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Update Free-Trak Standards
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Free-Trak.md

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title: "Free-Trak Standards"
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subtitle: "**Version:** 0.9.0"
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subtitle: "**Version:** 0.9.1"
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layout: default
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Free-Trak is a proposed N scale module standard that combines the ease of use and "bulletproof" connections of T-Trak™ with the module sizing flexibility of Free-MoN. This increased flexibility aims to make modules easier to integrate into home layouts and lead to more operational interest for clubs.
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Free-Trak is a proposed N scale module standard that combines the ease of use and "bulletproof" connections of T-Trak™ with the module sizing flexibility of Free-Mo. This increased flexibility aims to make modules easier to integrate into home layouts and lead to more operational interest for clubs.
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**Preliminary Version Disclaimer:** Please note that these standards are not finalized and numbering/content is subject to change. Diagrams will be added soon.
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**Preliminary Version Disclaimer:** Please note that these standards are not finalized and numbering/content is subject to change. Diagrams will be added soon. At version 1.0.0, all numbering shall be frozen
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## Module Dimensions
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1. All modules, with the exception of end modules (either balloon loop or stub-end), must have at least two endplates
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1. Endplate width must be between 12" and 24"
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2. Endplates must be constructed of a non-warping material (3/4" birch plywood or reinforced 1/4" birch plywood is recommended, see Free-Mo recommended practices and example endplate laser cutting templates [here](https://github.com/UncommonModels/Free-Trak-Templates))
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3. Single track endplates must be labeled with a "front" corresponding to the rail attached to a blue feeder cable (see 3.1, note that this does not necessarily need to be the intended viewing location of the module)
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2. Modules may take any length and shape between endplates
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3. Modules must be 2 3/4" tall with adjustable feet (to maintain T-Trak™ compatibility)
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3. Endplate widths must be between 6" (152mm) and 12" (305mm)
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1. Total module width between endplates may vary as desired by the builder
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4. Endplates must be constructed so as not to significantly warp
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5. Endplates must be 2 3/4" (70mm) tall with adjustable feet to maintain T-Trak™ compatibility
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6. Endplates must included a centered slot for wiring 1/4" (6.35mm) above the bottom of the module, at minimum 1/2" (12.7mm) tall and 1" (25.4mm) wide
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## Track Configuration
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1. Track at each end plate should be either single or double track with Kato™ Unitrack™ connectors and centered within the end plate
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2. Double track modules should use standard 33mm Kato™ track spacing
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3. The minimum turnout shall be #6 for the mainline
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4. The minimum curve radius shall be 11.25" (as in T-Trak™)
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5. Tracks must overhang the endplate by no less than 0.1mm and more than 1mm at each joint
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2. Double track modules should use standard 33mm Kato™ Unitrack™ spacing
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3. The minimum turnout shall be #6 for the through-route
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4. The minimum through-route curve radius shall be 11" (282mm)
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5. Tracks must overhang the endplate by no less than 0.1mm and no more than 1mm at each joint
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## Wiring
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1. Each double track module must be wired blue-white, white-blue (for T-Trak™ compatibility)
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1. Single track branch line endplates shall be labeled according to either the corresponding wiring for how it branches off a main line or such that the "front" of a module corresponds to the blue rail on a module with only single track endpoints
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2. Andersen connectors shall be provided on each endplate, with one pair of blue and white connectors per track bus on the endplate
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1. Each double track module must be wired blue-white, white-blue (as described in the T-Trak™ standard)
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2. Single track branch line endplates shall be labeled using blue and white indicators (paint, stickers, electrical tape, etc.) on the endplate to display polarity of each rail
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3. Mini-Tamiya™ (standard Kato™) connectors shall be used, with one pair of feeders per track per module
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1. Optionally, a track power bus with Free-Mo style electrical connections with Anderson Powerpole™ connectors (as described in [Free-Mo Standard Section 4](http://www.free-mo.org/standard/#4)) may be implemented, with a clearly labeled double-pole, double throw (DPDT) switch allowing for the module to change between T-Trak™ and Free-Mo electrical operation modes
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4. Auxillary power for accessories shall be either pulled from the track bus or a separate standard AC plug adapter
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## Resolution of Ambiguities
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1. Ambiguities in the standards shall be resolved such that they maintain compatibility with T-Trak™ layouts
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1. Any ambiguities in the standards shall be resolved such that they maintain compatibility with T-Trak™ layouts
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## Recommended Practices
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1. All main lines on the module are recommended to have at least one feeder connection to the track bus
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2. Crossovers should include an isolated reversing section to allow for switching mainline tracks
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3. Use of a DCC system is strongly recommended
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1. 3/4" birch plywood or reinforced 1/4" birch plywood is for constructing endplates, see example endplate laser cutting templates [here](https://github.com/UncommonModels/Free-Trak-Templates)
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2. Turnouts should be wired for operation via LCC
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3. Crossovers should include an isolated reversing section to allow for switching mainline tracks when in T-Trak™ wiring mode
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4. Use of a DCC system is strongly recommended
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1. Use of wireless throttles is strongly recommended
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2. Use of a DCC-EX based DCC system is recommended
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**Changelog:**
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- Version 0.9.1
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- Added more details regarding wiring
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- Clarified text of module dimension section and moved some suggestions to
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- Numbering shuffled in most sections
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- Added metric values in addition to imperial where needed
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- Version 0.9.0
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- Added Changelog
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- Switched wiring to match T-Trak™ standard
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- Removed DCC system requirement
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- Added ambiguity resolution section

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