O Gauge loop inside a Standard Gauge loop question...

I would suggest using SCARM. Its a free easy to use program that lets you lay out various types of tracks. You can visualize with it and see how the track will all come together. It also has a handy tape measure built into it to measure your layout. I must warn you though, I find it to be addicting.

http://www.scarm.info/index.php

My Standard gauge loop using old Lionel curves, the outside rail is 45" across, the inside rail is about 35" apart.  I think it will fit but it might be tight running two trains at once with over hang.  But 40" wide isn't enough width for Standard gauge.

Mark,

YouTube has some great tutorials on how to use the SCARM software...watching them and follow along and you will see that the software is pretty easy to use to make simple layouts...

Great tip JOECELEB, I honestly hadn't thought of that but I'll definately be checking YouTube out for that...going in for a knee replacement on Friday so as mentioned above I'll have some downtime to get it figured out...Thanks!

I was intimidated by it too at first. But honestly, once you get it figured out, its a huge advantage in this hobby. You can come up with a much better design that fits your needs and space. Plus you will know exactly how much and what kind of track you will need, saving you time and money.

Like stated above, the smallest dia of Std gauge track is 42", so with ties etc 45" is probably the narrowest board you will get away with. On the plus side, almost all Std gauge trains will run on 42" track.

Steve

I really don't think you need computer software to figure out a 42" Standard gauge loop with a 31" or 27" loop inside.  His board is 40" wide. Duh !!

No worries...I know I don't need the software to figure out a simple loop, good suggestion for a much larger layout though. Also, I should apologize...when I originally posted, I thought Standard gauge Fastrack was made in 0-36...I didn't realize 0-42 was the smallest diameter or else I wouldn't have posted the question. Thanks guys... 

try the old fashon way,,,,dump the track on the board and see how it fits,,,,,easy

I could do that with O Gauge, plenty of that on hand Terry, but I didn't have any standard gauge track around....

oopsie,,,,