Epic N Scale Weekend in Altoona and More | September 2024 ZoomTRAK

Get ready for an action-packed episode of ZoomTRAK as we bring you all the highlights from the N Scale Weekend in Altoona! This event was a paradise for N Scale enthusiasts, with incredible NTrak, T-Trak, and Free-MoN layouts on display, and we’ve got loads of clips to share with you.
What’s in this episode?
1. N Scale Weekend in Altoona - Watch jaw-dropping layouts in action, featuring sprawling NTrak setups, creative T-Trak modules, and flexible Free-MoN scenes. This event is a must-see for anyone who loves model railroading!
2. Talkin’ T-Trak with Terry: Digitrax AR1 - Terry dives deep into using the Digitrax AR1 for managing reverse loops in your T-Trak modules. Learn how to keep your trains running smoothly without a hitch!
3. Farragut Loop Free-MoN Layout Update - We check in on the Farragut Loop Free-MoN layout, showcasing the latest updates and expansions. See how this impressive setup continues to evolve.
4. 3D Printed Free-MoN Modules with Gordy - Model railroading meets cutting-edge technology as Gordy shows us how he’s using 3D printing to create innovative Free-MoN modules. Get inspired by how these custom designs bring a new dimension to layout building!
From tech tips to jaw-dropping layouts, the September 2024 ZoomTrak has it all! Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with the latest in N Scale model railroading. Hit the notification bell so you don’t miss an episode!
#NScaleModelRailroading #ModelRailroad #NScaleWeekend #TTrak #NTrak #FreeMoN #3DPrinting #DigitraxAR1 #ModelTrainLayouts #NScaleTrains #TrainModeling #ZoomTrak #trainshow #NScale

[@markboyce5261]

I attended the N Scale Weekend in Altoona, my first N scale event. I modeled in N scale back in the '80s, but then went to larger scales. Now that we are planning on downsizing N scale has regained it's appeal to me. I joined NRail shortly afterwards getting a tip from someone with the Iron City T-Trak group. Thank you for the great information in the video. I will be going back and viewing previous videos.

[@Steve_Larson]

I originally installed the AR1 on my reverse loop, but the loop was too short and my lighted passenger cars would make it cut out if the train was longer than the loop. After about 6 months it quit working, no matter where I set the pot. It was totally my fault since I love long passenger trains and was probably faulting out 10 times a day. I have since been using Tam Valley frog juicers. You can pair outputs for Y's and reverse loops. I'm currently using the dual model to run the reverse loop on my Atlas code 65 sectional layout, and the Hex frog juicer for frogs on my C55 layout. A neat extra is that the dual output model has LED outputs to run signals. The longer passenger trains (longer than the reverse loop) don't seem to be a problem for the Dual Juicer. They switch so fast that they can change states in-between wheels, so it just flashes red/green on the PCB really fast but doesn't fault out and everything runs smoothly.

[@brendansmith1217]

I disagree with the point about insulated joiners not being level with the tops of the rails (at 15:02 "AR1 Tips"); it could cause issues. The reverser does not rely on the wheels bridging the gap to cause the phase short. While this can and does happen, it isn't a requirement to trip the reverser. The gap will be bridged electrically by the conductive footprint of the locomotive. Generally, there are wipers on all wheels on the loco for better pickup of power. One wheel will be in the reversing section while one will still be out of it, this is sufficient to trip the reverser. By having metal wheels bridge the gap, the reverser could wind up fighting itself if trains are running over both sets of gaps. If a locomotive is leaving the reversing section and another is entering it, the metal wheels of the entering train can bridge the gap while the loco, set of metal wheels, or a lighted car is bridging the exit gaps. The reverser will fight itself and cutout for a second or two. The train will start moving again, but only until the next set of metal wheels bridges the gap. I see no adverse effect from filling the gap. Worse case, if you have only one axle on a loco picking up power, the reverser wouldn't trip, but it wouldn't have to in that case. The reverser is only there to address the situation of a short occuring. If there isn't a short, it doesn't matter, the loco will happily keep going. @steve_larson mentions using the the dual frog juicer as a reverser thus avoiding the fighting gaps. Haven't tried it myself.