NEWBIE -- Figure 8 expansion

Royce,

I'm not sure if the change in diameter from 36" to 48" will do much to solve the loss of speed problem. Usually at least O72 is required to make enough of a difference to justify redoing the whole layout.

A better approach might be to consider an engine with speed control such as any MTH Proto2 engine or a Lionel Odyssey or ERR Co cruise-equipped loco.

What you would have spent on new track would go quite a ways toward the price of the new engine. Starter set Proto2 engines can often be found for well under $200. They run great in conventional with no slow down on curves.

Jim

Thanks for the help.

I think I'll stick with O36 per your suggestion since O72 is way too big for my apartment.

I'm going to keep this engine since it's a Santa's Flyer and matches the set.  I can deal with the sluggish turns.  LOL.

I am going to make a few modifications and will try to get some photos up once complete. It will be nothing compared to your very impressive website though.

Thanks for the help.

You're welcome, Royce.

Figure 8's are such a classic layout arrangement. They lend themselves to higher speed running anyway where any slow down isn't really noticed that much. Plus the tighter curves need fewer cars to cause near misses between engine and caboose - always fun for visitors, and real toy train action.

Later on, if you expand to a different arrangement, you can experiment with some wider curves and possibly other engines for slower, more steady running.

Enjoy.

Jim

Here's what I came up with.  It's working out rather well for a starter set.  Thanks again for the help.