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Layout 2.0 track questions

72blackbird72blackbirdOGR Forum Member

Thanks to those OGR members who replied to my earlier post about choosing Gargraves or Fastrack- I have about 80' of Gargraves track, so it's a good start. Obviously I need more track, so if members w/ Gargraves know where I can get a good deal on track I would appreciate some recommendations where to buy it.

 

This is my second attempt at a layout in our 20 x 20 family room- the first attempt was an L-shaped dog bone design that used 50 percent of the room. After a few years my wife grew to hate it and of course it got torn down- a great waste of time and material. This second attempt will be a modular shelf-style layout that can be broken down and removed if required. My modules will be 2 x 6 tables bolted together, with special curved units in the corners. The entrance to the room is a single door in the corner- I'm thinking a swing up double track bridge will span this area, with switches to kill the power near the bridge when it's lifted.

 

I'm thinking about a double track main line, with 081 and 090 curves on the main. I'd like to have a staging yard below the main level- what is the maximum grade I can use to achieve a 12" drop to a lower level? Is a 4 1/2" separation between track centers enough to keep 21" long cars from touching?

Geno

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72blackbird72blackbirdOGR Forum Member

I've been playing with SCARM track layout software- it really helps you visualize a track plan much more than any hand sketch. I'm not sure if MTH engines with scale wheels can handle a train up a 2% grade- I guess I'm going to have to mock up a track and test it out for real. I still need to order more track, so it will be awhile before I can lay track down into the staging yard.

 

I guess I could assign a "pusher" with hi-rail wheels to help the train up the grade-lol.

 

Geno

72blackbird72blackbirdOGR Forum Member

Thanks for the tip Joe- when I'm ready for more track I will get in contract with him.

 

Just an update on negotiations for the "land rights" to my layout- looks like I will get the green light to build, but only 24" from any wall (no return loops). This limits my track plans greatly, but at least I can still see my trains run. I'm also going to include a scaled-down version of Los Angeles' Union Station, the old SP line that runs through Santa Clarita, and some double track running down the Cajon pass (things my wife sees riding the Metrolink).

 

Geno

 

 

 

M MoonmanOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by 72blackbird:

Thanks for the tip Joe- when I'm ready for more track I will get in contract with him.

 

Just an update on negotiations for the "land rights" to my layout- looks like I will get the green light to build, but only 24" from any wall (no return loops). This limits my track plans greatly, but at least I can still see my trains run. I'm also going to include a scaled-down version of Los Angeles' Union Station, the old SP line that runs through Santa Clarita, and some double track running down the Cajon pass (things my wife sees riding the Metrolink).

 

Geno

 

 

 

Well, if the land lease wasn't specific, I would use all of the walls. How many doors do you have to deal with? A double-main around the room is a nice layout. Negotiations for peninsulas can happen later.

 

4.5" centers is a little tight for curves. Stagger the start point sooner for the inner line and try to get 5.5" centers for the curves.

72blackbird72blackbirdOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by 72blackbird:
Originally Posted by Moonman:
Originally Posted by 72blackbird:

Thanks for the tip Joe- when I'm ready for more track I will get in contract with him.

 

Just an update on negotiations for the "land rights" to my layout- looks like I will get the green light to build, but only 24" from any wall (no return loops). This limits my track plans greatly, but at least I can still see my trains run. I'm also going to include a scaled-down version of Los Angeles' Union Station, the old SP line that runs through Santa Clarita, and some double track running down the Cajon pass (things my wife sees riding the Metrolink).

 

Geno

 

 

 

Well, if the land lease wasn't specific, I would use all of the walls. How many doors do you have to deal with? A double-main around the room is a nice layout. Negotiations for peninsulas can happen later.

 

4.5" centers is a little tight for curves. Stagger the start point sooner for the inner line and try to get 5.5" centers for the curves.

I have one 30" entry door in the corner of the room- I'm going to use a double track swing-up bridge to deal with the entry issue. The main level will be at 42" high, and the lower level at 30-32" high- this means another bridge to cross over into a staging yard, but I think it will be high enough for people to see.

 

I'm thinking I need a second transition grade as well, to make the trip up to the main level easier. I used SCARM and so far my transition grade is 2.5%. Can anyone tell me if this is too steep? I can have the grades use three walls and reduce the grade to 2 to 2.2%.

 

Thanks for the tip on curved track centers- I do have long cars like 21" Metrolink passenger coaches and Atlas flats, so it's critical they don't touch. I was planning on using 081 and 090 curves, but have decided to go a little wider and do 090 and 099 curves.

 

 

 

Geno

 

Last edited by 72blackbird

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