Planning a module
Almost every method is suitable to plan a module; be it pencil and paper or a computer software. I prefer a computer program because it can´t "lie". What do I mean by this? Well, when using paper and pencil one tends draw the turnouts too short and thus "lies" to one-selves. A software can´t do this because the track elements with their original dimensions are organized in libraries. Examples for a trackplanning software are WinRail® or 3rd Planit®. A word of warning, though, before you dive right into trackplanning using a software: Every computer program requires a certain training period and the mastering of a more or less steep laerning curve! So don´t give up if you don´t get fast results but instead "play" a bit with the program (whichever you will be using...). It´s well worth the effort.
| The first thing to do is to determine the plannig area. An NTRAK standard module measures 4´ by 2´ (1220 x 660 mm)=. |  |
| The three by NTRAK-norms required mainline tracks come in next. The short pieces at the module´s ends represent the transition tracks. |  |
| The innermost (blue) track´s center line has to be located 17 inches (432 mm) from the back of the module. The track center distance is given at 1.5" (38 mm). |  |
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© 2009 by Erhard Baltrusch, Hamburg, Germany