Should have listened the first time. Now need ideas

Why not change your "DUCK UNDER" to some type of lift up or swing out section?  You could make it like a lift up or drop down bridge.

Rick

yup listen to Rick.......there have been plenty of articles in O gaugeRR magazine about this subject of lift bridges and lift off panels.  Even if you posted a topic called " how to build a lift bridge or lift off panel".......the replies and help will SWAMP you!

  Plenty o' guys here to help!

As RickC says a lift out would save you from tearing things apart and starting over. Here is a link to a demo of one by Mianne: Automated Lift Out Bridge. I have some health issues and can't do a duck under either. Don't know if you could incorporate that one or not, but it is really nice and so is their bench work (I just got some last month). If nothing else it might give you some ideas.

Also over the last few issues of OGR magazine, Jim Barrett has been building a layout and he has made quite a few removable items for it. Might have also been a lift out in there, I can't remember for sure, but still there are lots of good tips in those articles. Definitely worth the read. Good luck with what ever you decide to do.

Here is what I did to keep from having a Duck Under:

v

Good advice up above. 

Round the room layout is 9x16 with 096/084 curve arcs at one end and 084/072 at the other[@ hinged Drop Bridge in the curve].

All great info and advice, BUT my current, oops, past layout is almost taken apart, but yet still rebuild able. Still as I think a new one is in order. Now, to just fine the best radius for two 60" wide layout ends.

Bill 

Bill,

Two 60" wide ends with a dogbone limit you to 054\048 diameter.

Build a 3' wide table around the perimeter of the space with an access section (lift, drop, or lift out). Then you can use 0108 and down with easy reach to everything and have a long run.

See attached diagram.

I agree with the above comments. The around-the-room layout gives you the largest layout space, largest curve radius and the most operating room in the middle. I have a walk through which has the top level lifting up (as described in OGR video series) and the bottom opens like a door (my own design variation). I have attached pictures.

If you choose a new layout, or re-installing your old layout, the walk through will work equally well.

good luck with your layout: Joe K

What you could do is build whatever layout you want at waist height, and then build a large diameter shelf line around the room at eye level or even higher.  That way your duck under is barely that and you can still run your big engines!

I once visited a layout that had a roll away section.  It was 2 rail and had a working cat system as well.  I would try that or the lift out section first.

Once again, thanks for all of your ideas! My layout is all apart now except for the bench work. I now am looking at a 20"x 25" pad of paper on a really big clipboard lined out for 13'x16' space. Now for a scale ruler and compass. Don't know why, though it may be frustrating at times coming up with the correct plan, it's kind of fun!

Thanks, Bill

Oh, If I did run a outer loop of 054 dia. and a inner loop of 048 dia., would the tracks end up to close? It looks to be only 3" track center to center.

Bill, it depends upon the track that you are using. Atlas sets theirs at a natural 4.5" center.

FasTrack is 6". MTH RealTrax is 4.5". gargraves is 5.5". Staggering the start point of the turnarounds will let you increase the spacing. Start further out with the inner loop.

You'll be mixing track brands with 054 and 048 unless you use flex track.

But, I really think you want at least no smaller than 4.5". That can be tight for some passenger cars passing or big engines.

Add an 1.5" to your radius or 3" to the diameter of circles. That allows for the outside rail and ties\roadbed. 054 in Atlas would about 56.5" for a semi-circle without roadbed.

If you draw scale 57" diameter circles, you'll know where 054 will fit. It certainly won't leave 6" from the wall and edge of the deck on a 60" wide area.

Hi Bill,

Would hate to see you lose the ability to run those big steamers when you have a 13x16 space. Maybe a two-tiered layout with 072 on one level and smaller diameter above or below? Here's a design with 072 that still leaves the 3 foot walkway you mentioned. Next to it is the same 072 layout with an O72 yard started. Plus an uninspiring 054 attempt above (or, maybe better, below). If the yard is just a staging/workbench/display area, a lower yard could be brought out from the wall, with an upper yard above it, set back closer to the wall for a nice terraced effect (and easier access).

Todd