Copyright © 2018 by Andrew Reid - BendTrack · All Rights reserved · E-Mail: andrew@bendtrack.com
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The BendTrack Manual
The Concept
The BendTrack modular system is based on standard
modules of varying lengths that are two feet in width at their abutting
surfaces. N scale was selected as the size most appropriate for the
amount of space that would be available on the module surface.
The entire concept is based on a two sided module with a double-
track mainline on each side. This 'feels' more prototypical than the
N-trak triple-track mainline, and leaves more space for scenery.
Within the standard, there is an optional center divider which
can serve as a scenery backdrop for both sides. When a center
divider is installed, it is like having two traditional modules
assembled back to back with no space between the two. Many
groups have opted to not use the center divider, choosing instead
more 'natural' methods to block the view ... buildings, trees, hills,
and so forth.
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The Balloon Modules
By far the most essential module in the BendTrack world is the "Balloon". But, Instead of having four corner modules to build and contend with as in other modular systems, BendTrack offers the convenience of just two modules.
These balloon modules provide a 180 degree turn around for the double mainlines allowing them to swing from one side of a module around to the other side. It's these Balloon Modules that give BendTrack it's very linear feel.
These balloon modules provide a 180 degree turn around for the double mainlines allowing them to swing from one side of a module around to the other side. It's these Balloon Modules that give BendTrack it's very linear feel.
For all practical purposes, the smallest and simplest BendTrack layout
includes just two balloon modules assembled together to form a small loop or oval,
as shown in the image below on the left. The train begins on one side of a balloon, then traverses to the opposite side before traveling onto the second balloon and returning to the starting point. With two balloons and some straight sections, as shown below on the right, you have used the two most basic module designs to expand your layout.
includes just two balloon modules assembled together to form a small loop or oval,
as shown in the image below on the left. The train begins on one side of a balloon, then traverses to the opposite side before traveling onto the second balloon and returning to the starting point. With two balloons and some straight sections, as shown below on the right, you have used the two most basic module designs to expand your layout.
As mentioned earlier, BendTrack requires at least two balloon modules instead of the four modules required for the traditional modular setup. These balloon modules must retain the basic minimum standard radius, which we will discuss later in the manual. They can be of any size or shape that you desire or which will fit your need, as long as the tracks return to the same 2 foot area at which they entered onto the balloon module.
Typically, there are three main Balloon configurations ... The Standard Balloon, with an equal offset to each side, shown in the center below. The "q" and "p" Balloon Designs have all the offset to one side of the centerline or the other, and are shown below on the left and right sides, respectively. But as we said, they really can be _any_ shape you require or desire!
Typically, there are three main Balloon configurations ... The Standard Balloon, with an equal offset to each side, shown in the center below. The "q" and "p" Balloon Designs have all the offset to one side of the centerline or the other, and are shown below on the left and right sides, respectively. But as we said, they really can be _any_ shape you require or desire!
The Original "N"ovative Modular System
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The BendTrack modular system is based on standard modules of varying lengths
that are two feet in width at their abutting surfaces. N scale was selected as the size most
appropriate for the amount of space that would be available on the module surface. The
entire concept is based on a two sided module with a double-track mainline on each side.
This 'feels' more prototypical than the N-trak triple-track mainline, and leaves more space
for scenery.
Within the standard, there is an optional center divider which can serve as a
scenery backdrop for both sides. When a center divider is installed, it is like having two
traditional modules assembled back to back with no space between the two. Many
groups have opted to not use the center divider, choosing instead more 'natural' methods
to block the view ... buildings, trees, hills, and so forth.
The Original "N"ovative
Modular System
Modular System
The BendTrack modular system is
based on standard modules of varying
lengths that are two feet in width at their
abutting surfaces. N scale was selected
as the size most appropriate for the
amount of space that would be available
on the module surface. The entire concept
is based on a two sided module with a
double-track mainline on each side. This
'feels' more prototypical than the N-trak
triple-track mainline, and leaves more
space for scenery.
Within the standard, there is an
optional center divider which can serve as
a scenery backdrop for both sides. When
a center divider is installed, it is like having
two traditional modules assembled back
to back with no space between the two.
Many groups have opted to not use the
center divider, choosing instead more
'natural' methods to block the view ...
buildings, trees, hills, and so forth.
By far the most essential module in the BendTrack world is the "Balloon". But, Instead of having four corner modules to build and contend with as in other modular systems, BendTrack offers the convenience of just two modules.
These balloon modules provide a 180 degree turn around for the double mainlines allowing them to swing from one side of a module around to the other side. It's these Balloon Modules that give BendTrack it's very linear feel.
These balloon modules provide a 180 degree turn around for the double mainlines allowing them to swing from one side of a module around to the other side. It's these Balloon Modules that give BendTrack it's very linear feel.
For all practical purposes, the smallest and simplest BendTrack layout
includes just two balloon modules assembled together to form a small loop or oval...The train begins on one side of a balloon, then traverses to the opposite side before traveling onto the second balloon and returning to the starting point.
includes just two balloon modules assembled together to form a small loop or oval...The train begins on one side of a balloon, then traverses to the opposite side before traveling onto the second balloon and returning to the starting point.
With two balloons and some straight sections, as shown below on the right, you have used the two most basic module designs to expand your layout.
As mentioned earlier, BendTrack requires at least two balloon modules instead of the four modules required for the traditional modular setup. These balloon modules must retain the basic minimum standard radius, which we will discuss later in the manual. They can be of any size or shape that you desire or which will fit your need, as long as the tracks return to the same 2 foot area at which they entered onto the balloon module.
Typically, there are three main Balloon configurations ... The Standard Balloon, with an equal offset to each side, shown in the center below. The "q" and "p" Balloon Designs have all the offset to one side of the centerline or the other, and are shown below on the left and right sides, respectively. But as we said, they really can be _any_ shape you require or desire!
Typically, there are three main Balloon configurations ... The Standard Balloon, with an equal offset to each side, shown in the center below. The "q" and "p" Balloon Designs have all the offset to one side of the centerline or the other, and are shown below on the left and right sides, respectively. But as we said, they really can be _any_ shape you require or desire!
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Copyright © 2018 by Andrew Reid - BendTrack
All Rights reserved
E-Mail: andrew@bendtrack.com
All Rights reserved
E-Mail: andrew@bendtrack.com
The Concept
The Balloon Modules
The Concept
The Balloon Modules