CREATING A DOUBLE LOOP USING 0-72 AND 0-48 CURVES

[LEGEND92]

Hello Lionroar88,

You're exactly right about the derailing thing but I've already checked the minimum curve radius on all the engines I will be getting and the GE Hybrid is the largest radius I'll need to accommodate which is 058 and the rest only require 031 to 036 which is fine because my 3rd inner loop will be 048 and my second inner loop will be 060   the larger engines will not be required to run on that track.

[Anonymous]

LEGEND92
I will check tonight as I have a program that will let me map this out.

I will warn you against doing this though.. the reason being if you have an engine that requires O72 curves and you transition it to track with O60 curves you could damage the engine by causing a derailment.

[LEGEND92]

Greetings Andrew,

Yes there will be at least four 060 or 072 switches to join the inner loop and the layout will not be elevated at all. I'm just wanting to know what variations of switches i can use with these curves to achieve connection to the inner loop, a layout plan would be nice if someone has the software and would be willing to show me what to use, I'd be very grateful.

[Andrew Falconer]

One loop is supposed to be inside the other is a given.

Will there be any switches in the loops somewhere?

Is the smaller inside loop going to be elevated above the larger outside loop?

 

Andrew

[LEGEND92]

8ntruck thanks for the info.

I'm thinking about getting some software to try out some ideas because otherwise i'll end up with a bunch of track that i don't need.

[LEGEND92]

Hello Joe,

It sounds like you have a pretty nice layout and I was gonna stick with 036 curves until I saw the Evo Hybrid on youtube, thats one of the main reasons I purchased some 072 because I think the minimum curve is 042 with a recommendation on 054 so I figure to have 072 outer loop with 060 and 048 inner loops respectively, that way i can run anything.

[8ntruck]

The Fastrack 'system' is designed to provide a constant spacing between tracks when making concentric loops using the various diameter curves.  I think that the switches are set up work with that spacing between loops.

A pair of right hand or a pair of left hand switches connected curve to curve should get you between the concentric loops.

I've never done this myself, so to be sure, check the Lionel catalog or web site. 

Good luck.

[Demay]

Legen92,

Welcome to the forum.  I have Fastrack and love it.  My layout is 5'6" x 10' but I only have O36 curves.  I did not have planning software but I received a great deal of help from the folks at the Yahoo Fastrack group.  Actually one of the members there used his software to design my track layout.  You should join that group and also check out Thor trains for ideas and assistance; there are plenty of photos of layouts and plans.  Don't get me wrong, the folks here are extremely helpful and very knowledgeable, but the Yahoo group covers many Fastrack specific issues. 

Joe

[LEGEND92]

rtraincollector, thanks for the speedy reply to my problem and I have looked at other track manufacturers but I've already spent quite a bit on fast track and it wouldn't be cost effective for me to start over but I will see what other track is compatible with fastrack via adapters.

[rtraincollector]

I think I understand what your trying to do.

Now not saying you can't do it with Fastrack you can but not sure if you have the withe to get it all in there with the limits of fastrack (I'm not really a fastrack user) I prefer Gargraves which if you check it out will see it has flex-track that your probably use to and if you go with Ross switches you can get the switches you need to make it look more realistic. I'm going to start buying switches and all little by little to do what I'm telling you.

Yes fastrack has a ballast system to it already but its also louder because of the hollow plastic under the rails themselves now you can quiet some of that but its still loud.

since your just starting though might help you go right direction. fastrack and MTH realtrack is great for getting a loop made up quick. I use it around Christmas tree it makes a great double loop ( I have O-48 and O-36)

once you see gargraves and Ross track pieces I think you will like them better seeing your coming from the HO world over another thing in-case you don't know no special wiring to do a reverse loop either

P.S. Welcome to the forum and come join us in the coffee shop where we talk about almost anything.

[LEGEND92]

Hi all !!

I'm new to this forum and also to O scale .

I recently sold my HO layout after I saw what features the O scale trains had such as legacy awesome sound and funcionality of the engines, anyway I currently have a complete fastrack loops of 0-72 curves, 0-48 curves and 0-36 curves. I'd like to create a double loop using 0-72 and 0-48 curves but i don't know what switches i'll need to make this work, I also have plenty of 10" straights. I have enough room to create a 7'x14' layout and I would love to hear some ideas and see some track plans. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.