072 curves

Using O72 curves you should have some extra table area so that your trains are not running along the infamous precipice, otherwise known as the trip to the concrete floor.  By using some O54 curves, you can keep the table size to a manacle size.  So there really is no set standard dimension.  

I have been using RailmoddellerPro, simply because it works on my MAC.  I also use the green plastic track template and a pencil.  Having been a draftsman at one time, it's still the preferred method for me.

I have 0-84 outer curves. I need 8 feet, no precipice but the sides are a little slim. You should be totally fine with a 7 or 8 foot wide table.

I don't know if this will help. You didn't say what brand track, so here's some examples for GarGraves and Atlas, both of which have O54 and O72 curves.

The green track is GarGraves O72.
The blue track is GarGraves with O54 leads.
The purple track is GarGraves with O54 leads cut to size.
The orange track is Atlas O72.
The yellow track is Atlas O72 with O54 leads.

GarGraves O72 is 30° while O54 is 45°. As you can see, that means you can't just replace an O72 track with an O54 track and get a full half loop without cutting them to size. On the other hand, both Atlas O72 and O54 are 22.5°, so replacing one with other still gives you the half loop. However, as you can also see, you don;t save much space, maybe the width of a track, so you'd be still be needing somewhere between 80" and 84" depending on how close to the edge you are willing to run your trains.

When it comes to software, nothing is free anymore without limitations. Like Dan said, if you have a Mac, then RailModellerPro is your only option unless you run a PC simulator. On the PC, you can choose between SCARM, AnyRail, RR-Track and I think there might be others. Both SCARM and AnyRail have a limited trial versions. Ease of use is subjective, they all have some degree of learning curve as well as pros and cons.

Rich,

I wouldn't go tighter coming out of the curve. Best operation would have an easement coming off a curve to prevent conflict between the ends of two adjoining cars. Doing what you suggest will make it worse. If you need to cheat, use the 054 for the main section and put the 072 before the straights.

Dave

I planned 8 feet for o-72 pretty much just because plywood and styrofoam come in 8 foot lengths. I discovered that I can get O-80 in with a decent safety/scenery margin at the edge. But I will only have one O-80, the rest will still be O-72. 8 feet is a good working area for an O-72 loop.

Don

457 posted:

I am building a layout in my garage. what is the minimum width of the table I need to run 072 curves and can I cheat by using some 054 coming I and going out of the curves?  what is a good and simple track planning software site? thanks rich

Instead of a too wide table (anything over 60 inches and you'll want access openings, how about a shelf layout going around the walls? That provides space for wider curves and leaves the center area open for people space.  PS:  Shelf no deeper than 30 inches.  Shelf layouts generally make more efficient use of the space vs. "island" layouts which people tend to build too wide.

I have 072 on a 6' wide platform (Gargraves track) the straight section is on the edge, the table is 15' long so no worries regarding the trains falling off at the curves.  On the next main in I have 063 curves and inside that 054.  I have two openings in the middle so I have access for derailments.  Crawling under to get to the openings gets harder every year 

I had plans to put strips of Plexiglas along the edge, I have had those plans for over 20 years  So far I have not had an engine or car fall off the track and my grandchildren have not knocked one off either.  When they're visiting I give them a remote to hold to keep their hands occupied.

Why would you have 054 leads to a 072 curve? That seems backwards to an easement that would have 072 leads into 054 curves?

What am I missing.

I believe he was thinking it would decrease the width of the decking he'd need, but it really doesn't make much difference.