ABOUT The National T-TRAK Layout
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Current World Record T-TRAK Layout
In 2018, at the NMRA’s National Train Show in Kansas City, The National T-TRAK Layout organized and displayed the World Record T-TRAK Layout- for size, number of modules, and scale mileage.
We, at The National T-TRAK Layout, plan to set a NEW World Record for T-TRAK layouts at the Chattanooga NMRA National Train Show in 2026!
The story of the birth of The National T-TRAK Layout
The Story of the birth of The National T-TRAK Layout begins with the birth of T-TRAK itself.
T-TRAK is an American invention of Lee Monaco-FitzGerald; however, the origins of the concept of T-TRAK are certainly derived from the many modeling ideas that she and Jim FitzGerald were exposed to during their visits to Japan in 2000 and 2001. Since its introduction into the United States, in 2000, T-TRAK has evolved and gained a worldwide popularity. The system is based on a few standards for module size, track placement, track interface, and electrical connections. The minimal standards allow for a wide range of flexibility in design yet still maintain interoperability with all modules built to the standards. T-TRAK modules are dioramas constructed with Kato Unitrack, and simply snap together to create layouts from a simple circle to large complex layouts. The modules are designed to fit on tables but could just as easily be set up on any flat surface from the floor (yes, around the Christmas tree) to taller benchwork. Layouts are easy to assemble and even easier to disassemble for those that do not have permanent space for a layout. The convenient size of the modules make them easy to store on a shelf or in totes when not in use, or to transport. The basic T-TRAK module system is based on a 'single'; a module roughly 12.25" by 13", although many modules built are 'doubles' or 'triples', modules that double, or triple the length of the 'single'.
During the 2017 NMRA National Train show in Orlando, coordinator Fay Chin, noting the fantastic reception that the T-TRAK layout was receiving, suggested to fellow coordinator, Bruce Arbo, that an attempt should be made to break the existing T-TRAK record at the next National Train show in Kansas City. The previous record had been set at the World's Greatest Hobby Show, in San Antonio, in 2016. That layout consisted of 264 separate modules, with an outside, continuous run, across every module, of 15.6 N scale miles.
Accepting the challenge, Fay and Bruce, along with the help of the NTRAK (now NRail) organization, and numerous industry sponsors, were able, over the course of the year, to organize participants and material, to come together at the National Train Show in Kansas City to break that record.
The 2018 layout, in Kansas City, occupied an area 70'x50' and consisted of 340 separate modules of various lengths, arranged to provide an outside continuous run, across every module, of 28.4 N scale miles. Numerous inner loops, arranged around the layout, contributed to make the total trackage over 40 N scale miles!
Many clubs and individuals came together to create this historic layout.
Clubs included:
Coastal Alabama T-TRAK (AL), Northeast T-TRAK (MA), North Raleigh MMRR Club (NC), Kansas City T-Nuts (KS), Des MoiNTRAK (IA), Central Kentucky T-TRAK (KY), Oklahoma N-Rail (OK), North West Georgia T-TRAK (GA), Iowa Central Modular RR (IA), North Texas T-TRAK (TX), Central Valley MRR (NH), Kansas City T-Rail (MO-KS), Central Missouri Rail Road Assoc (MO), Northwest Crossing (TX), AustNTrak (TX), MANTRAK (WI), KATO (IL), Chippewa Valley Ngineers (WI), Cronkin Railroad (NE) and French Broad e'N'pire (NC). Individuals from Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, Canada (Ontario) and Denmark also brought modules for the layout.
Due to the massive response in Kansas City, not only from the participants, but from the NMRA and media, Fay and Bruce vowed to coordinate a layout, annually, at the National Train Show, giving birth to The National T-TRAK Layout.
Although The National T-TRAK Layout in 2019, at the NMRA's National Train Show in Sandy, UT (Salt Lake City area) was smaller than the previous one in Kansas City, it was VERY well received and helped vendors sell out show stock of their just released KATO T-TRAK module kit!
The 2019 event was held in the Mountain America Exposition Center (formerly known as Southtowne Expo Center) in Sandy, UT.
That year, 2019, The National T-TRAK Layout occupied a 40'x40' space, and was anchored by the Color Country T-TRAK Club, of Southern Utah, which acted as the host club. (https://www.ccttc.info/ )
Once again, KATO USA ( https://katousa.com/ ) sponsored the tables for the 2019 edition of The National T-TRAK Layout and many other manufacturers donated merchandise to be awarded to this year's participants via drawings!
Jacksonville Terminal Company ( https://jtcmodeltrains.com/) is fast becoming a major sponsor of T-TRAK and NTRAK events and they graciously sponsored commemorative coffee mugs that were awarded to all of the participants of the 2019 layout!
In addition, Trovestar ( https://www.trovestar.com/ ) sponsored the printed plaques that were given to each module participant.
Although plans for another record breaking layout were interrupted in 2020 and 2021, with the cancellation of the NMRA convention and Train Show in St. Louis, and the much reduced virtual show in Santa Clara, CA, we hosted a VIRTUAL version of The National T-TRAK Layout, here on this website, to help commemorate the 20 year anniversary of T-TRAK in 2020!
As stated above, 2021 saw another interruption in in the regular NMRA National Train Show and The National Train Show Layout did not participate in the NMRA's Virtual convention in Santa Clara, CA, however, the National T-TRAK Layout founders recruited, planned, and organized the NRail T-TRAK Layout displayed at the 2021 N Scale Convention in Rosemont, IL (Chicago).
As space was unavailable, for a large T-TRAK Layout, at the much-reduced-in-size 2022 NMRA National Train Show, the MVNS (Mississippi Valley N Scalers) T-TRAK group planned and organized a very nice layout there.
The National T-TRAK Layout founders, once again, lent their talents to NRail, and planned and organized the T-TRAK Layout displayed at the 2022 N Scale Convention in Nashville, TN.
Once again, because of space considerations at the 2023 NMRA National Train Show in Grapevine, TX, The National T-TRAK layout was not involved, and with the NMRA seriously downsizing their show for 2024's National Train Show in Long Beach, CA, once again, The National T-TRAK Layout did not participate.
The announcement of Chattanooga, TN for the site of the 2026 NMRA Convention and National Train Show, and encouragement from the NMRA National and Southeast regional boards, presented the National T-TRAK Layout with a unique opportunity to, once again, try to break the world record for a T-TRAK layout!
Planning is already underway to do just that and we're excited to, once again, be partnering with the NMRA and presenting a large T-TRAK layout at The National Train Show.
Very recently, and recognizing his work promoting T-TRAK and The National T-TRAK Layout, we've added Andy Zimmerman, president of the BBMRA (Big Bend Model Railroad Association) of Tallahassee, FL, to our board.
Andy is also the NMRA's National Standards and Conformance Department Manager, in addition to being Vice President of NRail.
Andy joins us just in time to help promote the record breaking layout at Chattanooga for 2026.
In addition to promoting and presenting these layouts at The National Train Show,
The National T-TRAK Layout website will continue to support T-TRAK layouts, across the US, with news, promotions, and a calendar of events soon to come. Stay tuned!
And be sure to check out these other great T-TRAK sites!!!
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/tZ5A1T2CgBk5suWX/?mibextid=CTbP7E
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttrak/
Meet the Board of Directors
Fay Chin - Co-Founder
I am an active member and founder of the Northeast NTRAK club from Massachusetts. The club started in 1976 when there was no such entity as the Internet. With a simple flyer posted in a local hobby shop window, train hobbyists gathered, and a club was established. The club is still active today and hosts an annual Winterfest NTRAK and T-TRAK convention for the Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show which draws over 20,000 attendees. I also coordinated the National T-TRAK layouts for the past NMRA National Train Shows at Orlando, Kansas City (record layout), Salt Lake City, Reno, Nashville and Bethlehem.
While I was on a long term job assignment in Orlando in 2012, I wanted to exhibit a layout at train shows and determined that T-TRAK fit the need. After doing several solo T-TRAK layouts, I have met many train hobbyist and other T-TRAK groups. As a retired Electrical Engineer in the Power Industry, I incorporated my Control & Automation knowledge into my train layout to create more interest. As a conversation starter at shows, I added models of a 3D printed nuclear power plant, coal fired power plant, functional (photovoltaic) solar field, simulated thermal solar power station, hydroelectric power plant, wind turbines that actually generate electricity and a 3D printed container crane. In addition, on my T-TRAK layout there are many hands-on activities such as an operating: 3D printed truck tipper, 3D printed sawmill, coal dumper, 3D printed drawbridge and John Allen's Time Saver module. Also, I use Laser Engraver and Cutting in model railroading. My T-TRAK modules include animation and automation using the Arduino micro controller platform.
I am honored and happy to serve on the NRail Board of Directors and the National T-TRAK Layout co-founder.
Bruce Arbo - Co-Founder/Treasurer
My interest in N scale started at 12 years of age, with the purchase of an Atlas (Rivarossi) n scale ATSF passenger set.
I became an NTRAK member and modeler in the late 1980’s while living in Austin, TX, and continued in NTRAK after moving back to my native MS/AL Gulf Coast area.
My interest in T-TRAK was piqued on a trip with my wife back to the Austin area, in 2014, to attend a Lone Star NMRA regional convention.
Upon returning to Alabama I began building T-TRAK modules in earnest, and formed CATT- Coastal Alabama T-TRAK; we’ve participated in T-TRAK events across the Southeast region.
I was asked by Kato USA to partner with them at various train shows by providing a T-TRAK display at their manufacturer’s booth.
After participating with Fay Chin at the 2017 NMRA’s National Train Show, we decided to form The National T-TRAK Layout in order to provide a large T-TRAK presence at the National Train Show.
My particular focus in model railroading is creating prototype scenery, detailing locomotives and rolling stock, and try to bring that to my T-TRAK module builds.
I’m honored to be a National T-TRAK Layout co-founder.
Jane Chin - Events Coordinator
I was introduced to model railroading when I met my husband Fay back in the late 60's. In 1976, he started the Northeast NTRAK club in Massachusetts and was busy building NTRAK modules. Fast forward to 2013, Fay returned home from a 2 year work assignment in Florida. Along with his luggage, there were T-TRAK modules that he had built for his solo T-TRAK shows in Florida. He soon after started the Northeast T-TRAK club to promote this concept. I helped him set-up the shows then and have been ever since. At the shows, I enjoy meeting new people and old friends, but most of all, seeing the children's smiling faces when they see the trains running and operating the hands-on activities on his layout. I am excited to be part of the National T-TRAK Layout group and look forward to Chattanooga in 2026.
Denise Hutton -Secretary
As a child I always loved trains. I would walk the several blocks from our house in Smyrna GA, to Atlanta Road to watch the trains go by. Fast forward many years later, meeting my hubby and him introducing me to the model train hobby. With my love of cats and trains, naturally I became a Chessie lover. After a trip to a train show in Austin TX and seeing the T-TRAK layout, I knew I wanted to try one. Bruce also got into T-TRAK as well and with his previous years of experience with making modules has helped me to make my own. Now, here I am with more train engines and cars of my own than I ever imagined I’d have, plus participating in shows, large and small. I’m honored to be a member of The National T-TRAK Layout.
Andy Zimmerman - Marketing and Advertising
Andy Zimmerman is a 23-year-retired US Navy Senior Chief and current Assistant Director of Information Technology (IT) at Florida State University. He maintains Leadership positions at the National level as the Standards and Conformance Manager(Department head) for the NMRA leading and Managing over 86 Volunteers. He also volunteers his IT skills on the National Web team in support of the NMRA National organization. Regionally he serves as The President for the for the NMRA Sunshine region. Additionally, he is the Vice President and Social Media Manager and Advisor for NRail. He has a background in advanced electronics and computer systems. Andy has been a model railroading enthusiast since he was nine, and as is typical, his love of trains all started with Lionel trains. As he got older and moved around, space was limited, so N-Scale became his passion. He is the current President of the Big Bend Model Railroad Association (http://bbmra.club) in Tallahassee Florida where he is focused on N-TRAK and T-TRAK. Feel free to comment or ask questions. SeniorChiefZ@outlook.com
Craig Laing - Advisor
As a native of West Virginia, trains were always around me. In the late 1970s, I assisted a friend with his N scale layout at a train show and I was hooked. I have been a lifelong N scaler who models mostly Appalachian railroads, especially the C&O. In my teenage years, I had several N scale layouts, all portable enough to take to train shows. These layouts had scratch-built structures from the West Virginia coalfields. Absent from the hobby for over 30 years, I returned to the hobby in 2017. Wanting to model somewhere in the New River Gorge, I attended the 2017 National Train Show in Orlando where I was introduced to T-TRAK. I realized that T-TRAK modules were ideal for modeling the linear settlements of the gorge. As a result, I constructed a T-TRAK module of Prince, West Virginia in the New River Gorge with all structures scratch-built to match the prototype. As a geography professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I have research and teaching interests in Appalachia and its cultural landscapes and America’s railroad heritage. In addition to the C&O, Smoky Mountain landscapes are themes of several of my modules. I enjoy traveling to train shows and exhibiting with other T-TRAK clubs. I have taken my T-TRAK modules to shows in Utah, Pennsylvania, Florida and many points in-between. I maintain membership in several clubs including Tennessee T-TRAK Associates, Chattanooga Modular Modelers, and the Appalachian Model Railroad Society (Huntington, WV).