Fastrack Bi-Level Layout

Hello Paul, if I understood your dimensions I think you could fit in an O-27 dog-bone going the other way like this pictures shows.  The A - K are the standard graded piers from Lionel. I have something similar, but I will tell you, only my old DT&I switcher likes going back and forth.  The Penn Flyer that I have complains on those O-27 curves.

Mike thanks for your reply.

You have the

general idea. I wanted two separate loops. But this is

 an interesting option. Would an O31 fastrack elevated loop separate from the O36 loop fit inside the O36 loop?  

Hi Paul, I messed around with a couple of ideas. To answer your basic question; no the O-31 won't fit inside the O-36. To make this design I had to add 5 inch spacers at either end (you will have to tell me if you can fit that). The other issue is you can't get as much of a run at the incline. The grade is showing at 5% (I think the Lionel set is 4.2%). I marked the highest point at 4 3/4 inches. For this design you could add another 5 inch space between the two switches to help smooth the incline a little.  At that point you would have to create a trestle that spans over the track at the right (maybe even a tunnel). The switches are O-36 and the bend at the bottom are 3 quarter curves (O-36).

I just realized you might have asked a different question. If you want an O-31 elevated (as a separate track with no entrance) you could build a custom pier to do it.  Basically the two roadbeds overlap (I showed it in the picture below). So you could not use the standard piers as they need the full track width to stand on (and then some).

Mike, I appreciate that track diagram showing the overlap. I was hoping the O31 would fit inside the O36. I am used to working with non-roadbed track so I wasn't sure if it would work or not. You are right though, I would need to build a custom pier set. If I come up with a good design, I will show it to you. Again, thank you for your help! MilwRdPaul