What is the NPSRR?

The NPSRR is an N-scale modular train layout that has future plans to run through four major national parks in the western United States: Yosemite National Park, Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Glacier National Park. The modules follow Bend Track standards. Currently there is a railroad servicing yard, a small developing town, and a farm. 

What is Bend Track?

Bend Track is a collection of small, portable modules that can be hooked together to run N-scale trains! Layouts can be built any size and with an unlimited variety of terrain! This solves many of model railroading's problems:

• limited room for a large layout (a 2-"balloon" layout is 3'x7' feet!).

• the temptation to start with your "dream" layout before basic skills are learned.

• boredom from the same permanent layout once it's built.

• the difficulty of sharing your hobby with others.

• the horror of moving a large layout when a house is sold.

Bend Track is a great way to start small and then expand with new skills and ideas. One module might be a ski resort, another a busy metropolitan area, and a third a lush tropical island! The possibilities are endless.

The basic concept of Bend Track can be seen in the illustrations below (From the Official Bend Track Web site):

How is Bend Track different from N-Trak?

1. While N-Trak has three straight tracks running across the front of a module and an optional mountain line in the back, requiring a layout to have back to back modules for continuous running, Bend Track has two tracks running down BOTH sides of a module making it possible to run trains with less modules in less space.
2. There's no need (though it's optional) for skyboards (14" background behind a module).
3. Rail height is easier on the eyes (50" instead of 40").
4. The single row of modules allows for interaction with visitors at train shows, instead of being hidden in an interior "pit".
5. Less modules are required to run trains, so the cost is about HALF compared to N-Trak.