reversing loop test track not working out

OldPa,

   Just make custom close out track pieces, no big deal with Conventional Tubular Track.

PCRR/Dave

Why do you need gaps?   I'm guessing you modified these switches to operate on a fixed voltage rather then have then depend on track power?  Maybe start at 5:30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0McntbmQ9I

I guess I wasn't clear. I don't want or need gaps in the track however I will be using insulated track pieces at the approach to the switch.

What Pine Creek said...Cut a full (8.75") straight to 7.38". Insulate away. use the outside rail to insulate to preserve non-derailing on the inside rail. (Closest to the turn-out.)

I don't know how one makes custom tracks in Anyrail. Downloaded it, but I haven't tried it.

What's not working out?  I'm lost on this one.

The real geometry of sectional toy train track expects you to use a 90° crossing in constructing basic reverse loops like this:

Moonman posted:

I don't know how one makes custom tracks in Anyrail. Downloaded it, but I haven't tried it.

Carl, from what I can tell, the only track you can cut is flex. The right-click menu adds some flex unique options, one of which is "cut flex here".

Thanks guys, I'll set up the test track with 2-  X tracks and save the cutting for the real layout.

I added an update to my  earlier post about O27 reversing loops

Greg

ADCX Rob posted:

The real geometry of sectional toy train track expects you to use a 90° crossing in constructing basic reverse loops like this:

Rob,

Nice discovery. The 90 x-over is the length that is missing. Do you know any history? Was it that way for figure 8's?

Moonman posted:

Do you know any history? Was it that way for figure 8's?

Exactly - figure 8 layout geometry.  Within a sectional track system(that works - "O" & "O-27" especially - there are rules as to the dimensions of each piece of track. For figure 8, that x-over dimension came from the length needed to make the crossing with twelve sections of curved & 4 straights.

With regard to the length of a "standard" straight, this is drawn from the measurement of the chosen curve section... the curved and straight sections are sized so that the track joints in a parallel passing match the main line joints, allowing for construction of a passing siding with regular uncut full sections of curved & straight track.  With a track system of 8 45° curved sections to a full circle would require that the centerline radius would be the length of a straight section, multiplied by √2.

This is why O-36 FasTrack needs so many "fitter" pieces to work properly - the straight section should be 12.73" long, not 10". 10" straights would call for a radius of 14.14", or a centerline diameter of 28.28"... which is... guess... O-31 track!