Considering going 2 Rail

I switched this summer. We are building a 49 x29 layout using me code 125 track Curves are very gentle as we are using 14' for a circle. It takes more space but it looks realistic...

Not really.

You really need at least 84" wide benchwork to do a turnback curve in O scale--and that would be a 36" radius curve.

 

Bigger curves will allow you to run bigger equipment--all of Atlas's 6-axle diesels need at least a 40.5" radius curve to function well.

 

Keep in mind that these are BARE minimum radius numbers--many modelers advocate a curve radius of at least 48", or even 60"...

 

Jeff C

Why don't we start with what you would like to run?...Diesels, small steam, big steam? A single level, multiple levels?  Loop running, point to point, switching layout? What are you wanting to accomplish?

a 42" radius will give you ample curve for 4 axle diesels and 2 coupled steamers: 4-4-2, 2-4-0, etc. and maybe a small 3 coupled steamer. that translates to 7'-6" in diameter.

the info is gleaned from one of John Armstrong's design books.

Chris,

 

     Would like to stick with diesel locomotives such as RS's, SW's, GP's, etc. Layout would me pretty much one level with loops connected by turnouts along with a few spurs. Would like to keep it as simple as possible due to being new to 2 rail and not that familiar with the electrical wiring of the 2 rail. Any suggestions when it comes to track?

 

Bruce

 

Sorry, in my opinion there currently is no friendly bullet proof open stock two rail track system.  You still need a fair amount of patience & tinkering. 

 

Supply side of track & turnout dependability / availability are not quite what I think newbys would call friendly.  Possible? Yes, I do a lot of it, but it's not right off the shelf. 

 

If you want true plug and play, three rail is the way to go.  Three rail may be best for the size of benchwork you mention also. tt

Hi Bruce,

     Ok, well with what you would like to run(4 axle) you could get it down to a 36" radius, but I wouldn't go below a 42" which will give you a 7ft diameter adding on some to allow for what ever scenery you may want to do.  Are you planning on an "around the room" style? 
     As for track, there is Atlas which has nickel silver code .148 rails, and they offer flex track in 40" sections and a selection of curves in 36", 40.5", 45", 49.5" and 54" right now I think darn near everyone is out of stock...Atlas is saying the first qrtr of 2013 for more stock but I think it will be later than that, they also offer 2 turnout options one is a #7.5 and the other a #5 turnout.  Their turnouts however do have overly large frogs and large guard rails, both of which can be corrected if you so choose, and  San Juan car co offers a detail kit..

http://www.sanjuancarco.com/product_p/5006.htm 

 

      Micro Engineering does offer 36" long sections of Nickle silver track in code 100,125 or 148.  They do not offer turnouts in O scale.  You can order it weathered or non weathered, the weathered apparently has a chemical etching that makes it darn near impossible to flex as it was explained to me in another thread by AGHR Matt.  I myself have not worked with the ME yet, but I have some on the way for an area I just can't comfortably hand lay in. 

 

Here is another option for turnouts.....definetly worth a look.

 

 http://www.oscalemag.com/docs/turnouts.pdf

 

The track system comments Tom made are correct unfortunately. One cannot jump into 2 rail without some skill and patience, and financial where with all (check turnout prices...ugh!). Three rail does allow for a more user friendly entry into O scale, but the fact remains for the ultimate realism there is no substitute for the classic beauty of 2 Rail O scale. 

That said; consider the space friendly aspects of a switching layout. It is one of 2 rail O scales better options since 2-3 foot wide bench work can accommodate a nice operating scenario. If you absolutely need to see trains running continuously, then the limiting factor of larger curve radius and their space demands must be considered, and as others have pointed out larger is better for visual appeal (an important ingredient) and operational reliability. I set my minimum radius at 48 inches and small locomotives such as you have mentioned will handle such a radius just fine and appearance will be also be acceptable.

I suggest you purchase a copy of A Guide to Modern O Scale and digest it before taking the plunge at the deep end of the pool.

 

Good luck!

 

Bob

You can buy a copy of the Guide To Modern O Scale at the OST website and you have a choice of a hard copy or a digital download.

 

I would also point you to this link (http://wp.me/P121Wd-Cy). It has the most basic info you are going to need to make the switch. Feel free to ask any questions.

 

Agreed, the information contained in Joe's recommendations above may be the most concise fundamental introduction to 2 rail 0 scale available.

Bruce:

   Where, in general terms [ state, say ] do you live ?  The best way to advance into two rail, assuming none of your model rr buddies are two railers, is to attend an 0 scale show;  provided you have a general plan, this is also a great place to buy track and turnouts.  The "March Meet" -- see post elsewhere in Forum -- in 2.5 months is THE show to attend, if you can.

   I think some of the comments posted above on the difficulties of sourcing, etc,  are a little on the "defeatist" [ or "pessimistic", if you prefer ] side myself.

 

Best regards, SZ

Bruce,

If it's not too late, investigate S scale:

 

 

National Association of S Gaugers:  http://www.nasg.org/

Peter's Model Railroading website: http://pmrr.org/index.html

Layout Drive-Through video link from Peter's MR website: http://vimeo.com/51475189

 

Good luck,

Matt

I suggest that you buy and study John Armstrong's book "Track Planning for Realistic Operation." You can buy the current edition from Kalmbach or buy a used copy from abebooks.com for less than $10. It hasn't changed much over the years. I'm still using the first edition, third printing from 1969. John gave me a copy of the current edition but I traded it for the first edition of Model Railroad Planning which I neglected to buy.

Considering the time, effort and expense involved in building a layout, some up front time thinking about what you want as suggested by previous posters is very worthwhile. I think that a small along the wall switching layout or an around the wall layout are worthy of consideration.

Larry Kline

 

I have been looking at the Atlas website and they seem to have quite a few early model diesels that should be available beginning of the year.

If I were only to own one diesel locomotive it would be an AtlasO diesel switcher.  Their horizontal single motor drive is the smoothest I've ever owned.  They will take sharp curves with ease.  The latest 2 rail version come with a QSI Titan sound decoder that can be run under DC or DCC.  

 

Ed Rappe

I agree with Ed the switch engines are sweet. I have a F3 that runs very nice also. The SW 8 is still my favorite Ken the guy from AR

"The Little Engine that Could".  I'm not  a 2 railer however take a look at the recent OGR Cover Story run 261 On Paul Lally's 2 rail layout. He has done a great job with his modest 2 rail layout with Atlas Track, small engines and rolling stock and he did it all with 24" radius. Do what works for you.

Yeah they really do, and a lot will handle the curves as Ed stated.

Ed's comment on the Atlas SW-8 is spot on.  Plus you may consider some early Weaver shaft drive RS switchers.  Typically $100 to $150 at swap meets.  Leaves room for any control mods.

One other thing to consider: Instead of building your own layout, join a 2 Rail club! For the dues you pay, you'd save yourself a LOT of trouble, and learn a LOT about 2 rail. 

 

Or you could find a 3 rail club that might be interested in converting over to 2 rail. 

 

Not the most reliable or practical options, but options none the less. 

"There is no two rail sectional track made today"

 

Gargraves makes it.

micro engineering make 3' sectional track  

Atlas makes 2 rail sectional track. 10" straights and smaller , sectional 2 rail curves in various radius  and 2 rail switches.

 

http://www.atlaso.com/o2railnstrack.htm

Definitely agree the Atlas switchers are the way to go for a small 2R layout.  Their single horizontal drive provides very slow speed and extremely smooth operation.