New Simple (maybe small) Layout

Looks like a good plan to me.  In the last drawing, I presume the track running down and what looks like over the lower loop is for future expansion.  

Nice plan!

Peter

Kevster posted:

In another post, I asked about cutting  3 rail track so that I could limit track connections and to make non-standard lengths.  So here is why I asked that question.  I want to build a track in sections that I can expand.  The sections will be 72" x 32".  The track will have to begin/end at the edges of these sections so that they will align enough to join as needed.  I want to think that I can store 6' sections in my shed or garage when not in use,  Maybe they will become more permanent in the future (depending on the boss).

I was thinking that I would build the track in phases.  This way I could get something that the grandsons (and I) could run.  The space I have available can not be dedicated (at this time) to a layout.  The space is 12.5' wide by 9' long.  I have some designs that I made with AnyRail that show the progression of the layout.

Phase A would be to get a loop running on two 6' sections that are mirror images along the 12.5' width.

Phase B would be to add another 6' section that would make an 'L' that would allow running down the 9' length by replacing one of the first 6' sections with a new corner section.

Phase C would be to add switches for a reversing loop and for a siding.

Phase D would be to add some elevation at the southern loop and to extend one of the sidings to make a mine line.

The layout uses O31 curves .  The engine I have right now specifies a minimum O27.

I also think it is a nice track plan. Isn't this like a modular layout which is challenging to build because everything must fit together perfectly? 

In addition to cutting the track for the table ends with tubular track you can add additional metal ties (don't forget the cardboard insulator for the center rail to stabilize/strengthen the rails at the edge. I've done this with some odd size sections I've cut.

Might be an issue getting good alignment of all the tracks across sections. Are you planning on using the pins on the sections or some other means of alignment?

Like the idea to build in smaller sections, easier to show progress that way.

The modular approach is good plan. Many modular clubs use 4' long sections for ease of handling.  6' long may not make a corner. You never know where you'll want to setup in the future.

Using 1 x 3 framing and 1/2" 5-ply plywood keeps things light.

Here are links to two O gauge club's module specifications. perhaps you can get some ideas from those.

North Penn O Gaugers

National Capital Trackers

There is also the Fort Pitt Hi-Railers(forum members) and the FasTrack LCCA modular standards for ideas.

Have fun!

Dan Padova posted:

Looks like a good plan to me.  In the last drawing, I presume the track running down and what looks like over the lower loop is for future expansion.  

Yes, you presume correctly.  I may want to elevate that southern loop and then make a sort of mine tunnel beneath.  I did not depict it well in the drawing.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Kevster posted:

In another post, I asked about cutting  3 rail track so that I could limit track connections and to make non-standard lengths.  So here is why I asked that question.  I want to build a track in sections that I can expand.  The sections will be 72" x 32".  The track will have to begin/end at the edges of these sections so that they will align enough to join as needed.  I want to think that I can store 6' sections in my shed or garage when not in use,  Maybe they will become more permanent in the future (depending on the boss).

I was thinking that I would build the track in phases.  This way I could get something that the grandsons (and I) could run.  The space I have available can not be dedicated (at this time) to a layout.  The space is 12.5' wide by 9' long.  I have some designs that I made with AnyRail that show the progression of the layout.

Phase A would be to get a loop running on two 6' sections that are mirror images along the 12.5' width.

Phase B would be to add another 6' section that would make an 'L' that would allow running down the 9' length by replacing one of the first 6' sections with a new corner section.

Phase C would be to add switches for a reversing loop and for a siding.

Phase D would be to add some elevation at the southern loop and to extend one of the sidings to make a mine line.

The layout uses O31 curves .  The engine I have right now specifies a minimum O27.

I also think it is a nice track plan. Isn't this like a modular layout which is challenging to build because everything must fit together perfectly? 

Yes.  It will be modular.  I hope that I can make it easy to align and connect.  

Scotie posted:

In addition to cutting the track for the table ends with tubular track you can add additional metal ties (don't forget the cardboard insulator for the center rail to stabilize/strengthen the rails at the edge. I've done this with some odd size sections I've cut.

Might be an issue getting good alignment of all the tracks across sections. Are you planning on using the pins on the sections or some other means of alignment?

Like the idea to build in smaller sections, easier to show progress that way.

Ha!  You caught me!  I have not thought that far in advance yet.  I will probably use some type of dowel system to help guide the connections.  I will be researching other folk's methods.

Moonman posted:

The modular approach is good plan. Many modular clubs use 4' long sections for ease of handling.  6' long may not make a corner. You never know where you'll want to setup in the future.

Using 1 x 3 framing and 1/2" 5-ply plywood keeps things light.

Here are links to two O gauge club's module specifications. perhaps you can get some ideas from those.

North Penn O Gaugers

National Capital Trackers

There is also the Fort Pitt Hi-Railers(forum members) and the FasTrack LCCA modular standards for ideas.

Have fun!

Thank you for the specification links.  Those will help be a lot.

Great plan, except the elevation may require a steep grade. Looking at PW tressels you'll see a steep grade, but short trains and light cars run on those 99%/of the time. 

Staying level and connecting the left over/under siding for a passing siding would be a thought. 

A level but elevated line where the land comes up to meet the rail height  height here or there can more easily add "depth" of terrain without adding the challenge of a grade (whos top and bottom transitions don't go from 0% to 3% quickly, but have to have room to ramp the % up without bottoming  cowcatchers on the center rail or having couplers slip apart.

Adriatic posted:

Great plan, except the elevation may require a steep grade. Looking at PW tressels you'll see a steep grade, but short trains and light cars run on those 99%/of the time. 

Staying level and connecting the left over/under siding for a passing siding would be a thought. 

A level but elevated line where the land comes up to meet the rail height  height here or there can more easily add "depth" of terrain without adding the challenge of a grade (whos top and bottom transitions don't go from 0% to 3% quickly, but have to have room to ramp the % up without bottoming  cowcatchers on the center rail or having couplers slip apart.

Yeah, the slope is pretty steep.  I'm thinking that I would only be pulling 4 or 5 cars max around this layout.  What would be the max slope acceptable?  I was thinking that I could lower the "under" track a bit also.