So this is an idea that I've come up with for a potential future layout. the idea is the have 2 rail track go around a room , so a perimeter layout. It would say be double track completely with sidings. What I want here is some trouble shooting of the idea, my main concern is the curves which would be at least O 54. What would I need for bench work?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
my main concern is the curves which would be at least O 54.
The 2-Rail SCALE modelers deal in curve radius dimensions. Your term "0 54" is a 3-Rail "toy train" term, and would be equivalent to a 27 inch radius, which is EXTREMELY sharp to normal 2-Rail SCALE modeling.
AS mentioned - 054 is assumed to be 27 inch radius. That is tight for most 2 rail locos and body mount couplers on the cars. It can be done with very small locos and 40 ft cars. However, even 4 axle GP diesels will have trouble, not so much with tracking, but the body mount couplers. And you should use body mount couplers. They keep cars on the track so much better than talgo (truck mount couplers), but do require bigger curves.
You could probably go with 36 inch radius (equivalent to 072) and run most 4 axle diesels and 40 and 50 ft cars. Also you could run passnger cars with some modifications for truck clearance and coupler swing. I have a friend who has a layout with curves like this and he can run all that sort of stuff.
48 inch radius used to be considered a good minimum radius for 2 rail O. All 4 axle and most 6 axle diesels will run on that along with most freight cars. GGD full length (70&80 ft) passenger cars will have not problems with it also. Highly detailed brass passenger cars will have problems and require modifications. Most small to medium steamers will be OK also. I run mikados and consolidations with no problems and have a couple 2-10-2s that will handle it. One is MG and the other sunset.
Stay away from the BIG MTH 2 rail steamers if your radius is less than 72 inches. They do build their stuff with articulated side rods and with all flanged drivers they will not go around the curves. I am talking mountains and 10 drivered locos. All brass models I have ever seen have articulated drivers and will handle tighter curves because the drivers can move sideways in the same direction at both ends for the curve. Still big mountains and 10 drivers require bigger than 48 inch radius.
I apologize, I misphrased that. This track radius would be atlas o scale 2 rail track.
Well then, that clears it up.
Rick
Most Atlas 2 rail track is flex track, so you can make any radius you like.
Sam,
Atlas also has 36 and 40.4 inch radius curved track sections. Is that what you plan to use ?
So this is an idea that I've come up with for a potential future layout. the idea is the have 2 rail track go around a room , so a perimeter layout. It would say be double track completely with sidings. What I want here is some trouble shooting of the idea, my main concern is the curves which would be at least O 54. What would I need for bench work?
Have the same idea. How much space do you have available?. I could be wrong,but 0-54 is 3 rail terminology. I think you mean 54" radius curves in 2 rail. I've found 60' tankers negotiate 48" curves with no problem,but thought I'd go 50" to be on the safe side & so if I ever get enough money I might add some 89' auto racks.
I've got roughly 25'x40+' to work in with 30-36" shelves on 3 sides of my basement plus a staircase,furnace & water appliances to dodge.
Thanks,
Al Hummel
Yes, I meant 54" radius curves, everyone. I am just in the learning phase and just tossing around ideas and gathering information.
Yes, that will work. I always say to use the widest radius you possibly can, but I get a lot of grief for that.
I have exactly what you propose, except my switches are just there to make sure my models can handle a switch, and I have four loops. My radii are 60, 64, 70, and 74". Many of my locomotives and my articulated Daylight coach require the 74" radius.
I am superelevated on the outer loops, but next time I will cut it in half, raising the outside rail only 1/16".
You asked about benchwork - almost anything will work, but avoid sheets of plywood unless you like lots of noise. I use triangles bolted to the studs in the wall. all you need are 1x4s, and strips of plywood for laying the track. Stiffen the plywood with the L-girder technique.
My next railroad will be a four track dogbone, with minimum radius 74". In my next life, or in an airplane hangar if my spouse throws me out.
My next railroad will be a four track dogbone, with minimum radius 74". In my next life, or in an airplane hangar if my spouse throws me out.
Bob,
Maybe you could return to Westminster if she does?
Yes, I meant 54" radius curves, everyone. I am just in the learning phase and just tossing around ideas and gathering information.
No problem,I've had to learn everybody does.
I been working at getting in O scale for 16 months & am still learning.
Al Hummel
You are welcome to check out some of my videos of my roof layout, link below. Some of the early videos will show the original track set up (all three rail but you can take at a high level the example), all 0-72 curves back then, tubular Lionel track. Post upgrade, I went to Atlas O with 0-91 curves for the bigger steam engines.
My suggestion from this experience, go with the largest radius you can. My room is 12ft x 14ft for your planning comparison.
Also, some folks mount real close to the roof, I chose to leave about 24" clearance mounting the boards just above the door frame line to allow corner detailing. Videos show the results, later videos are the better examples of this.
I suggest the Go Pro video as it shows all 4 corners pretty well.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeFLA/videos
Any questions, happy to help................
Mark
I like layouts with lots of industrial tracks for switching. I host operating sessions for 8 operators. 2 work the yard, 1 works the big town of Connellsville, 1 is the dispather, and 4 are train crews. We run 12-15 trains in a 3 hour session and generally move about 200 cars.
My basement is 23x47 and my minimum radius on the mainline is 52 inches. There are not loops but there is a mine track that sneaks behind the furnace and could be used for continous running. However, I have only used it about 3-5 times in 20 some years. I have about 100 switches on the layout and about 1000 feet of track. The main is about 375 feet long. It loops twice around the outside and once around a peninsula up the middle. The outside areas are grade separated with any from 4 to 10 inches difference in height. The yard will hold approximately 75 cars and there about 50 industrial tracks on the layout that each hold at least 2 cars. There are 9 staging tracks and the 3 longest will hold trains with over 20 cars plus loco and caboose. I use computer generated switchlists to route the cars to the various industries and interchanges.
So it is possible to build an operating O scale layout in a relatively small space.
Yes, use the widest radius you can fit in. the trains look so much better at speed. Super elevate the curves.
I like layouts with lots of industrial tracks for switching. I host operating sessions for 8 operators. 2 work the yard, 1 works the big town of Connellsville, 1 is the dispather, and 4 are train crews. We run 12-15 trains in a 3 hour session and generally move about 200 cars.
My basement is 23x47 and my minimum radius on the mainline is 52 inches. There are not loops but there is a mine track that sneaks behind the furnace and could be used for continous running. However, I have only used it about 3-5 times in 20 some years. I have about 100 switches on the layout and about 1000 feet of track. The main is about 375 feet long. It loops twice around the outside and once around a peninsula up the middle. The outside areas are grade separated with any from 4 to 10 inches difference in height. The yard will hold approximately 75 cars and there about 50 industrial tracks on the layout that each hold at least 2 cars. There are 9 staging tracks and the 3 longest will hold trains with over 20 cars plus loco and caboose. I use computer generated switchlists to route the cars to the various industries and interchanges.
So it is possible to build an operating O scale layout in a relatively small space.
PRRJIM,
Sounds like we have a lot in common as far as wants in our railroading except yours is up & mine is still heavily in the idea range.
CONNELSVILLE:This was a big B&O town at 1 time if not mistaken.
I have approximately the same area,well 25'x50' but it's not all useable.
Do you have an average train length,especially on locals?
I will use switchlists to.
Handthrows will be my mainmode of turnout operation.
My layout will be flat,no grades so this restricts to some degree,but I put 30 switches on my 4'x8' HO layout,so that part of my brain is set to work in O scale to,if needed.
Would love to see a couple photos sometime. Wish you were close by!!
Thanks for sharing.
Al Hummel
Al hummel.
I have powered switches on the main line for passing sidings and use manual throws everywhere else. I use caboose industries ground throws.
Yes Connellsville was a big B&O town, now CSX. I was looking for a PRR single track line and found the one that ran from Greensburg to Uniontown through Connellsville. I thought Connellsville would be the area with the most customers for the line, but I think I was mistaken. I think Scottdale, about 10 miles north had a lot more Pennsy business. I am still looking for where the Pennsy crossed the B&O and the Youghigheny river but I think it is just north of where the current Amtrak station is located.
Al hummel.
I have powered switches on the main line for passing sidings and use manual throws everywhere else. I use caboose industries ground throws.
Yes Connellsville was a big B&O town, now CSX. I was looking for a PRR single track line and found the one that ran from Greensburg to Uniontown through Connellsville. I thought Connellsville would be the area with the most customers for the line, but I think I was mistaken. I think Scottdale, about 10 miles north had a lot more Pennsy business. I am still looking for where the Pennsy crossed the B&O and the Youghigheny river but I think it is just north of where the current Amtrak station is located.
PRRJIM,
I used to have maps of a lot of that belonging to the B&O RR Historical Society,well I'm still a member,but had time when I joined to research more.
I've found Caboose Industries #210S&109r ground throws with moving targets will through atlas points just fine & dandy,but haven't purchased any other switches so don't know how they operate on the non hinged type switch points.
Do you hand lay your own turnouts?
Thank you,
Al Hummel
Warning: Shameless Plug!
How about trying 19th Century railroading? Incredible things can be done in less space due to short trains and small-sized equipment. A 36" radius is just fine. Lots of suitable building kits, trestle bridges, etc. Colorful locos, interesting rolling stock.
For some fantastic views of two Civil War era layouts, check out:
http://www.jcharlestaylor.com/taylorSPECIALtrains
Dave - SMR Trains - Leading Producer of 19th Scale Model Trains
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
