If you decide to create your own T-Trak module, the best practice will be to follow the T-Trak technical guide. Not only does it include the specification for track management, but it also provides you with the key requirements for managing wiring the module and preparing it for use in a train show setting – with other people’s T-Trak modules.  In this case, I’m creating something a bit different. The main tabletop layout component is set up so that a T-trak module could be attached at any of the four corners of the layout. Of course, that isn’t the objective overall – I’ll likely use only one corner of the layout at present for a T-Trak module, but I may swap out the modules, depending on what I’m seeking to present.  Regardless, they need to be wired up for two functions – operating as a stand alone T-Trak module, or integrated as a component of the overall Fallen Flags Junction layout. That means some electrical planning and considerations will need to be reviewed prior to actually snipping and clipping.  As you may know, when wiring for T-Trak operation, the colors of the wires from the front of the module moving back is blue/white, white/blue. Essentially, the two main lines are wired opposite of one another. This is so trains can run in opposite directions when multiple T-Trak modules are connected to one another. It also means that you must maintain complete electrical isolation between the two main line tracks. I’m using Kato Unitrack double crossovers, and one benefit is they are electrically isolated from one track to the other, so I don’t need to do anything special.  So, how should this wiring issue be managed, if the T-Trak module is being used as a part of the main layout – where we don’t want the two main lines to be electrically opposite? There are multiple ways to manage that issue – I’m choosing to use a double pole double throw switch that will reverse the wires from “train show” mode to “layout” mode. This way, I can easily integrate the module into a train show, and with the flip of a switch, I can run the module as part of the overall Fallen Flags Junction layout.  The module will have its own power junction, as well as multiple power supplies – one for the “Just Plug” lighting system, one for the Kato switches and electrical management, and one for the throttle that I’ll use when the layout is in stand-alone “train show” mode. Wait? What? Separate throttles?  Yup. Separate throttles. When this module is being operated on its own, I’ll be using an NCE PowerCab. When the module is in “layout” mode, instead of the NCE Powercab, I’ll be using a Digikeijs DR-5000 power station, along with a Digitrax DT602 dual throttle system. In addition to that, the Kato switches will be managed by the Digikeijs DR-4018 16-channel switch decoder. Because the Kato switches have two control wires, the DR-4018 will need to also use the Digikeijs DR-4101 switch motor interface devices. Suddenly, this is sounding pretty complicated.   It really isn’t too bad. All that needs to happen is to assign multiple DPDT switches to move control from the NCE system to the Digikeijs system. One toggle for the switch management, another for the rail power and throttle, and that’s it. So, when including the electrical routing, three toggles in total are required.  There may be a better option. There’s certainly more than one way to manage this. But this is easy to trace, and also to maintain. In the event there is a fault, it will be fairly easy to track the problem down. By the way, this also brings up the issue of whether to use circuit breakers or not. This layout is fairly simple overall, so I’ve decided they are not needed. However, if I wanted to add them later on, that would be a snap to do.  I went back and forth with multiple considerations for a few months before coming up with this overall plan. I considered multiple solutions, actually ran sample wires under the T-Trak module, laid the switches out and other materials, and then used a pad and pencil to create a schematic. In a future blog entry, I’ll discuss the specifics of organizing and wiring the module, and I’ll also create a “how to” video that shows how the process works.