Show Me Your Elevated Loops

I had a small elevated circle for a short time last year.  The concept was to create an alley L like in Chicago with the elevated tracks behind buildings and a single story head house under the track.  I took it down when I decided to expeirment with EZ Streets switches and crossovers and because my buildings on hand didn't match up the way I wanted with the space available.

I'm planning a new layout and the elevated track will return probably as a L shaped MTH bumper trolley line.

SJC posted:

I've often had elevated loops of track.

Presently I've got an oval of track on 1/2 inch plywood with 2x4 "legs". I'm seeing a little warping in the wood leading my non-cruise equipped locos to struggle in areas.

 

The pre-made Lionel or MTH versions would be good but not very practical as there is lots of track, structures, etc in the way and I need some room for large trains to move through curves.

I've noted your elevated line a previous O27 thread and like its appearance.  The black structure looks good to my eye. Its unfortunate that you are having warping problems. 

I find it difficult to build a space efficient elevated station.  I've thought of mounting a platform on the roof of an adjacent building but really haven't explored this fully to date.  I don't know if there was a prototype.

The double-track El loops are built on MTH elevated pier sets and using MTH Real Trax. Grades are 6%. The BMT and IRT trains are also MTH with PS2. The time period is the 1939 -'40 World's Fair in New York City, hence the blue paint scheme on the BMT train. The loops are 24' x 12'.

Lionel tubular, 072 curves, on Lionel trestle bents.  Figure 8, reverse loops, using eight 072 Lionel switches.  Run everything, heavy Pennsy J1, S1, S2, Y3, etc.  Track supported where needed.  Two 110 sets and many "A" bents.

SJC,

   My elevated Track is done on 2x4 uprights, with 3/4 ply base, switches and all.  The child like wonderland is several levels high and runs smooth as silk using FasTrack with Command Control Switches.  

PCRR/Dave

Nice to see the different methods. Thanks!

I'm going to swing by Home Depot and see if I can get some ideas with different materials. As mentioned, the MTH or Lionel would be easy to work with tubular track but am afraid I won't be able to give the track sufficient support and still have enough clearance for trains to pass on the table-top loops.

Our very own Jim Policastro had an article in this magazine a while back where he demonstrated several styles in building your own. Then you can make them any size to span tracks and structures. I did and it was fun.

Mike

Here are a few ideas.

jim r

NJ Hi-Railers