Time to Model: Building Toward a National T-TRAK Record - Featuring Project Manager Matt Gaudynski
Month 1: The Beginning of ScaleTrains' T-TRAK Build Series
By Bryson Sleppy
The countdown to the 2026 National Train Show has officially begun - and with it, a record-setting challenge.
Next summer, modelers from across the country will gather in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the National T-TRAK Layout is poised to break the world record for the largest assembled T-TRAK layout. The event takes place August 1-2, 2026, and several ScaleTrains employees are joining the effort by building their own modules to include in the layout.
Each month moving forward, Time to Model will follow one of our team members as they design, build, refine, and prepare their modules for the big event. From early planning stages to scenery, electronics, overall themes, and more, we’ll document the entire journey through July 2026.
We begin the series with this month’s featured builder: Project Manager, Matt Gaudynski.
Kickoff: Planning a Three-Module Family Build
Matt’s modules aren’t just a solo project - they’re a family collaboration.
“My sons and I are building three modules for the Chattanooga convention next summer. They are very excited to be part of the layout and have been brainstorming different scenes to build.”
Matt’s children, Benjamin and Harrison, are bringing their own creative flair to the layout with movie-inspired scenes - reflecting the things they love and recognize from pop culture. While the full designs are still under wraps, Matt gave us a preview:
Benjamin’s module: Inspired by Beetlejuice
Harrison’s module: Inspired by the first Mission Impossible
Matt’s module: A Chattanooga-themed scene depicting the TVRM depot and display yard as seen from the Norfolk Southern mainline
Unlike his sons’ cinematic concepts, Matt’s module will draw from real-world rail history and scenery, incorporating scratchbuilt elements and prototypical equipment.
Early Progress: Planning Before Construction
Even though physical construction hasn’t started, the groundwork is already underway.
“The modules are currently a blank canvas. We have planned a bit with real construction starting after Christmas.”
So far, the family has:
- Set up modules at home to ensure proper operation
- Collected materials for Benjamin’s Beetlejuice scene
- Scheduled an on-site research trip for Harrison’s module
- Begun gathering reference photos for the TVRM depot scene
- Started sourcing display yard rolling stock
With winter approaching, the build phase is just around the corner.
Learning Through Design: Turning Big Ideas into Practical Scenes
Matt sees the project as a hands-on workshop in modeling fundamentals for his sons - especially when it comes to concept development and scale realism.
“The biggest learning curve so far has been the discussion of ideas and concepts, and how to turn it into an actual scene before construction begins.”
Like many young creative builders, the boys’ first ideas were big - superhero towers and deep jungle environments - but adapting them to a 1’ x 1’ N scale T-TRAK footprint led to valuable lessons in scale, feasibility, and storytelling.
Watching them learn why ideas have to change has been a highlight.
“Having them think through things and understand the scope and what the final vision will be has been an interesting process to watch.”
A Family Hobby, One Module at a Time
For Matt, the most rewarding part isn’t just the modeling - it’s sharing the experience.
“While model railroading is my hobby, it is a fun activity for them in spurts. It may become a pastime for them, and it may not. For now, the most enjoyable part is to watch them get involved and excited about a project.”
Both boys already have trains to run on the layout and are eager to see their concepts brought to life.
“I can't wait to see how it turns out.”
What’s Next
Construction begins after Christmas - meaning next month’s update should mark the start of benchwork, wiring, or early scenery work. We’ll continue to follow Matt and his sons, along with other members of the ScaleTrains crew, as they transform blank modules into themed micro-worlds ready for the national layout.
Stay tuned for next month’s installment of our Time to Model: T-TRAK series.
