I have a lower level table that is 6 x 4 that I'm going to expand to either 12 x 4 or 10 x 4 depending on some spacing. Right now I have a O36 Fastrack outer loop and an O27 inner loop. I was thinking of making the inner loop Fastrack and using O36 and O31 curves to make it work. The one thing I'm trying to add with this redesign is a siding so I can store some engines or cars. Nothing too extensive, just one track. I would like to make more spurs but don't think I have the room.
Two questions:
1. I am using SCARM to plan my track and when I layout the design it looks like I have enough space between the rails but then when I use the 3D view it seems like my lines are right up against each other. How accurate is that view? Are my lines really going to have that little space between them or is that just the software not being 100% accurate?
2. For the spacing between the inner and outer loop where I want to put my siding it looks like I have enough room on the software, but it just doesn't seem to line up when I do the math. An O36 outer loop with some short pieces included to stretch the size width wise gives me 41 inches inside the track (O36 inside diameter 33 inches plus the 8 inches of track added to extend the width). The O31 curves have an outside dimension of 34 inches. That leaves me about 7 inches of space between the loops. Yet SCARM shows I can put an O36 Manual Switch in and have space for the spur. Again, how accurate is this spacing? When using an O36 right hand switch, what is the space that creates between the tracks? Also, can I use the little quarter turn track the switch comes with to reverse the curve back left to reduce the space between the spur and my straight track?