Pics from our basement work session, May 10.

On a recent visit up to Canada, Brian had the opportunity to revisit a few home layouts. Excellent layouts included Justin’s, Walter’s and new this year, John Johnston’s. Justin Parry’s layout is featured above; John Johnson’s is featured below. These layouts all illustrate the craftsmanship and hard work that goes into building a quality model railroad.

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!

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

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

FUNTRAK‘s usual interesting layouts were the center of attention again this year at the annual Valley Rail Sights show in Ilion. In addition to the layouts this year, FUNTRAK also had vendors with trains and supporting equipment for sale. The vendors were pleased and promised to return next year. Attendance was good and everyone had a great time.

We had a great time. Check back for more details.