Welcome to Spring, replete with eighty degree weather one day and snow the next. At least this gives FUNTRAK members a reason to try and keep warm and build new modules. That’s exactly what members John Fleming, Jim Domser, Lorenzo Franchi, and Brian King did on Sunday, May 19th. After a highly successful meeting on May 7th, which included new members Bill Whittaker and Bill McComb, plans were finalized to construct the new reverse end loop for the N scale one trak t-trak layouts. Future plans for building more HO scale t-trak modules were decided and construction on those will begin in the near future. A general consensus found that most people favored the double length modules for HO since the single modules were more difficult to scenic. Sometimes, more is better. Construction of the N scale loop modules went well and track was laid on the three corner modules. The specialty module could not have track laid yet because all the sensors and electrical devices were not finalized at this time. This project has entailed getting help and advice from Canada, Australia, Syracuse, and Rochester. There is a lot more to automating a conventional reverse loop than at first meets the eye.

FUNTRAK will be using an Arduino micro controller to control all the necessary electrical and electronic actions involved in this endeavor. Brian has been tasked with coordinating all the programming and installation of the required devices to make this project work. Without the assistance of Mark Bean in Australia, the programming would not have progressed as far as it has. David King from Canada lent his expertise in overcoming some of the electrical anomalies while Jeff Faust in Rochester has contribute his knowledge to help out with the project. Of course, our friend Rich Pettito in Syracuse contributed to the beginning of all this when he donated a beautifully scenicked diorama that has the single track of one trak on it. This is what got most of this started. Thanks Rich!

As the pictures show, the construction went very well. The modules were cut, assembled, and the track laid down in relatively short order. Some minor adjustments and everything was ready to be tested. The small locomotives designed to be operated on the tight radius loop were tested and a few cars were run around the loop to make sure the track work was satisfactory. All seemed to work properly for the tests. Now we will see how everything goes when all the other equipment is installed. The critical part will be getting the software to do the right things in the right order. Time will tell. It seems FUNTRAK is not the only club with that ever had lenient “rules”. Club member John Quinn provided some insight into the “rules” of one of the former clubs he was a member of a few years back.

“Ties and Rail” Railroad Club Rules were as follows:

1) Anyone who loves trains, and agrees to these rules, is immediately created a vice-president.

2) Meetings are held whenever two members are sober enough to recognize each other.

3) Any member who tries to create any more rules or hold a business meeting is automatically expelled.

Seems reasonable to me. A little tongue in cheek is always nice to keep things on the light-hearted side. Thanks for sharing these rules with us, John. Maybe FUNTRAK can incorporate some of them into our constitution.

Upcoming events include a small HO setup at Dave’s Diner on June 25th. This is always a fun show for FUNTRAK since it is held outdoors and there are lots of other activities going on at the same time. The old cars, the DJ and music, the food, as well as the trains and camaraderie all contribute to a great evening of fun. Come on down and enjoy all the fun with us. See you there!

Brian

Somehow it doesn’t seem possible, but this was the fifth year that FUNTRAK has conducted its annual Valley Rail Sights show at the Masonic Lodge in Ilion. As usual, everything went swimmingly due to the efforts of FUNTRAK’s club members and the folks at the lodge. FUNTRAK was fortunate to entice a new vendor to the show this year, Doug Davis, who was extremely pleased with the show. Doug brought many new and exciting products to the show and everyone benefited from his wares. Both Doug and FUNTRAKare looking forward to his return next year.

The venue for this year was updated, as FUNTRAK decided to not bring the usual N-Trak layout. The N scale T-Trak layout was expanded, as was the HO T-Trak layout. Our friend and great supporter, Rich Petitto from Syracuse, was in attendance and brought a G scale display. Lorenzo supplied his small Z scale oval and Brian supplied the children’s Lionel layout. Rich says that next year he will bring a small S scale layout to round out all the scales. FFUNTRAK also managed to acquired a new member at the show this year. Welcome aboard to Bill Whittaker who joins us with an HO scale interest. This will be most helpful to Greg Brockway who has been the sole supporter of HO for the time being. Greg recently got his van roadworthy and is now able to transport the HO layout much more easily. With more manpower, better transportation, and new ideas and interests, FUNTRAK should be able to expand its horizons in the other scales. We are all eagerly looking ahead to the new HO modules to be built and shown in the future.

One of the first outings for Greg’s van came on Saturday, April 27th at Fisher Elementary School. Greg brought the entire HO layout without having to cram everything into his Pontiac. Now the new module era can begin and Greg will be able to haul them with much less difficulty.

Overall, things are looking up for FUNTRAK as new members, vehicles, ideas, scales, support, vendors, and model railroading in general are falling into place. This month, traditionally a slow model railroading month, FUNTRAK expects to meet and discuss future plans as well as conduct a work session to build some of the future equipment for the upcoming shows. June should see FUNTRAK at Dave’s Diner near the end of the month in conjunction with Dave’s famous and popular Cruise In’s. We plan to try out the new small generator recently acquired to see how it works out. Hopefully, it won’t be too loud! July may find FUNTRAK at Clayt’s and possibly another work session. Volunteers to hold meetings are always welcome, let Brian know and meetings will be scheduled accordingly. August will see FUNTRAK back at the Fonda Fair through Labor Day. September begins the cycle of FUNTRAK’s shows all over again. Check back regularly for information regarding shows and events.

Until next time–> keep on training!
Brian

Funktrak found itself at Fisher Elem School again, the weekend of April 27-28.

This year’s Valley Rail Sights was better than ever! We gained a new vendor and a new club member. The show was a great success and we look forward to returning to the Ilion Masonic Lodge in 2014.

Welcome to March! Usually March is a busy month for FUNTRAK, but this year activities seem to have been pushed back a month, so many things are moving into April. However, we do have a new meeting place; the Columbia Town Barn thanks to club member Tim Brien. FUNTRAK club members are eagerly looking forward to the new location and setting up a small t-trak layout for the meeting. Variety is the spice of life as the saying goes, so a new venue is always a welcome addition to FUNTRAK
’s list of meeting places.

February saw meetings at Fisher Elementary School to support the Parent Teacher Organization and at Brian’s to work on some of the modules that required some tender loving care to keep them operating in the usual flawless fashion at the shows.

Work is also progressing, albeit slowly, on the new one-trak modules. Hopefully these will be ready for public display in the near future. These modules will add a new dimension to the N scale t-trak displays by allowing unusual configurations of the layouts and reducing the need for modules to be restricted to standards to conform and fit in a defined layout. These new modules will also lend themselves to operations by providing destinations for the trains where industry tourism can be serviced. FUNTRAK envisions increased interest by both club members and the general public when the trains have a “purpose” other than running in a defined circle. These proposed ideas will enhance the functions of the railroad and increase the fascination with the model railroad for both observers and participants. Necessary new requirements for these actions include scheduling, train assignments, work orders, job directives, and timetables. Again, all this contributes to more attention to the goings on of the railroad.

As FUNTRAK grows, so does the involvement of club members in the new and exciting activities. Hopefully, some of these ideas can be implemented at FUNTRAK’s annual “Valley Rail Sights” show in April. Planning for this show is in the works and another show at Fisher Elementary School is also planned for the weekend following the “Valley Rail Sights” show. The weather should be more cooperative by that time and the attendance should pick up to some extent. If you are at all interested in model railroading, grab the kids and come on out to join us in the fun at any of these shows. See you there!

Meanwhile, keep on training.
Brian

FUNTRAK appreciates having the support of the Fisher Elementary School PTO. We hope they get as much enjoyment from having the trains there as we get out of running trains.

Everyone – visitors and participants alike – had a great time at the train show this weekend. Our thanks go out to Fischer Elementary School for welcoming FUNTRAK back again. Read more from The Little Falls Times.

So as I sit here contemplating what to write for the new year, everyone is anxiously awaiting what is going to happen in the coming year financially and politically. Will these events affect FUNTRAK’s future and if so, how? Let me review what has transpired for FUNTRAK over the past twelve months and see how it relates to what we can expect over the next twelve months.

Up first is the FUNTRAK website. This has been ADDRESSED AND UPDATED OVER THE PAST YEAR. The website has been fairly well maintained and updated on a regular basis to keep folks apprised of what is happening with FUNTRAK and the model railroading hobby. Thanks to our webmaster, Anna K.Amendolare, who shamelessly gives herself credit for these accomplishments. So much for the website.

Successes and failures over the last year have also been a part of FUNTRAK’s ongoing endeavors. Unfortunately, not every venue continues to be a success as was the case with the Chocolate Train Wreck show in Hamilton and the Christmas display at Preswick Glen. However, along with less than desirable results, we also had some successes in our involvement with other shows. Of particular interest this past year was Fisher Elementary School where FUNTRAK displayed layouts on various occasions throughout the year and FUNTRAK’s involvement with the Genesee ‘N Ontario group and others at a giant T-trak display in Syracuse. These activities prove the viability of both FUNTRAK and the T-trak concept. These shows also point to the decline in the presentation of full sized N-trak layouts as they become less popular and T-trak rises in popularity, mostly because of transportation issues. The compromise between available space for scenery and the ability to transport the modules is being won by the smaller T-trak modules. N-trak advantages are longer trains and more scenery, while T-trak has the advantage of easier setup and transportation. There is certainly room for both concepts, but currently, T-trak appears to be ahead in the popularity arena. To support this claim, FUNTRAK recently finished a mountain division of the T-trak concept and is continuing to expand with more mountain modules on the way. Additionally, FUNTRAK is now fully engaged in HO T-trak with our newer members carrying the responsibilities for this expansion.

Other ideas for the N scale T-trak are utilizing current modules in new and innovative ways to create such fascinating layouts as the double bubble and triple bubble concepts and modules being constructed to support the one-trak concept. In the HO realm, an inside corner is in the works as well as many new double modules. Most of these ideas were displayed at FUNTRAK’s most recent show at the Oneida County Historical Society with both HO and N scale layouts being displayed for the public. This was FUNTRAK’s largest HO layout so far and was well received by the community. Supplementing the HO, the N scale T-trak layout was the longest club only layout at over two and three quarters scale miles long on the red line. Not bad for a small club!

Finally, FUNTRAK wishes to welcome our newest member, Paul Boehlert into our midst. Hopefully, FUNTRAK can contribute to Paul’s interests and he in turn can help FUNTRAK move forward in its endeavors to promote the hobby. It should also be noted that our other new member this year, Greg Brockway, has contributed significantly to the club, especially with the HO T-trak modules. Greg’s efforts have greatly enhanced FUNTRAK’s image as well as its abilities to attract new members by increasing the field of scales being presented to the general public. FUNTRAK really does appreciate your efforts, Greg. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to a great new year, keep on training.

Brian

The display at the Amsterdam Riverfront Center was deemed a success!