So, what is the most widely used N-Scale modules? Bend Track, T-Trak, etc., & is one getting stronger? I live near Cincinnati, OH so, if you have geographically specific details, a large club for example, please include them...
Thanks
Like designing a layout, choosing a modular standard is best arrived at through examining one's priorities and purposes. Each modular standard has a philosophy and culture of its own. Each new standard usually comes into being through unhappiness with aspect(s) of existing modular standards.
Although I model in HO and HOn3, I did a fair amount of on research HO and HOn3 modular standards due to a very limited space for my home layouts. From what I have read, there are a lot of similarities to the N situation. Start out with answering a few key questions?
- is the modular standard primarily for a home layout, or do you intend to set up with others?
- how often do you want to set up with others?
- how far are you willing to travel to a set up?
- do you have the means to transport the number of modules you intend to build to the set up?
- do you prefer to meet frequently with others building modules to the same standard, or just at the set ups?
- are you willing to establish your own local group, or do you need to join an already established local group?
Obviously, your answers may limit your choice of standards to what is already being done in your area.
A second important point to consider is what you are trying to achieve with your layout building (modular or otherwise), and how this meshes with the philosophy of the modular standard you are considering. For instance, are you primarily interested in display running on multiple main lines (N-Trak and its derivatives)? Or do you prefer prototypical ops on single track main lines (Freemo-N)? Note that the latter can only run so many trains simultaneously on a given setup. The best way to research this is to visit the web sites for the various standards, and read their philosophies, and see which appeals to you.
While you are at the web sites, take a look at the module standards themselves and see if you can live with
all of them for a given modular standard. If you are going to set up with others, all of you have to comply with the same set of standards.
Personally, I prefer the greater freedom of the Freemo standards - and even then some of the standards rub me the wrong way. If I were in your shoes, I'd seriously consider Freemo-N (see
http://www.wesleysteiner.com/mr/Free-moN/main.html). But then, I'm not you.
my thoughts, your choices