I'm looking at the difference between the two tracks. They both need 32 pieces for a full circle yet the 0-84 is 11.25 and the 0-96 is 11 1/4. How much of a difference can it be? The Big Boys can run on 0-72 but they hang over quite a bit on the curves. Is the 0-96 going to make that much of a difference over the 0-84? Any answers?
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The number of degrees in the curve will not change, no matter how large the diameter is if you cut the circle into 32 pieces. It's always going to be 11.25 (or stated as 11 1/4) degrees of the 360 degree circle if you need 32 pieces to make a circle.
The number of degrees in the circle is not what will tell you how the engine may look/work. To demonstrate the point another way, I could use 32 quarter sections of O36 to make a circle(normal circle is 8 pieces of O36). Each piece would still be 11.25 degrees, but you obviously can't run big engines through that circle.
As to the comparison of O96 to O72, look at it this way: O96 is 33% larger (becoming closer to straight) than O72. (24*3 = 72, 24*4= 96) It will probably make the Big Boy look better, but that's subjective and hard to quantify.
-Dave
Can you tell me the difference between 0-84 and 0-96? Thanks,Nick
12". If you make a circle out of o-84, and make a circle out of o-96. The overall diameter center rail to center rail of the o-96 circle will be 12" larger.
Theres no question the bigboy will look better on o-96 than o-84. Just as it looks better on o-84 than o-72.
On a side note, fastrack radius is in 12" increments so when you run say an o-84 loop inside of an o-96 loop. They will connect via switches, and maintain a 6" distance from center frail of the inner loop to the center rail of the outer loop.
12". If you make a circle out of o-84, and make a circle out of o-96. The overall diameter center rail to center rail of the o-96 circle will be 12" larger.
Theres no question the bigboy will look better on o-96 than o-84. Just as it looks better on o-84 than o-72.
On a side note, fastrack radius is in 12" increments so when you run say an o-84 loop inside of an o-96 loop. They will connect via switches, and maintain a 6" distance from center frail of the inner loop to the center rail of the outer loop.
Thank you. Now if Lionel will only ship them out. They say July 15th. Don't hold our breath. Been waiting for a year and a half for the replacement crossing gate 6-12062. Not even in sight!! They can be a horror. I was shocked when I received the Big Boy before Christmas. Thank you, Nick
They originally said July 2015, then changed to September 2015, now according to the Shipping Schedule on their Web Site, it's now December 2015. Are they REALLY going to manufacture this or not? I have some layout work on hold right now waiting for the 096. Might have to look at a GarGraves alternative. Don't really want to because the entire layout is FasTrack and don't want just 096 curves that don't match. Sigh!
TomH,
I understand your frustration, I waited a long time to get my 036 Command Control Switches for my 3rd level of FasTrack, on the Christmas layout. I will finally get to build it this Christmas season.
I do believe Lionel will finally get the 096 delivered.
PCRR/Dave
I run my Big Boy on my O-99 outer loop and it looks pretty good. When I bring it into the yard on the interior 0-81 loop, there is a noticeable difference. There is even a significant difference between O-99 and the middle O-90 loop.
The point is that with the BB, wider is better!