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Hex-TRAK is an exciting new concept in modular model railways. Smaller, simpler, and easier to store & handle than the larger T-TRAK Modules, but with larger radius curves and more space for scenery than the Kato 'MiniCircus' diorama modules, Hex-TRAK modules can be combined in many different ways to build large or small single track layouts.

The standard module geometry is based on 248mm straight track (Kato 20-000) and 216mm radius curves (Kato 20-170 & 20-171). Most Kato rolling stock will handle this, but due to the tight radius some larger stock, or stock from other manufacturers, may struggle. Please check compatibility/minimum recommended radii. Junctions are also possible, using the Kato 'Compact' 150mm radius points (though this will further limit the rolling stock that will happily traverse the modules).

Keen followers of modelling forums might have seen discussions about Hex-TRAK earlier this year. We first encountered Justin's similar work on the TableTopRailroad YouTube channel a few months ago. By coincidence, Jonathan was already developing something nearly identical. We reached out to Justin, and since then we have corresponded extensively, exchanging ideas and collaborating towards a final design and system. Justin is aware that we at Train Trax UK are selling these modules, and he has given his blessing.

Laser cut from high-quality 6mm MDF, the finished modules measure 248mm (across the flat edges) by approximately 286mm (point-to-point).

Introduction

Jonathan explains all in this ten minute video:

Product Range

There are 5 products available:

1. Standard Modules:

These are supplied in packs of 3, with an overall thickness of 12mm. The surface is marked with the positions for track entry/exit at all 6 edges. Each module can be fitted with 248mm of straight track, a 60° section of 216mm radius curved track, or a junction. Alternatively they can be left without track, for purely scenic sections (for example, in the centre of a circle or oval).

2. Half-Hex Modules:

These are supplied in pairs, and can be used to save space at the ends of layouts. These modules can only be fitted with the 20-170 & 20-171 curves, the position of which is engraved on the surface. Being half of a standard module, the dimensions are approximately 286 x 124mm.

3. Double-Height Modules:

These modules allow for running on multiple levels. They can be fitted with the same track options as the standard modules, on each of the 2 levels. Entry & exit positions are marked on all 6 edges, as per the standard modules.

The top section is designed to be removable to allow access for track cleaning & maintenance, and can also be rotated relative to the lower level, to alter the configuration allowing more variation in track designs. The lower level is 12mm thick, and the distance between levels is 60mm (giving an overall thickness of 72mm). Supplied singly.

4. Embankment Modules:

These can be built in either straight or curved configurations. The supports for the upper level are designed in such a way as to allow not only scenic treatment as an embankment (as the name suggests) but also for track, roadways, or rivers to run underneath to make simple bridge sections. Supplied singly.

5. Edge Modules:

The Edge modules save a little space on the depth of the layout, allowing them to fit comfortably on a 600mm/2' wide table, or a standard kitchen work surface. Supplied in pairs.

The above modules can be ordered either without track, or with a choice of straight/curved track as required. For junctions, you will need to order the track separately. Please see the item pages for available options.

Compatibility with Kato bridges, viaducts, and piers

The standard modules can be connected directly to Kato 248mm long single truss bridges, in place of straight modules, as the rail height of the track on the standard modules matches the rail height of the bridge pieces perfectly:

The double-height modules are spaced such that Kato bridges & viaducts can be placed between on the standard 50mm high piers (e.g. 23-017-1) mounted on top of a standard module:

Minimum space requirements

The smallest option for a full circuit of track is 6 modules, each fitted with 60° of curved track. Using only the standard modules, the overall dimensions of such a layout would be 746 x 717mm (29 ⅜” x 28 ¼”). Replacing the outer 2 edges with half-hexagon modules reduces the width to just 496mm (19 ½”):

Replacing the modules at the front & rear of the layout with 'Edge' modules reduces the depth required. The dimensions of a basic circle of track, assembled with 4x edge modules & 2 half modules, is just 499mm wide x 575mm deep; an oval of 6x edge modules & 2 half modules measures 747mm wide x 575mm deep:

As you add in more modules, the width increases in 248mm increments.

Power supply to track

It is recommended to use Kato 24-818 ‘terminal unijoiner’ to supply power to the track. We would recommend using these in the joint between the two pieces of track on a curved section, drilling a 10-12mm diameter hole in the centreline of the track where the two pieces meet, and feeding the wired unijoiners up from beneath the module:

These can also be fitted in the same manner to straight track sections by replacing the 248mm straight track piece with either 2x 124mm pieces, or one 186mm piece & a 62mm piece, with the terminal unijoiners between the track pieces. Alternatively, the 62mm long feeder track (20-041) can be used instead, with a 186mm straight.

We would not recommend fitting the terminal unijoiners between modules, as this complicates the process of separating the modules afterwards.

Junction modules

Junctions can be achieved by using Kato’s ‘Compact’ turnouts (20-240 & 20-241). This will require a 29mm straight track (from pack 20-091) ahead of the turnout, and both a 33mm straight (from pack 20-092) and a 62mm straight (20-040) afterward. The curved leg is then completed with a 315mm radius 15° piece (20-121).

Note that due to the track geometry, the curved leg overhangs very slightly more than the track on the standard straight & curved modules. This results in a slightly larger gap between adjacent modules, but not so much as to cause any practical issue. If the point is to be switched electrically, it is recommended to drill a 10mm hole for the control wire beneath the point, and feed the wire under the module to the switch.