figure 8 in O27 - cutting?

[Brutus]

Due to space constraints for my halloween layout, I was thinking of doing it in O-27 instead.  That way I could have a reverse loop setup.  I looked and saw a figure 8 add-on set that apparently consists of only some curves and a 90 degree section?  BUT -  when I tried plotting in RRTracks it doesn't appear to work.  Is this add-on using nonstandard sections of O27, or do you have to cut?

Also, if you cut, can you do it with a power miter-guage with carbide blade, or is the tubular track too soft? 

[spankybird]

Jim,

I have never been afraid to cut 027 tube track. I use a dermal with a cut-off wheel. My RR trackplaner only has 031 track in it, so I can't comment on it.

 

[cnw1995]

I've even cut 027 track with a pair of 'tin-snips' then widened the tubes again with a screwdriver.

[jefelectric]

Jim,  On page 181 of the Lionel 2006, Vol 2 catalog they show the layout that you can create with the add on track pack.  Doesn't look like you would need to cut anything.  If you don't have the latest catalog, I think this is in most of them.

[choochin3]

Jim,

There should also be 4 straight sections of track in there.

The straight pieces connect to the crossing,then the curves.

You shouldn't have to cut anything.

 

Carl T.

[Brutus]

Thanks, for some reason my track software indicates that the gap is longer than 8 3/4 inches, so it doesnt fit - that's why I though you have to cut for this figure 8.  Thanks guys, I must be missing something on my software.

[Anonymous]

In regards to using RR-Track...I have been using it since it first came out several
years ago. (I love it!) I have found out that even when using the proper track
libraries, there still seems to be some slight inaccuracies with measurements. I
think it just may be with the software. The solution is to plot out your layout design
on the computer, then lay out the track "in the rough" on your board. You can
usually juggle the small gaps, etc on the table, whereas with the computer it is a
bit too exacting. It will, however, let you know if a particular track plan is feasible
before having to cut a lot of benchwork and get too complicated with trackage.

I have found the inaccuracies to usually be +/- 1" or less. To compensate I use
the "special track sections" feature and "cut" my special sections on the computer
until they fit the gaps. This keeps wastage and  cutting in real life to a  minimum.
Misalignments (sideways at joints) can be corrected when you actually lay your
track. Good luck.

[lionelsoni]

For an O27 figure-eight with a 90-degree crossing, the crossing should be 7.322 inches (25-25/sqr2).  Lionel describes their "crossover" (as they call it) as 7 3/8 inches, which is quite close enough.

When you do need to cut O27 track, it is very easy to do with tinsnips, as Doug says.  Cut straight down from the top, through the web, pinching the railheads shut.  Then flex the track until the flanges break.  Widen the rail from underneath with the screwdriver.  Then flatten the crease on the top of the railhead with the tip of small long-nosed pliers.  Put a 3/32-inch punch or a spare track pin into the rail and pinch the web back together with the same pliers.