Any issues running a elevated O-31 loop?

I've used elevated loops of traditional "O" track from time to time, sometimes I even  include elevated switches.

I like to put extra trestles under the middle ties on the curves. Otherwise the track will twist slightly under the weight of at least some engines.

In order to elevate 022 switches I put a trestle under the end of the swtich motor, and make little aluminum plates that attach to the diverging end of the switch and the adjacent tracks through their mounting holes. The outline of the plates match the switch and the track, so they are not noticeable. The plate does not cover the enitre bottom, it just covers enough to make it to the mounting holes.

It really depends on the weight of the engines up there.

For Die Cast Steam engines on most track, I would support curves with at least 1/2" thick good quality plywood. Supporting all of it would probably be easier to make height match.

A Big Boy or other articulated would need 3/4" to avoid sag or leaning of the track in the curves.

CW,

    Thank you for the guidance.

        Kevin

Russell,

   I would only be running lionel engines and cars from 1963, as that is my time period and I would keep the consists short.

   Thanks,

     Kevin

I'd consider making your own support tressels from bass wood. You can run support beams accross and then tack down the track so there is no shifting of the track.

It's not that hard to do, and pretty rewarding when finished.

Hi,

  I wanted to use the 110 trestle set parts so that I could have auto roads and such go under with a possible plasticville building or two, that way I can utilize my space.

   Thanks,

     Kevin

Hope that makes sense.

You may want to consider using an Elevated Bridge System.

jim r brom bridgeboss

This is how I added a elevated loop to my layout. I used a good quality 1/4" plywood for base and then used shelf standards for uprights and L shape brackets riveted on to attach to layout. Then I used 5/8th" square wood stock as beams cut to length as needed.

I'm still in construction mode and not run any trains but it feels sturdy enough.

franktrain

Lionel trestles under Lionel tubular can work just fine.  Once it's up you can adjsut as you run different engines/rolling stock.

I can run every Lionel PRR on the elevated section to include the full scale pieces like the T1, JLC GG1's, J1a, S1, S2, M1b etc.  Some of them are quite heavy.

I used a good quality 1/4" plywood for base and then used shelf standards for uprights and L shape brackets riveted on to attach to layout. Then I used 5/8th" square wood stock as beams cut to length as needed.

Very nice solution franktrain.

-Jay

Hey DADA1043 aka bridgeboss:

Very nice! Is that a custom-built elevated bridge system or is is commercially available? Like the original poster, I would like to add an elevated track to my layout so I can run an additional train (perhaps the Long Island Railroad).

Terrence

Long Island, NY

Kevin here is my 031 loop ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKbIBzw2dMo

I have been using it for 8 years and never had a train fall off it

BT

He (DADA1043) manufactures them, so yes, I'd say they were commercially available

http://www.bridgeboss.com/

---PCJ