“How many years have we been coming here?”

I had to look it up myself. The answer? Seven! Each year gets better. This year FUNTRAK provided four scales for the public’s enjoyment: N scale, HO scale, Z scale, and the ever popular tinplate Lionel. The layouts all ran wonderfully, as expected, and everything cooperated fairly well.

John was able to get the one-trak portion of the layout to operate acceptably but not quite as perfectly as we would like. Hopefully, the new interface module that is under construction will overcome some of the shortcomings of the manual corner interface currently being used in the FUNTRAK setups. There are some issues with the new construction as well. These are being worked on by Brian in conjunction with our supporting friends David King in Canada and Mark Bean in Australia. Who says international cooperation isn’t possible? The only problem is the amount of time required to communicate solutions between people in these far off locations. The time issue aside, progress is being made and the new interface module is well on its way to completion.

In support of the new module, two more supporting modules will be constructed. These modules, which Mark likes to call “flip modules”, will allow the red line to bypass the interface module, thus allowing the red line to be run on DCC without interfering with the operation of the yellow line. These two modules will be set up to automatically operate to stop any trains necessary to avoid collisions. They will also have radio communications between them to ensure the placement of the two modules is able to accommodate any length of train. Currently there are some programming issues, but these should be straightened out promptly. Innovation is one area where FUNTRAK has been a leader in the model railroading field, especially t-trak. The club’s automated reverse loop module has made the one trak concept a reality and adds significantly to the operational abilities of any layout. The ability to change the direction of a train consist without having to do it manually “by hand” adds much to the realistic operation of the layout. The addition of a more automated interface module and the supporting flip modules will further enhance the FUNTRAK layouts in the future.

Speaking of the future, our old friend Jeff Sorenson pleasantly surprised everyone when he showed up at the show on Sunday. Jeff has been busy with many things and taking time to visit us was greatly appreciated. We are all looking forward to seeing more of Jeff in the future.

“In the future” includes a display for FUNTRAK at Hotel Utica in conjunction with the New York Central System Historical Society the first Sunday this month. FUNTRAK will set up in the morning and stay until the show ends at 3:00 o’clock. This will be a small display dedicated to the New York Central and local sights from our area. Jim Domser’s Rome module will be there for the crowds to appreciate along with other highly detailed FUNTRAK modules. Later in the month we will be meeting at Greg’s to discuss upcoming events, shows, meetings, and construction plans. FUNTRAK was also fortunate enough to enlist a new member, Tom Mayer, at the show. Welcome aboard, Tom!

Until next time, keep on training!
Brian

FUNTRAK was cordially invited to attend the New York Central System Historical Society’s annual convention held in the beautiful historic Hotel Utica and provide
a small layout themed on the New York Central System railroad. Club members Lorenzo Franchi, John Fleming, Doug Davis and Brian King were all too happy to accommodate this request. As anticipated, the layout ran well and drew the usual
crowd of onlookers who were duly impressed with FUNTRAK’s representation of a small
portion of the New York Central System railroad.

FUNTRAK‘s 2015 “Valley Rail Sights” show came off again this year without any problems. Layouts in N scale, HO scale, Z scale, and Lionel mesmerized the visitors to this highly anticipated train show. Everyone has a great time at this show because of the laid back nature and ease of access to seeing everything. The “little folks” in the most formative years from a few months to teenagers are the most
delighted. Finally, trains at a level they can actually see! This makes parents happy too, since they don’t have to pick up the little one and can better keep an eye on their actions. All the layouts were in one room this year which made it nicer for exhibitors and attendees alike. New modules and different designs held the public’s interest at this show thanks to the versatility of the T-trak concept which allows for such
diversity. Make sure to check the calendar and come out for FUNTRAKs next show where a different and newer layout will be presented.

See you there!

The Magic Doughnut

FUNTRAK club member Tim Brien chows down as other club members set up the t-trak layout for the show.

Spring is in the air and it seems it is time for “construction”. Out in the real world things have been slowed down somewhat by the rather lengthy winter that has hung on for what seems an eternity. However, this has not dampened FUNTRAK’s progress in the construction business.

Club members John Fleming and Brian King recently visited Matthew to assist him in the construction of his home layout. Discussions at the work session lead to another building decision and the three agreed to meet at Brian’s to help John assemble his new mountain “back track” modules. This pair of modules work together to bring the mountain line to the back of the module and back to the front when connected to each other. Future modules may be designed to utilize the rear location of the mountain line to allow more scenery toward the front of the module.

It is now getting very close to the club’s annual “Valley Rail Sights” show but, hopefully, John will have these modules ready in time to display them at the show. This years show is scheduled for April 18 and April 19. Preparations are already underway and progressing nicely. One of the items that was not ready for last years show was the reversing loop module and the one-trak tee. After much work both domestically and abroad, these modules should be set up and operating properly at this years show. Some minor details are still in the works, but these should not affect the workability of the modules. As has been noted before, the simplest of projects often turn out to be much more involved than at first thought.

Such was the case with the reversing loop module. With lots of perseverance and more perspiration, Mark and Brian working closely together finally got the module to operate as designed. What takes much of the time is the lag in communications from Australia to America. However, Mark and Brian overcame this drawback and made the reversing loop do what it was made to do, allow the train to enter in one direction and exit in the opposite direction with minimum operator involvement. The next step involves disconnecting the local throttle automatically so as to avoid conflicts with the main line throttle. That is another matter entirely and currently will not affect the proper operation of the reverse loop as currently configured. When this is completed there are new ideas being bandied about and designed to keep FUNTRAK on the cutting edge of technology and operations. Watch for the new items at the shows and check back here.

Brian

Model railroading is nothing if not a group effort! Our newest club member, Matthew de Jongh, has been diligently working on a t-trak module that can be brought along and set up at train shows as well as continuing the construction of his home layout. Club members John Fleming and Brian King recently visited Matthew to assist him in his endeavors. Together they were able to build some of the framework for Matthew’s future empire and have a good time while getting this work accomplished.

The local Utica Boy Scouts troop held a Cabin Fever community event with vendors and entertainment to provide families a fun escape from being cooped up in the house all winter. Funtrak was delighted to be asked to participate. Kids and families really love trains and we enjoy sharing our passion with others. Win-win!

“You know what I like less than the cold?” asks Clint Eastwood in a radio commercial. “What?” is the retort. Clint’s answer, “Not much!”

So here we are in beautiful upstate New York awaiting yet another blizzard and the numbing freezing cold enjoying it about as much as Clint. Fortunately, our primary pastime, model railroading, rarely involves the great outdoors at this
time of year, so the cold isn’t too much of a hindrance to our hobby. Other than having to go from the mode of transportation to the great indoors to set up for a show, we do not have to deal with the frigid
weather to enjoy our trains. Such was the case for the annual Union Station show in Utica this past January. Once set up, the trains ran superbly, as expected, and everyone was cozy and warm inside the expanse of the station. We have again established our presence at the show and have been kindly invited to attend again next year. FUNTRAK eagerly looks forward to this annual event and anticipates continued
participation over the coming years.

To assist in this participation, FUNTRAK recently welcomed our newest club member, Matthew de
Jongh. Matthew moved to Oneonta from Maine and quickly joined our ranks. Currently he is in the process of constructing a double wide t-trak N scale module. Club members have stepped up to help him in his efforts to build this module and expect it will be ready for showing in the near future. Welcome aboard, Matthew! We are all looking forward to your
participation and support in club and community activities.

And activities are arriving more and more often. This month, FUNTRAK is participating in a new activity at Mohawk Valley Community College in support of the Boy Scouts of America. This should prove to be a very fruitful undertaking as we hope to encourage the younger generation to learn, build, and run model trains in the years ahead.

FUNTRAK is getting back on track to attending approximately one show per month
again. This seems to keep the interest up in the hobby without overloading the workers involved. The t-trak concept has made this much easier since the trains are less bulky and more convenient to assemble at the
shows. Progress on new modules makes the variety of available layout designs different and intriguing and allows for an infinite combination of modules to keep everyone pleased with the changing scenery. Watch for the newest and differing layouts at the upcoming shows. FUNTRAK members are all looking forward to seeing you at the shows.

Brian

FUNTRAK was happy to return to Union Station again this year. There were large appreciative crowds as usual with many small smiling faces evident throughout the day. FUNTRAK anticipates continuing this fine tradition in the future.