The North Raleigh Model Railroad Club (NRMRC) is the N Scale NTRAK and T-TRAK model railroad club in Raleigh, part of North Carolina's Research Triangle Park area, one of the best areas in the USA to live and work.
Founded in 1974, NRMRC members are dedicated to furthering the hobby of N-Scale model railroading through educational activities, community involvement and public displays. The Club models all railroads and welcomes new members, especially newcomers to the hobby. There is always plenty to do and learn, so come and join the fun.
To request an invitation to attend a meeting
(Email)
the club indicating what meeting you would like to attend. We will reply providing time, place with directions and the meeting agenda. To apply to join the club go to the Membership Application page.
What is N Scale?
N Scale is a 1/160th scale replica of a prototype (real) train, building, person, automobile or anything else. An N Scale locomotive is 1/160th the length, 1/160th the height and 1/160th the width of the prototype locomotive, and every feature (horn, bell air tanks, etc.) is dimensionally proportional (as close as realistically possible) to the scale of 1:160. For reference, an N Scale 50' Box Car is approximately 3-3/4" in length and approximately 1 inch tall from the wheels to the roof. One N Scale mile is approximately 33 feet.
Originating in Europe, N Scale is today the second most popular modeling scale in North America (HO Scale is first) with about 22% of all modelers. A major advantage of N Scale is the small amount of space needed to build a railroad. It takes half the space required to build an equivalent HO layout. Conversely you can have twice as much layout in the equivalent HO space.
N Scale is sometimes referred to as "N Gauge". The term "gauge" when used correctly actually refers to the distance between the rails of the track. Prototype standard gauge is 4' 8-1/2". Track gauge in N Scale is 9mm. Hence the term "N" (Nine) Scale.
What is NTRAK?
NTRAK is a modular model railroad standard. Modules are tables that "C" clamp together to form large N scale train layouts at various locations such as conventions, shopping malls, club rooms, and as home layouts. The basic module is two feet wide, four feet long, and 40" high. Three tracks are common to all modules and the same electrical connectors are used on all modules. This makes setting up layouts a quick job. Additionally, there are optional sizes and track locations to give a great deal of flexibility. NTRAK modular layouts can be configured to fit into areas of different size and shape, from warehouses to bedrooms.
NTRAK layouts offer close up viewing, correctly proportioned scenery and maximum train action. NTRAK layouts allow long trains of 50, 60 or even 100 cars or more.
More information can be found on NRAIL's NTRAK pages at NRAIL NTRAK-Home and elsewhere on this site.
What is T-TRAK?
T-TRAK is a simple, easy to build system of small N scale modules that can be combined to create a portable N scale layout. T-TRAK originated in Japan as a method of creating a modular layout on hotel banquet tables, which are 30" x either 72" or 96". The basic module is 8-1/4" x 12-1/8", slightly narrower and slightly longer than a standard sheet of paper. Modules of additional sizes and shapes can be used for layout flexibility. Modules use Kato Unitrack, and are sized to use Unitrack rail joiners to lock the modules together. Modules are combined to create a layout on a table, or multiple tables.
As well as banquet tables, T-TRAK layouts can be constructed in small spaces such as a kitchen table or even on a bookshelf. More and more NTRAK clubs are adding T-TRAK layouts of varying size at train shows. Some are using T-TRAK layouts in place of normal NTRAK layouts in venues with limited space.
More information can be found on NRAIL's T-TRAK pages at NRAIL T-TRAK-Home and elsewhere on this site.
Additional Information
To learn more about NTRAK Modules click this link NTRAK Modules.
