T-TRAK ModulesThe minimal standards in T-TRAK permit the flexibility to build modules of all shapes and sizes; however, there are some basic modules that are common building blocks for most layout. The standard even defines what can be done when building 'non-standard' modules. Most T-TRAK modules fall into three main categories: straights, corners, and junctions.
| Jump To...Straight Modules:Corner Modules:Junctions:Other: |
Module Wiring
As per the standard, all modules with power feeders are required to be wired using the "blue to the outside" standard.
While not every module needs to have power feeders, best practice is to include power feeders on all straight modules larger than a single.
Double Module
†Height is measured from table top to the bottom of the Kato UNITRACK Track pieces can be anything that totals two lengths of 620mm, common combinations are two 248mm + 124mm or two 186mm + two 124mm. |
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Triple Module
†Height is measured from table top to the bottom of the Kato UNITRACK Track pieces can be anything that totals two lengths of 930mm, for example three 248mm + 186mm . |
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S-Transition
†Height is measured from table top to the bottom of the Kato UNITRACK NOTE: Caution is necessary when building the S-Transition because the left and the right are mirrored versions of each other. You can not simply build two identical modules, and turn the one around. The S-Transition is built to be the same size as a standard double module, and transitions the track from the 'front' edge to the 'back'. The standard 1½" setback is maintained at the ends on both sides of the module. S-Transition modules are often used in pairs, and any module placed between them can be placed "backwards" to the common viewing angle. |
S-Transition Track Pieces:
The straight segments in the center will vary based on module depth, most common arrangement includes the extendable track [20-050]: S124 + [20-050] + S62 |
Small Corner Module
†Height is measured from table top to the bottom of the Kato UNITRACK A 282R/315R corner is the original corner module, and is still the most common. Sometimes referred to as a "standard corner". Small corners are part of the standard because they are the largest radius that will allow an overall of track to fit on a "normal" banquet table (~30"). Although this can be misleading, since the larger corner sizes also meet the standard. |
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Larger Corner
†Height is measured from table top to the bottom of the Kato UNITRACK Note: Although they have become quite popular, larger corners are considered non-standard size because they do not fit on a single table. The most common way to create the larger corners is using the Kato Double Track Superelevated Curve pieces. Note that there are special "Approach tracks" needed for the superelevated. If you are doing a 90-degree corner using the Superelevated track, you will need:
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Review the Recommended Practice document for details about using corners/junctions of differing radii. |
Pro-Tip
When determining how big your module needs to be for a corner module, add 50mm to the largest radius.
The radius of the track is measured to the track center. Kato Track is 25mm wide, so 'to the center' leaves another 12.5mm. As per the standard, track should be set back from the edge 1½", or 38.1mm. 12.5+38.1=50.6mm.
For example, if you are going to build a "medium corner" using 348mm and 381mm radius curves, the module would be 431mm (16.97") square.
Endcap
†Height is measured from table top to the bottom of the Kato UNITRACK An endcap is just two "corner modules" as a single module. So they turn the full 180-degrees in one module. They are built in the same radius pars as the small or larger corners. To determine the width & depth, you can use the larger track radius. For example, if you are going to do a 282/315 endcap: Width = (2 x 315) + 101 = 731mm or 28¾" (see the pro-tip to learn where the 50 and 101 additions come from. ) |
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Inside Corner
†Height is measured from table top to the bottom of the Kato UNITRACK Module width & depth above are just approximate. Those are assume the module was a complete square, with the track interface sides at 12". But at a minimum you have to cut off one (inside) corner. The example here actually cuts off the inside and opposite corner. Track pieces, as depicted here, is the ideal set because it keeps the minimum radius of 282mm for the "yellow" line and 315mm for the "red" line. Early example of the Inside Corner used 282mm track on the inside curve, which is the red line (since the curve in introverted from the normal). |  Inside Curve Track Pieces:
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T-Junction Module
†Height is measured from table top to the bottom of the Kato UNITRACK The original T-Junction was designed by Steve Jackson, so is sometimes referred to as a "Jackson Junction". Because it is the only one that will still fit on a table, it is also referred to as a "Standard Junction" The straight legth of track (597mm) is not a natural length for Kato track. You will need to use the adjustable track piece [20-050], or a custom cut piece of 101mm. |
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Larger Junctions
†Height is measured from table top to the bottom of the Kato UNITRACK ‡All Require use of adjustable track piece [20-050], or a custom cut piece. Note: Junctions larger than the "Jackson Junction" are considered non-standard size because they do not fit on a single table. |
Review the Recommended Practice document for details about using corners/junctions of differing radii. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
