An I-Track Module System?

[Auto-Train Original]

I have long admired the N-Trak or Freemo concept of people building their own modules at home and then bringing them to clubs and exhibitions for them to be joined up. The concept is simple yet an excellent way for just about anyone to make a module. I was wondering has anyone ever thought of the idea for an I-Track network. Whereby hobbyists could build an Irish themed module to a specific set of specs. Then join them them together at meet ups or public events?

I think it would be fantastic and would have great potential for creating the 'wow' factor for both active hobbyists and entice newcommers while promoting Irish OO gauge railway modelling as a whole.

Edited December 7 by Auto-Train Original

[Mayner]

I think an I-Track network of Irish themed layouts would be an excellent way of promoting the hobby and perhaps more importantly allowing people who do not have a home layout to get together and run/operate/play trains.

Modular model railroading has been popular among American Outline modelers (worldwide) for many years HO & N modular layouts are a staple at American modelling meets, conventions I have attended in the UK, the States and New Zealand, but relatively un-common with a few exceptions among Irish and British outline modelling.

Castle Rackrent a modular Irish system.

Richard Chown pioneered 7mm broad gauge Irish Outline modelling during the 1970s with his Castlerackrent system, the system was modular in nature with up to 5 stations which could be set up in different configerations to suit different venues. Apart from the scratchbuilt broad gauge (mainly WLWR) locos & stock a notable feature was the authentic building and structure modelling and the modelling of bogland on a scenic section.

15" Group a 4mm modular GWR branch line system.

The 15" Group applied the modular modelling concept to the 'classic" Great Western branch line modelling a series (possibly 3) single track stations on a 15" wide baseboard, complete with a modular wiring system and some co-ordination in the use of scenic materials and colour pallet.

One-Trak  N (American outline) "One Track Minds" group New Zealand

Both the One-Trak & One Track Minds groups represented a shift from the established multi-track main line concept on a 4X2' baseboard pioneered by modular railroaders towards a single track main line with more realistic scenery.  The 4'X1' wide baseboard used on One Trak modules resulted in a slender module that appeared longer than a standard N-Track module, but wide enough for foreground and background scenery and multiple trackage if necessary.

One Track Minds modelled New Zealand Railways 3'6" gauge in S scale on 16.5 mm track on a 4X2 baseboard usually scenic modules which featured realistic NZ scenery (incl. unique tree and plant species) and structure and building style. Some of the modules featured classic New Zealand riverside/coastal scenery and bush complete with mudflats, flax (New Zealand), Cabbage trees and timber trestle railway bridges, and local building styles. 

Personally I would love to see Irish modules which feature the boglands of the Midlands, the railway in the Slaney valley above Wexford, the 'stone wall country of Galway/Roscommon, a Land Commission farmhouse/yard and an an Irish Tower House, the train become part of rather than center of the scene.

A question of standards.

The best option would be to use an existing standard that works, Jack Dunboynes FREMO modular layout should provide an inspiration for what could be achieved in an Irish outline modular context.

 

From my perspective the biggest challenge with modular layouts is overcoming the patchwork effect when modules built by several different builders are assembled into a single layout, particular variation in texture and colour of scenic effect, which would require a level of coordination of materials and colour pallet between builders.

The flip side is that the scenic effects become completely irrelevant to a group of modellers who have got together to enjoy running/operating or playing trains.

In one of his final Castle Rackrent articles Richard commented that they never got round to completing the buildings/scenic work on one station because the group were too busy running trains (complete with block bells and working signals)