Elevated double loop

Coca Cola guyOGR Forum Member

Let me preface this by saying that I have the SCARM software but don’t understand how to fully utilize it.

I am looking to build an elevated double line layout with switching between the two. I will isolate appropriately and power each line with one half of a KW so that I can run 2 trains independently. I want to use Lionel or Menards O (not O27) due to budget and local availability. If only one line extends over the L section, I am fine with that. I am also not opposed to using 90 degrees crossovers if necessary. I also don’t know which track to use (31, 36, etc) to keep corners neatly together like the straightaway sections.

Attached is a picture with the rough dimensions of my layout. The 4’ x 1’ yellow section is my control bridge and I would prefer not to go over that area.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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10/21/207:39 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Given your 3 foot width, the track selection is limited, you're not going to be using O36! Truthfully, with three foot width, you won't be doing a double loop, not enough width to fit two tracks in. You'll just get one O31 loop on the table with a few inches to spare.

10/21/209:26 AM

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Coca Cola guyOGR Forum Member

I didn’t even think of that. I can use o-27 wherever necessary. Also, with it being elevated, I can go a bit past the dimensions if necessary.

10/21/209:36 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

If you use O36, you can get an O27 loop inside. You will have to do a little "adjustment" to mate up the switches, but that's something that's been done before. For O36, you'd probably be using Fastrack as I don't know of any tubular track of that size. For the outside loop, by the time the roadbed is considered, you need around 39" in width, and that's with the track right to the edge, so you probably would want a bit more space.