diff --git a/chunk.py b/chunk.py
index fef3a84..aaee2e4 100644
--- a/chunk.py
+++ b/chunk.py
@@ -59,6 +59,11 @@ def get_skylight_array(level):
     """
     return numpy.frombuffer(level['SkyLight'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,64))
 
+def get_blockdata_array(level):
+    """Returns the ancillary data from the 'Data' byte array.  Data is packed
+    in a similar manner to skylight data"""
+    return numpy.frombuffer(level['Data'], dtype=numpy.uint8).reshape((16,16,64))
+
 # This set holds blocks ids that can be seen through, for occlusion calculations
 transparent_blocks = set([0, 6, 8, 9, 18, 20, 37, 38, 39, 40, 44, 50, 51, 52, 53,
     59, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85])
@@ -237,6 +242,13 @@ class ChunkRenderer(object):
             blocks = blocks.copy()
             blocks[skylight_expanded != 0] = 21
 
+        blockData = get_blockdata_array(self.level)
+        blockData_expanded = numpy.empty((16,16,128), dtype=numpy.uint8)
+        # Even elements get the lower 4 bits
+        blockData_expanded[:,:,::2] = blockData & 0x0F
+        # Odd elements get the upper 4 bits
+        blockData_expanded[:,:,1::2] = blockData >> 4
+
 
         # Each block is 24x24
         # The next block on the X axis adds 12px to x and subtracts 6px from y in the image
@@ -255,7 +267,17 @@ class ChunkRenderer(object):
                 for z in xrange(128):
                     try:
                         blockid = blocks[x,y,z]
-                        t = textures.blockmap[blockid]
+
+                        # the following blocks don't have textures that can be pre-computed from the blockid
+                        # alone.  additional data is required.
+                        # TODO torches, redstone torches, crops, ladders, stairs, 
+                        #      levers, doors, buttons, and signs all need to be handled here (and in textures.py)
+                        if blockid in (66,): ## minecart track
+                            ancilData = blockData_expanded[x,y,z]
+                            t =  textures.generate_special_texture(blockid, ancilData)
+
+                        else:
+                            t = textures.blockmap[blockid]
                         if not t:
                             continue
 
diff --git a/textures.py b/textures.py
index 8d34b03..a73517f 100644
--- a/textures.py
+++ b/textures.py
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ def _split_terrain(terrain):
 # This maps terainids to 16x16 images
 terrain_images = _split_terrain(_get_terrain_image())
 
-def _transform_image(img, blockID):
+def _transform_image(img, blockID=None):
     """Takes a PIL image and rotates it left 45 degrees and shrinks the y axis
     by a factor of 2. Returns the resulting image, which will be 24x12 pixels
 
@@ -201,6 +201,8 @@ def _build_block(top, side, blockID=None):
     otherside.putalpha(othersidealpha)
 
     ## special case for non-block things
+    # TODO once torches are handled by generate_special_texture, remove
+    # them from this list
     if blockID in (37,38,6,39,40,50,83): ## flowers, sapling, mushrooms,  regular torch, reeds
         # instead of pasting these blocks at the cube edges, place them in the middle:
         # and omit the top
@@ -321,3 +323,41 @@ def load_water():
     blockmap[10] = lavablock.convert("RGB"), lavablock
     blockmap[11] = blockmap[10]
 load_water()
+
+
+def generate_special_texture(blockID, data):
+    """Generates a special texture, such as a correctly facing minecraft track"""
+    #print "%s has ancillary data: %X" %(blockID, data)
+    # TODO torches, redstone torches, crops, ladders, stairs, 
+    #      levers, doors, buttons, and signs all need to be handled here (and in chunkpy)
+    if blockID == 66: # minetrack:
+        raw_straight = terrain_images[128]
+        raw_corner = terrain_images[112]
+    
+        ## use _transform_image to scale and shear
+        if data == 0:
+            track = _transform_image(raw_straight, blockID)
+        elif data == 6:
+            track = _transform_image(raw_corner, blockID)
+        elif data == 7:
+            track = _transform_image(raw_corner.rotate(270), blockID)
+        elif data == 8:
+            # flip
+            track = _transform_image(raw_corner.transpose(Image.FLIP_TOP_BOTTOM).rotate(90), 
+                    blockID)
+        elif data == 9:
+            track = _transform_image(raw_corner.transpose(Image.FLIP_TOP_BOTTOM), 
+                    blockID)
+        elif data == 1:
+            track = _transform_image(raw_straight.rotate(90), blockID)
+        else:
+            # TODO render carts that slop up or down
+            track = _transform_image(raw_straight, blockID)
+
+        img = Image.new("RGBA", (24,24), (38,92,255,0))
+        img.paste(track, (0,12), track)
+
+        return (img.convert("RGB"), img.split()[3])
+
+
+    return None