Brian, in conjunction with Mark Bean and David King, has been steadily persevering at the software program to operate the reverse loop for the N scale T-trak one trak project. It seems that the simplest things are not as simple as they might at first appear. The overall concept of the reverse loop is to have a train enter going in one
direction and exit going in the opposite direction. Automating this means that the software has to recognize where the train is at any given time, what the power requirements are at that time, and changing any necessary hardware to
accommodate the train as it moves along. All this is pretty straightforward, but implementing it with the software and getting it to operate the way it is planned is nowhere near as simple as it sounds.

First, the hardware does not always cooperate. Checking the polarity is not always reliable, so the software needs to
be written to compensate for possible misreadings. Then the magnetic sensors have to be checked and again compensated for any misreadings. Finally, all the action has to be timed perfectly, and put together in one complete package designed to operate without failure. Sounds easy enough but in reality, it is much more difficult and mostly, time
consuming than it at first would appear. Persistence is the order of the day and Mark, David, and Brian will keep at it
until finished. A photo of the temporary setup is pictured below.

FUNTRAK member Greg Brockway is finding out that it can be lonely at the top. Greg has been diligently constructing HO scale T-trak modules for display at FUNTRAK functions with very little help. He did manage to get some assistance recently at Brian’s when they worked together to construct two specialty one-trak style modules and one more double to incorporate into future layouts. Greg has been and continues to be the mainstay for thre HO division of FUNTRAK. Please note Greg, your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Keep up the great work!

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

FUNTRAK members Lorenzo Franchi and Jim Domser contemplate the new one-trak modules under construction. These new modules will add variety and some different concepts to the ever expanding t-trak modular system. This will allow for linear layouts and make the inevitable circle unnecessary if so desired. Of course, the one-trak tee will also allow the one-trak concept to be tied into the regular t-trak layout making all kinds of new innovative designs possible.

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

So, summer is well on the way to the halfway point and so far it has proven to be a rather pleasant one. Much needed rain has arrived recently and the weekends have managed to escape torrential downpours despite the overall precipitation. None of the weekends have ended up as a complete washout, anyway. With the rain through the week, this leads to a reason to stay inside and, naturally, work on much needed model railroad items. Of course, I haven’t been taking advantage of this “free” time to accomplish the myriad of necessary things, but fortunately, one of FUNTRAK’s newest members, Greg Brockway, has been industriously employed and assembled the newest FUNTRAK addition in the form of a new HO T-trak layout.

Greg has managed to finish and scenic four corners and four modules in record time and make it all work. He displayed his handiwork at the most recent club meeting held at his home. The layout was up and running when we arrived and all looks wonderful. Everyone commented on Greg’s remarkable progress and the way the layout ran. This layout will be up and running at the PicNik this month. Do not miss this opportunity to see Greg’s craftsmanship in action. Speaking of craftsmanship, Brian Curry has given us some good news and some bad news. First the bad news. Brian will not be at the PicNik because of some other family obligations. We certainly will miss him and all the expertise he would bring to the event. On the other hand, the good news is to supply his T-trak module for the layout at the PicNik. As mentioned last month, we are all anxiously awaiting its arrival to see what the rest of us should be doing! Thank you Brian for your time, efforts, and consideration. Next year’s PicNik will be on the fourth of August. Don’t say you haven’t had enough time to plan ahead!

Other events this month include the Fonda Fair where FUNTRAK will be setting up a large T-trak layout in addition to the other layouts already there. Greg may bring the HO T-trak division as well. Plans are incomplete at this writing, but intentions are to have the new layout at the fair for everyone to enjoy. More future plans are in the works such as a show in Mohawk over Columbus Day weekend supported by the local schools and PTO. More details will be forthcoming as soon as they are available. Since this will be an inaugural show, it is difficult to predict how it will go, but FUNTRAK always hopes for the best and enjoys displaying trains for the public regardless of the obstacles that may present themselves.

Next on the agenda for FUNTRAK will be the annual show in Clayton the weekend after Labor Day. Again this year FUNTRAK anticipates bringing some N-trak modules and a T-trak layout. The rest of the West Winds group has promised to supply a few modules to enhance the T-trak layout with some new and exciting scenery. Come on out and support your local model railroad club. See you at the shows!

Brian

Inspiration and ambition. Two wonderful concepts that go hand in hand. FUNTRAK has never had a lack of ambition when it comes to model railroading and inspiration can be found in numerous places. Fortunately for club members John Fleming, Clayt Farrall, Greg Brockway, and myself, Brian Curry was kind enough to allow them to visit his exquisite N scale home layout. This layout will provide inspiration to anyone who has even the slightest interest in model railroading. The level of detail is absolutely astounding. This is to be expected as Brian is a Master Model Railroader. His craftsmanship, skills, and ingenuity are evident everywhere you look on his railroad. No detail has been overlooked. The scenery is so
realistic you feel like you are actually a part of the scene rather than just an outside observer. With this kind of inspiration as a background, FUNTRAK members are currently undertaking a new chapter in the club’s endeavors. With adept leadership from Greg Brockway, new HO T-trak modules are being constructed. This will enhance the club’s involvement in multiple scales and provide a new avenue for others to join in if they so desire. Pictures in the post below show some of the detail on Brian Curry’s remarkable railroad. You could spend hours viewing this railroad and still not see everything. As usual, Brian was a fabulous host and a most humble individual about his accomplishments. In recognition of some of his achievements, FUNTRAK presented Brian with a basic T-trak module with the proviso that he bring it to the PicNik next month where FUNTRAK will proudly incorporate it into a small T-trak layout. Everyone is anxiously awaiting this event and looking forward to seeing what Brian may do with the module.

Meanwhile, as shown in one of the pictures from the work session, yours truly is actually shown doing some real work. Lorenzo was also at the work session and took the picture. All in all, ten new HO modules were constructed during this session. On the 24th of July FUNTRAK members will meet at Greg’s house to continue construction of the new modules and anticipate having them up and running for the PicNik next month. So much for inspiration and ambition. Now to see how the two come together in the final result of accomplishment and what the new modules actually look like! Until next time, keep training.
Brian

The unofficial summer has arrived! Memorial Day weekend has come and gone and FUNTRAK members Greg Brockway, John Fleming, and I have begun a new chapter in FUNTRAK’s future. The HO division has been revived in the form of T-trak HO. The first of eight planned modules were constructed over the weekend, so there are now two corners awaiting track and electrical connections. Plans down the road include finishing two more corners and then building four straight modules. This will provide a minimal layout in HO of approximately four by eight feet. Club members are eager to support this new effort and look forward to the completion of the first layout. As usual, there are some minor issues that accompany any new endeavor. The first is transportation. Although HO is not really huge, it is considerably larger than the N scale modules used in T-trak. The larger size of these modules makes them more difficult to transport, but this is a problem that will eventually have a solution. Hopefully, it will be a simple solution!

Greg has volunteered to be the HO coordinator for the T-trak division and everyone in the club has promised to help him with whatever he may need to get things up and running. If you are interested in the HO side of the model railroad effort, get in touch with Greg or any club member and information, guidance, and help will be forthcoming.

In other FUNTRAK news, Golden Spike Day, May 10, saw FUNTRAK setting up an interesting layout back at Fisher Elementary School. Over four hundred “visitors” got to see FUNTRAK’s handiwork on Friday with more visitors on Saturday when the school hosted a PTA family fair. One of FUNTRAK’s newest members, Tim Brien, provided a beautifully scenicked Lionel layout for the students to enjoy alongside the FUNTRAK T-trak layout. Both of these displays were big hits for everyone from toddlers to senior citizens. This was a great learning experience for the students as well as adults as the importance of railroading was acknowledged in America’s history, both past and present. The miniature world of model railroading provides a hands on experience as well as an academic challenges for all the participants. It is a great way to learn about a myriad of skills, information, and history for both student and teacher alike. If you want to try a new approach to having fun while learning a variety of new things for yourself, your children, and your friends, try model railroading. You won’t be disappointed!

Brian

Constructing the first of the necessary modules for the revived HO division of FUNTRAK began over the Memorial Day weekend. Two corners were completed with more to follow. Greg, one of FUNTRAK’s newest members, proudly displays one of the completed corners.