suggestions on LONG elevated tressel?

[HopperSJ]

Hey folks,

I am planning a new layout which incorporates a 9-10 foot long elevated double track span. I'm looking for some advice in a few directions here. First off, I am using Fastrack for the majority of the layout since that is what I have on hand. However, I can't imagine Fastrack looking good on this long elevated section. I am considering on using Atlas O track for this section. Additionally, I intend to have turnouts on either end allowing the trains to switch between the two tracks. Here is a picture of the elevated track section (using Fastrack):

The turnouts are going to be on the elevated section so I assume they ought to be Atlas as well (I like continuity). As you can see, these Fastrack O36 switches leave the tracks too far apart. The two tracks are about 11 inches wide as drawn. What do you think is the ideal distance between the parallel tracks? What Atlas O turnouts would facilitate this distance?

All my experience is with O27 and Fastrack so I am a bit out of my element here. ANY suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[chad tm5000/trainstation]

well may i suggest to match the long trestle by taping off the metal and paint the fast track the color of the bridge that wood match and may i take the idea of the bridge. the width is ok but the switch is crazy on a bridge. may i suggest the switches off the bridge cause of derailment and trains will fall and damage. i hope this helps and happy rails chad from pittsburgh pa.

[phillyreading]

I have done an elevated run before and you might have to cut wood for the trestles as you are not using a store bought trestle size. One inch by one inch is good for the trestle supports from the layout below, but you need to run a support piece across both sets of tracks, and if you make it wide enough it can handle a switch as well, just add an extra set of supports close(before and after) to the switch to keep the track from wobbling or moving slightly.  The more support you give an elevated track the better it is.

Another thing is that you may need to add power wires to the elevated tracks to keep the proper current flow of electric.

Lee F.

 

[bill4227]

A word of caution on using Atlas switches. The jumpers on the underside of the switch are known to develop a  cold connection. See here http://www.welchpoint.com/atlas/

I have solved the problem by soldering additional jumpers across the center rails.

[runtime]

The 11" spacing you mention is presumably 'outside of tie' width. That amounts to about 8 1/4" center rail to center rail, based on 036 switches. I like 4" to 6 " center to center spacing, which can be achieved with 072 or longer radius switches. Gargraves makes 98 radius switch, Atlas has varius No. ## switches which have very long radiuses. I find that the closer rail spacing jsut looks better. If you go with 072, perhaps you could cut down the turnouts to achieve closer spacing ( ie- 4 to 4 1/2 c to c).

runtime