Farmpark’s Railroads in the Parks unites model train groups,fans

While dozens of model train enthusiasts glanced at multiple exhibits larger than midsize cars during Farmpark’s two-day event, Charles Tidd’s four-pound T-TRAK “tabletop,” due to its smaller setting, garnered just as much attention, though somewhat curiously.

The Eastlake resident and Lake Erie N-Scale Society (LENS) member said T-TRAK started in Japan as a way to utilize minimal space, and that the ease and size makes it a newly-adopted standard in model train setups.

“Basically, it’s a smaller version of the N scale modular railroad layout,” Tidd noted. “We’re trying to get it going more in this area. I’m the first one to come up with the units here. There are certain standards the modules have to meet, but you can take them anywhere in the world and put them together. It’s the same scale as NTrak modules, but instead of having a large, four-foot, 30 pound monster, these T-TRAK weigh about four pounds apiece. The track simply snaps together, no bolts or anything. In this case, one power source can drive the whole thing.

“The ideas is, being so lightweight, you can store it anywhere. It’s small enough to pack in the back of a car, no problem. I set it up on my living room table. About 2004, T-TRAK was brought to the United States and it’s been a slow growth, but recently it’s started to take off. As hobbyists are getting older, they don’t want to be lifting 50 or 60 pound traveling cases. This makes everything relaxed.”

Tidd also pointed out that T-TRAK layouts will be on display later this year at the week-long National Model Railroad Association Convention in Kansas City.

Since 1981, LENS has been a group of people in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties with a shared interest in modeling N scale railroads following the “NTrak” modular standard. (NTrak modules are designated by their standard three running tracks — two are “mainline” tracks and the third is the “branchline” track — that are required on all modules.) LENS meets monthly and has no dues or officers.

“We want to promote the hobby by setting up public displays whenever we have an opportunity,” said LENS member Chuck Limbert. “Our modules have been displayed in shopping malls, libraries, model railroad shows, hotels, colleges and a host of other locations.

“We have about 35 members who receive our email newsletter and 18 to 20 members whom we consider active. Two-thirds of our club are also members of the National Model Railroad Association. That organization has a lot of strength so a lot of what we do is derived from them.

“The ‘N’ equals nine millimeters in between the rails; that’s the gauge,” Limbert explained. “When they say, ‘N gauge,’ N scale goes right along with it, the 1:160 scale, roughly half of what HO scale is (1:87).

“This standard was created and it expanded in the United States to get the hobby out in public to share common interest.”

While perceived by some as a toy subculture, Limbert scoffs at labeling, noting the amount of intricate designs and work involved, and also the global appeal model railroading attracts.

“You don’t realize how many people are into model railroading until you meet them or attend a convention or fest,” he said. “I’ve seen three people I work with at the Perry Power Plant here today that I wouldn’t think to approach about this.

“LENS members have been to conventions and met other enthusiasts from Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Australia.”

Both Limbert and Tidd, who happily pour money into the hobby, agree that model railroading doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive.

“It’s not as bad as people think,” Limbert said. “Money shouldn’t deter anyone who’s looking to get involved. My dad bought my brother and me a used HO set off a guy and we treated it as a toy, but since my son was born, who’s now 26, it’s grown and been treated as a hobby.”

Now, Limbert and Tidd want to keep reaching out to people to take part in the fun. Both agree that, like anything else, technology has aided drawing more enthusiasts.

“We want to pass the baton to younger generations,” Limbert said. “Model railroading has evolved. There are applications now where you can run a layout through a phone. It’s come a long way the last 20 years. All you need is an interest and a willingness to participate.”

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