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 right away!

By connecting modules together, several people can build a layout limited only the the number of available modules and the square feet of available space.  At RunniN' TraiNs '96, a layout was constructed using 315 modules with a mainline length (along The Red Line Route™) of 41 scale miles!  Of course, most layouts aren't that large, but it shows the flexibility and extensibility of the module concept.

Special Feature Modules

Our members have also developed several "special feature" modules and module sets that enhance the railroading experience we present.

Mountain Subdivision	The NTRAK specification permits an optional "Mountain Subdivision" line (referred to as the "Green Line").   NVNTRAK has several modules which feature this line.  Two of them, Scrapwood Mountain and DD&D Mine feature return loops.  Cedar Creek has an automatic siding, which permits two trains to run back-and-forth across the division.
New River Subdivision	Matt Schaefer originated the New River Subdivision with his Hawk's Nest module set.  Others, both within NVNTRAK and from other clubs, have caught the bug. The result is a most impressive set of modules capturing the essence of one of eastern railroading's most scenic areas.
oNeTRAK Subdivision	Bernie Kempinski and fellow unindicted co-conspirators created the oNeTRAK concept to augment our NTRAK layouts.  The oNeTRAK Subdivision can operate as an extension of The Red Line Route™, or it can be set up separately.
Nn3 Subdivision	Several of the more narrow-minded of NVNTrak's membership have banded together to bring narrow-gauge model railroading to the club!  To date, Noll Horan, Jim Labaugh, and Steve Zutter all have modules featuring Nn3 operations!
Industrial District	Some members have constructed modules featuring industries and associated trackwork.  We've designated these as "Industrial District" modules.  They provide locations for trains to drop off and/or pick up cars.
Yard Facility	In order to provide a facility for deploying and recovering trains, several members have constructed modules featuring yards.  These tend to be busy places as we keep trains running during a show!
Junction Module	We have developed a set of special-purpose junction modules, which permit us to join multiple loops together along a "backbone", creating The Red Line Route™.  These modules were instrumental in making our 1996 N-Scale East Convention layout possible.
Independent Loop	Several modules have independent loops of track for additional trains.  These loops may be completely separate, or may connect to the branch line (Blue) or one of the main lines (Yellow or Red).
Corner Module	Some modules are corner modules.  See the individual module pages to learn the details - 3' or 4', inside or outside, etc. - of each module!
Weird	Some modules are just plain strange...
Military	Some modules include things military...

Further Information

The pages of this site provide further information about NTRAK modular railroading.  Our Connections page contains links to other clubs, organizations and manufacturers, as well as a number of prototype (real) railroad sites.

Of course, the seminal reference for module-builders is the NTRAK "How to" Manual, available directly from NTRAK, or through your local NTRAK club.