Assembling The T-trak Module Kits

I ordered some T-trak module kits from Masterpiece Module Kits. Once the packing is removed, this is how they arrive:

This turns out to be a very high-quality product on good-quality plywood. There's an instructional video on Youtube that is very helpful in assembly. There are a number of value-added features, including predrilled holes for screwing Unitrack sections into place from below -- screws are included for this. In addition to the video, the instructions are detailed and comprehensive, and they give diagrams for how to lay out the Unitrack for common layout designs. The kit is so complete that it includes sandpaper, although you have to supply your own carpenter's glue.

So much thought has gone into this that each module piece has been given a serial number corresponding to each individual module. This is very helpful in keeping the assembly straight and avoiding errors.

A serial number on one of the pieces is shown below:

The pieces are a hammer fit, which is a little fussy until you get used to it, and result in a very robust module. The size and weight make them easy to carry and work on. Below is a completed module, front and back:

With the modules complete, I've begun tracklaying.

The track to the left is the Kato concrete-tie Unitrack with superelevated curves. This is a very nice feature, and I'm surprised that no forums, magazines, or blogs mention it. There are a few Youtibe videos that show it in use, but they're all along the line of living room floor layouts that don't suggest the scenic potential of this track.

Once I got this module this far, I really started to feel encouraged about this project.

Below is tracklaying progress on a lengthwise module:

There will be a double crossover in the lower left and a third main line at the bottom. Finally, here are electronic components going in below this module:

At the upper right is a Digitrax DS52 stationary decoder for the Kato switch machines. A second one will go in as well. Radio Shack terminal strips for track power are in the upper left. My aim is to make each module self-contained for wiring. Again, the ability simply to flip a module and work on the wiring from above is a great advantage.