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I'm working on getting my "loop" finished by the goal date of 3-15    ... just going around the wall for now. Questions for the brain trust ---   1/8 rise under outer rail = 6 inch elevation for prototype ?  How long of a length to transition ?  Was this done only for passenger trains ? Is it worth the work ? Using some Micro Eng. and mostly Atlas O  code 148 flex, 2 rail   I've read the older posts which mostly seem to be about 3 rail. Thanks for your input in advance.   Bruce in Mount Airy, MD    

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The corners I worked on used 2" .020" segments to reach the .125 total super elevation.

  • You have:
  • the layout surface
  • 2" @ +.020 then
  • 2" @ +.040 then
  • 2" @ +.060 then
  • 2" @ +.080 then
  • 2" @ +.100 then
  •  the superelevated curve

Uber weenie (N scale) roadbed was used in our application for the curves. This was placed under the O gauge roadbed. Some have used 14awg insulated wire as the banking material.

Whatever is used, the end result is worth the effort.

Steve

 

Just don't overdo it.  I did, and I have had to rework some longer locomotives to keep the front driver from climbing the rail.  It does look good, though.

Also, I have an articulated coach that, on 74" radius, would not make it due to the top of the carbodies contacting each other.  Had to add an eighth of an inch to the articulating pin.

Over 20 years ago, I helped build curves on the corners of a modular layout--now owned by the Boeing Employees Model RR Club.  These were made as a 2-track mainline, with the inside curve on most corners being 6' radius with the outside even larger, using easements on the ends.  The center of the curves is super-elevated to 1/8" and can be as complex or as simple as desired.  IIrc,  an easy way to make the transition is to use strips of cardboard (such as laundries use in dress shirts) built up in layers to get to 1/8" and then stripwood or other material can be used for the center portion of the curve.

To answer the question, they look good with freight cars as well, imo.  For model purposes, I would not go higher than 1/8" and the risers can be under the outer rail OR under the outer edge of the ties (resulting in slightly less elevation).

For any O gaugers/O Scalers in western Washington, these modules are scheduled to be at the train show at the Evergreen Fairgrounds, just west of Monroe on US Hiway 2, on this coming February 27 & 28.

 

 

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