jones connectors should be installed on the right side of the module.

    CONNECTIONS TO THE TRACKS
    Wire should be soldered to the bus wire and to the outside of each rail using 22 or 24 gauge solid wire.

    To insure good electrical properties, all rail joiners (except insulating ones) should be soldered.

    Any spur, siding or yard track must be insulated from the main and branch lines. It should have a switch mounted to the top of the module near the track switch to control power.

    110 VOLT POWER
    The National N-Trak documentation shows a removable, 110 volt, UL approved heavy duty, multi outlet, extension unit mounted under the module. If these are permanently attached (as defined by local ordinance) they must meet National Electrical Code and all Local Codes and are subject to inspection by public/safety officals at any public gathering.

    At NorthWest N-Trak, we do not use this. We perfer to use UL approved extension cords to supply power where needed.

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    DIAGRAMS

          MODULE FRAME TOP VIEW

          MODULE TOP VIEW

          MODULE SIDE VIEW

          MODULE TOP VIEW WITH TRACKS

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    ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 1

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 2

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 3

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 4

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 5

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 6

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 7

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 8

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 9

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 10

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 11

          MODULE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS - Page 12

    Instruction Manual in PDF Format
    Right Click on Link then choose the Save As option to save this file to your hard drive.
    The Save As option will vary depending on your browser.

    Click the link below to download Adobe Acrobat Reader
    http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html

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    PARTS LIST

    4 FOOT MODULE - Package A
    Quantity    Part No.    Description               Size                                   
    2
    401
    		 Front / Rear Frame 1" x 3" x 47 3/4"  
    1
    404
    		 Skyboard 1/4" x 11 7/8" x 48"  
    1
    402
    		 Plywood Top 1/4" x 23 7/8" x 47 3/4"  
    1
    403
    		 Front Fascia 1/8" x 3 3/4" x 48"  
    36
    515
    		 Screws 3/4" Large Drywall  
    5
    518
    		 Spline 1/8" x 7/8" x 48"  
    4
    519
    		 Spacers/Single Cap 1/8" x 5/8" x 48"  
    1
    520
    		 Cap Main Lines 1/8" x 3 5/8" x 48"  

    6 FOOT MODULE - Package B
    Quantity    Part No.    Description               Size                                   
    2
    601
    		 Front / Rear Frame 1" x 3" x 71 3/4"  
    1
    604
    		 Skyboard 1/4" x 11 7/8" x 72"  
    1
    602
    		 Plywood Top 1/4" x 23 7/8" x 71 3/4"  
    1
    603
    		 Front Fascia 1/8" x 3 3/4" x 72"  
    48
    515
    		 Screws 3/4" Large Drywall  
    5
    518
    		 Spline 1/8" x 7/8" x 72"  
    4
    519
    		 Spacers/Single Cap 1/8" x 5/8" x 72"  
    1
    520
    		 Cap Main Lines 1/8" x 3 5/8" x 72"  

    COMMON PARTS - Package A & B or Optional Package C
    Quantity    Part No.    Description               Size                                   
    4
    513
    		 Block 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 2 5/8"  
    4
    502
    		 Leg 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 37"  
    2
    503
    		 Top Rail 1" x 3" x 22 1/4"  
    2
    504
    		 Bottom Rail 1" x 2" x 22 1/4"  
    4
    505
    		 Leveling Screws 5/16"-18 x 2 1/2"  
    4
    506
    		 Tee Nut 5/16"-18  
    2
    506
    		 Tee Nut 5/16"-18 Optional - Package C
    8
    507
    		 Screws #6 x 5/8"  
    32
    508
    		 Screws 1 1/4" Large Drywall  
    2
    509
    		 Screws, Cap 5/16"-18 x 1 1/2" Optional - Package C
    2
    514
    		 End Caps 1/8" x 3 3/4" x 23 7/8"  
    2
    501
    		 Left/Right Frame 1" x 3" x 22 7/8"  
    2
    517
    		 Washer 5/16" Optional - Package C

    LEG CORNER BRACE - Optional Package D
    Quantity    Part No.    Description               Size                                   
    1
    510
    		 Corner Brace 1" x 1 1/4" x 20"  
    1
    513
    		 Block 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 2 5/8"  
    1
    511
    		 Screw, Cap 5/16"-18 x 2"  
    1
    512
    		 Screw, Cap 5/16"-18 x 3"  
    2
    506
    		 Tee Nut 5/16"-18  
    3
    517
    		 Washer 5/16"  

    CENTER FRAME - Optional Package E
    Quantity    Part No.    Description               Size                                   
    1
    516
    		 Center Frame 1" x 3" x 22 1/2"  
    4
    508
    		 Screws 1 1/4" Drywall  
    5
    515
    		 Screws 3/4" Large Drywall  

    ELECTRICAL
    Quantity    Description                          Size                                   
    1
    		 Extension Cord - WHITE 16 Gauge / 6 Feet  
    3
    		 Extension Cord - BROWN 16 Gauge / 6 Feet  
    1
    		 Hook-Up Wire 24 Gauge x 10 Feet  
    4 Pair
    		 Cinch/Jones Connectors    

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    NORTHWEST N-TRAK CLUB STANDARDS

    PAINT COLORS
    FASCIA      Forest Green      Formula     
              ACE Hardware Satin Latex #171A340
    Neutral Base - Color 44a-1a
                  
    SKYBOARD SKY      Clear Sky      Formula     
              True Value Interior Latex Flat #E326
    Base EZF-T
    Colorant      Amount
          E                3Y
          J                1Y
    E-Z Kare Tint
                  
    SKYBOARD CLOUDS      White      Formula     
              Any Brand
    Flat White
                  
    TRACKS      Ruddy Brown Primer      KRYLON #1317
                  
    TIES      Ultra Flat Black      KRYLON #1602

    BALLAST COLORS
    MAIN LINES      Woodland Scenics       Fine - Light Gray        # B74
             or Arizona Rock & Mineral Co.       PRR - Light Gray        # 105-1
                       
    BRANCH LINES      Woodland Scenics       Fine - Gray        # B75
             or Arizona Rock & Mineral Co.       NP - Medium Gray        # 130-1
                       
    YARDS & SPURS      Woodland Scenics       Fine - Cinders        # B76
             or Arizona Rock & Mineral Co.       SP - Yard Cinders        # 103-1

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    Things to consider when building your module

    There is no right or wrong way to build a module as long as it conforms to N-Trak standards.

    Modules should not flex or twist
    A module should be light weight but strong enough not to flex. If a module flexes, the rail joiners may become loose and the solder joints may crack and cause electrical dead spots in the tracks. Scenery may also crack or fall off.

    Take into account it's transportation
    4 foot modules fit inside most cars, while 6 and 8 foot modules are substantially heavier and usually require a truck.

    Building 2 modules of the same size will allow them to be "Boxed" (attached at the ends facing each other) making transportation easier and damage less likely to occure.

    At Northwest N-Trak, we can run DCC on the Blue and Alternate Blue lines if there are members wishing to operate DCC and willing to set it up. This is also something to think about when designing your module.

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