4x8 Layout Plans - 054 rated trains

The short answer is no.  No matter which brand of O54 track you use (54" nominal diameter, though different companies may measure to different rails and/or ties to determine the diameter), it's not going to fit within a 48" wide table.

-Dave

Dave,

thank you, i presume I wouldn't be able to make an 054 curve but can I combine smaller curves in a way so that a train that is rated to run on a min 054 curve could run on a 4x8 layout?

Arcadebrothers posted:

Will I be able to run an 054 train?

The definitive answer is "maybe".

You have to be more specific about which "Train", and what the limitation is to O54.

Keep in mind, too, that a simple loop of O48 will hang 0"-4" over a 48" space, especially if considering a platform.

Here is one of those old threads.  Many good points within.

https://ogrforum.com/...mmended-track-radius

thank you.

My goal would be to run a scale Berkshire or GS-4.

Arcadebrothers posted:

thank you.

My goal would be to run a scale Berkshire or GS-4.

 

No way on 0-42...Those are almost always 054 and higher.

thank you

ADCX Rob posted:

The definitive answer is "maybe".

IMHO, this is the correct answer.  The best way to know is to try it.  Just go easy and expect it not to work.  Somethings are just not going to work.  For example, anything with a centipede tender won't navigate lower than spec'd curves.

It's been my experience that if you use easements into and out of curves, you can get away with more than if you just tried O42 over O54 alone.  

An example for you would be to use 1 or 1 1/2 section of O54 on the entrance and exit of a curve and the rest O42 to make up a 180 degree curve.

If you tell me what sort of track you use, I can do a quick layout in RR Track for you to show you what I mean.

Tony

If have the room to make it a little wider (deeper) just add a 10" X  8' X  whatever thickness board and your problem is solved.

wild mary posted:

If have the room to make it a little wider (deeper) just add a 10" X  8' X  whatever thickness board and your problem is solved.

That's kind of what I did for my Christmas layout.  I had a 4x8 but I squeezed in a 5x8.  Now I can run anything O54 and under.

Tony

Been away for a few days, but i think I might be changing my plans a bit to allow for the wider curve. 

Right now, I only  set-up a double loop around the Christmas Tree using fast track right on the carpet.  I have been toying with the idea of moving my other hobby ( pinball) to a different part of my basement and making a little room, which I think I could do about a 5'x12' Layout or some variation. 

I'll be taking some measurements tonight to see what I might be able to get away with.

thanks for all the help and comments.

Ill be back with layout help soon....