Fastrack Figure 8 using 036 curves and 45d crossing

Legacy station has some very nice and highly detailed track plans on their "Fastrack" page.  And the figure 8 is one of them!  

Jim 

Thanks Jim.  I checked the site but didn't see an 8 with a 45d.  I think what's needed are four 1.75 straights off the crossing.  Just want to be sure.  RICH

Just as a heads up, I recall having the same derail problems using MTH steam on a figure 8 as I do on Fastrack switches. 

I get a 43" x 134" long 8   4-1.75 + 1- 1.375

rich64 posted:

Thanks Jim.  I checked the site but didn't see an 8 with a 45d.  I think what's needed are four 1.75 straights off the crossing.  Just want to be sure.  RICH

Maybe try the Lionel track plans on Lionel.com ?? 

Jim 

Thanks Jim, I'll look.  And thank you Carl.  Would you have info for a short fig 8 using that 45d?  Thanks.  RICH

The shortest needs a 90°

Here's a wiggly version that is only ~100" L.

Thanks Carl, your help is appreciated.  We're setting up a layout for our grandson.  It seems a 4X8 table is more restricted than it used to be.  RICH

Rich,

attached is an alternate figure 8 using the O36 curves with the 45-degree crossing, you'd need (8) of the 1-3/8" pieces to make it work - doesn't fit exactly, but with Fastrack there is wiggle room in the curves. It will fit on a 4'x8' sheet.

Just what we're looking for.  Thanks for your help Patrick.  RICH

OC Patrick,

Good thinking! I had done this on an O72 track plan with a 22.5° . My brain lost it's recall.

Rich,

Adding a 1 3/8" in the middle of the semi-circle will take the pressure off of a tight fitting and make it fit with a little less tension. A 1 3/4" + 1 3/8" is now the spacer at the cross

Just in case you find the fit is a little tough

Carl - that's a great idea, thanks!

Nice work Carl.  Now that we've got the figures together only one trip to the not so local hobby shop will be necessary.  Appreciate everyone's thoughts on this.  RICH