Do I need to own a module?
Not all DesMoiNTRAK members own a module. You don't need to own a module of your own to join or run trains with the group. In fact DesMoiNTRAK has a few special club modules of various designs. These need as much care and repair as any privately owned module. New members often get experience with the NTRAK concept by adopting one of these modules before starting one of their own. By working on the club module you can gain experience and confidence in your modeling skills. Little investment is needed and quick, tangible results are possible. NTRAK allows you to have the benefit of running a train at home or becoming part of a "dream" layout. It allows an exposure to the hobby for the public at large.
Concept
Our modules are not based around any specific railroad, area of the country, or era in time, though many of the modules are recognizable as being in the Midwest. Our members have their own favorite railroad and bring their equipment to display and share. Some club favorites include: Chicago & Northwestern, Rock Island, Burlington Northern Union Pacific, Canadian Pacific, Amtrak.
DesMoiNTRAK isn't only about NTRAK and N-scale!
Our membership is interested in different facets of the model railroading hobby. Several members belong to HO clubs also. Several own HO and other equipment. Interest in Iowa and national railroading on 1:1 scale is also part of DesMoiNTRAK. One activity DesMoiNTRAK is trying is prototypical operation of model trains. Running a train as the real railroad would do will mean an increasing opportunity to set up and share the railroading experience. To support multiple train operation we have begun to investigate and experiment with DCC. It is our hope that DesMoinTRAK will become a part of your railroad hobby experience.
More Information
For more information on membership, please send an e-mail to desmointrak@desmointrak.org.
