RTR Comparison Layout

And here is basically the same layout using Lionel O31 curves.

 

Steve

Steve,

Here are 2 PDFs. 1 shows your layout using realtrax. The other a 5x8 using fasttrack. The siding is pretty short.

The problem is fasttrack does not exist in O31. O-31 exists in tubular track (the traditional 3 metal rail, no ties stuff we all had in our first set, and many still like and use). That is probably what xtracad is using. I didn't try the layout with tubular, as my software has turnouts I am not familiar with.The O36 turnouts and curves make the inner loop too big to put another loop around it in 4 x 7.

 

I can send you a list of the realtrax you will need to make the layout shown, if you want.  Maybe someone here has a better fasttrack idea.

I just reinstalled XTrackCAD and I don't see any MTH parameter files. However, if the parameter file you are using is for RealTrax that won't help because I plan to use ScaleTrax. Either way, I'd sure like to know if I missed a parameter file or something. I'd appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks in advance.

Marty - Lionel produces a section of O31 Fastrack.  It is catalog #6-37103.  You can find it in their online catalog, no picture.  So from your pdf's, I gather that the layout can be done in 4x7 with RealTrax.  I would appreciate the track list just to compare what XTrkCad generated vs RR-Track.  As for the O31 Fastrack section, the parameter files available for XTrkCad do not include it so I modified one to add it based on data from the other curves in the file.

 

Dave - On the XTrkCad groups site, under Files, you will find a folder by Barry, the 5th one down on the list.  In that folder, I found the file for MTH RealTrax v0.4.xtp but as mentioned earlier, I find it suspect and would not rely on it.  I don't see any parameter files for ScaleTrax

 

Steve

Cool - that's new to me. I see the reference. I don't see it for sale, or shipped. Good news, that it is coming. Are turnouts also coming? Just want you to succeed.

I don't know about turnouts.  But I saw someplace else that the O31 curves do not fit inside the O36 curve.  I don't know that for a fact but I could see where the ballast might interfere.

 

I was talking to a dealer over the holidays and he indicated that it was in the warehouse.  Whatever that means.

 

Steve

Thanks, Steve, I eventually found that. I have RealTrax in RR-Track and I'm going to spring for the paid version with ScaleTrax ($70) when we get back home in late February.

I played with this in RRTrack. Not bad for a compact layout that will fit on a 3'6"x7' table with #4 crossovers no less. I guess ScaleTrax works in a small space.

 

 

My only problem with this layout is that once you reverse a train, the only way to reverse it again is to back through the reversing loop. It's great to see it in ScaleTrax though. Thanks.

RR-Track does a real nice job.  I don't run Windows so I think everything but XTrkCad is out of the question for me.  But XTrkCad does a pretty nice job and the price is right.  I think for a small layout, this offers a lot of features, reversing, uncoupling, multiple trains (with the right power system).  I think it would make a nice holiday layout if nothing else.

 

Steve