We're planning our fist non-Christmas tree layout, we have enough room for a 12' by 14' -- which we believed to be enough room; However, we had hoped for a second level mainline track which does not seem possible given what we're reading in the published books and guides.
Based upon what we've read, it will take 200+" (16 feet) of straight run track to reach a height of 8" at an incline grade reasonable for our toy trains to climb. That is a couple feet more than we have and in looking at hundreds of images of layout on line it somehow feels like I've missed something since there are lots of layouts with second level lines that appear smaller than 16'.
Please help, any suggestions, recommendations?
Thanks --
I kept reading that if there is a curve it creates a compounding issue with the curve and incline so I've been concerned and confused as to how to make the second level part of the plan.
Thanks!
Well, one option would be to build the track plan on the floor and try running your trains over it. You might have to use the trestle set mentioned above or even telephone books to create the grade and elevated line. You can calculate and simulate all you want to, but nothing beats experimentation. Putting a temporary layout together on the floor does not take near as much work as building benchwork and it will tell you with 100% certainty what you want to know.
George
Consider compromising on the vertical separation. Five inches is enough in many cases. Six is very practical.
Bob Nelson
The highest distance needed for trains is about 6 3/4 " from the top of rail head and that is for modern intermodal.
the grade % and the size of the curve make a difference. Here a 2% grade has an S curve (20 inch straight between sections) the curves are mix of 081 and 072.
I use modern era stuff and up to a 3% grade is usable. Much larger then this and your train length will be effected. An alternative to going up on one track is to have the lower track go down slightly to the crossover spot. go down two inches on one track and up 5 on the other or something similar
model in O. the Western NY and Ontario Railroad
Post signs "Tunnel ahead, duck now" for the plasticville hobos. The sneaky little guys sometimes ride the train on top of box cars.
Modeling the "Fargo Area Rapid Transit" in O scale 3 rail.
Thanks to everyone for the advise, I think a combination curve incline, perhaps sightly hidden around a "hill" would get me to a reasonable 7" rise...so everything can get through the cross over/under and the the brakemen need not worry.
Thanks again. I will post the layout plan once complete and I hope photos as we progress.
I would say the minimum distance between levels should be about 7 inches, most of your tallest cars or engines come in at 6 and a half inches, for example; the cop & hobo car. If using trestles measure to the bottom of the trestle height of the cross section or where the tallest car would make contact at the trestle. Allow for some minor tolerances when doing clearances(usually half inch more than you need) or you may end up being sorry, wood may warp in a certain time of year if using plywood.
Lee F.
DJSpanky Another option is to have a totally raised second level with no connection to the lower level. I've done that on our temporary layout with the viaduct platforms I constructed.
Another option is to have a totally raised second level with no connection to the lower level. I've done that on our temporary layout with the viaduct platforms I constructed.
I am going to start a second level soon. I have a little less space than you; 10x12. In my case it was alot more practical to forego the trestle route. I currently have three and will soon have four trains running on the main level. I plan on creating multiple different levels. This will allow me to not worry about the grades (and space) and will still give the great "train crossing over the train" effect. I also have alot of trackside accessories, so I needed all the real estate I could get with level track on the main level. There will also be accessories on parts of the second level. Just my .02.
Remember what goes up must come down. If you have a 4 or 5% grade with non-cruise controlled locomotives, you will need to boost power manually for the run up and crank power down manually for the run down. Also, it's not advised to have a curve at the bottom of the grade.
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