When I did my layout, I decided that everything would be O72 or larger. Other than an industry siding set, that rule was maintained. The curves range from O72 to around O99, much of it Gargraves flex track. I did use Ross O72 sectional track where it fit in, but much of the mainline is free-form with Gargraves flex.
I have been told by guys who really know their stuff who operate layouts for clubs that everything runs fine on 072, even the Big Boy, so I think 072 will be fine. I will look into perhaps 084, but for me the issue will be fitting everything on a layout. It seems to me that once you start going above 072, you really need the real estate to fit everything.
I am going to want a decent separate and flat track line for my 1953 Lionel 736 Berkshire to pull the Madison passenger cars. They look beautiful together and I really value that combination to connect me to the past and the history of model railroading. Apart from that, the other track line that I want will be much more sophisticated with potential ascents and descents for my other locomotives, which are all Lionel Legacy. I am not buying any more postwar equipment. I have my one lineup described above, which I love and admire, but that is it. Everything else will be Legacy, and having a decent layout design will really use up real estate. For that reason, I am worried about something like 084 being too big.
https://ogrforum.com/...1#158111058609709711
Dilli - Layers are mostly for scenic effect - I prefer 3/4” ply over 1/2” as in my experience 1/2” flat can sage some over time, depending on your cross bars. The one or two layers of foam are for sculpting terrain. 2” in o scale is only 8’, and even on very flat land, say the Midwest, you will have at least that much variation between the road bed and surround terrain, like drainage ditches etc. The homasote is only because I hand lay track - the spikes grab it well compared to having foam under the wood ties. If I was using flex track or other, I would just go directly on the foam.
Understood, J Musser! Makes sense.
Thanks!
@J Musser posted:I prefer 3/4” ply over 1/2” as in my experience 1/2” flat can sage some over time, depending on your cross bars.
That's the reason I went with 1/2" Baltic Birch, it has 11 layers and is furniture grade plywood. I seriously doubt that I'll ever seen any sag over my maximum of 2' centers.
I agree, GRJ. The grade of plywood that you are using is probably better than what many model railroaders use. I am going to look for the same thing. The 1/2" thickness is what I have been told to use with regular plywood, so it is sufficient. With the better grade of plywood that you are using, it will be more than sufficient - especially given the fabulous Mianne system you have underneath.
DILLI;
Here are a couple of pics of a pair of the recent Lionel 21” PRR Southwind cars. The middle curve is O-72, the outer curve is O-84.
MIDDLE CURVE O-72
OUTER CURVE O-84
This is a Lionel SD-90 which is also app. 21” coupler to coupler on the outer curve.
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The cars fit the 084 nicely. Interesting. The photos really help put things into perspective. Thanks for posting the photos Paul!
