HELP! Geometry question needs answering to finish my layout

[yallaen]

Hi all..

I'm trying to finish the other end of my layout to be done. I'm running into a space/time continuem issue lol. As you can see in the pics above, I'm making a reverse loop. It starts at a switch, then the two tracks paralell each other for a while. Then the loop starts to connect the two. I only have O-31 curves. I'm trying to get the track to connect. I want some extra length on this loop's main line area for storage. Also, due to the smallness of the room that the loop is going into, the boards are cut for the size I need.

Would an O-54 curve piece, or an O-72 curve piece help out here? My local hobby store is open for 2.5 more hours. I'd like to get this worked out before I start actually building the shelf, attaching brackets to the joists above, etc.

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[dochooter]

I kind of looks to me like you are committed to that space and shape.  If that is the case, just put the turns in and then lay the straights.  Just cut a couple of straights with a saber saw with a good blade to custom make it exactly how you want it.

[pbjwilson]

The way you have it now you need a 1/2 straight to "bump out" the return curve. But you dont have the space. You may have to bring the switch out to the return loop and have no straight sections, just curves.

[pbjwilson]

Actually you may have enough space. How far out does the top left section go out. Do you have enough room for a 1/2 straight? Your picture cuts off the top left part.

[yallaen]

Yeah, a half straight would fit..

I have one already on the long straight section coming from the switch. I have one more that's pre-made. You say I should put that on the return loop? Where at?

 

[pbjwilson]

Put it two curves in from the bottom left of your picture. You need to bump out the return loop to compensate for th space taken by the switch and curve section.

[pbjwilson]

Now I'm getting confused. Perhaps try a full straight after the first curve in the lower left. Yeah, I think the full straight will "pull" the return loop out where you want it.

[yallaen]

Thanks all..

I took the half straight off the main straight-away, and put it after the 2nd curve as suggested. I don't know why I didnt think of that right away, but everything lines up. There is about 2 inch overhang on the loop..I'll have to splice in a piece of plywood there, but it wont be seen so that would be perfect.

Now to go about hanging this last section! Phew! Almost done..the mountain blasting crew will be out in full force as they tunnel thru the last wall section..

Now if I can get the "Goddess" to begin her mountain making lol..

[lionelsoni]

You need two straight pieces 8.284 inches long (8 1/4 should do nicely).  Put one of them at the left side of the loop that is just out of the first picture.  Put the other one in the straight track along the bottom of the first picture.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Buy one piece of Gargraves Flex Track and some extra track pins.  Cut the flex track to the length and curve that will work.  For the lack of a better term, let's call this a transition piece of track.  I have used transition pieces and hide them inside a mountain.  Makes life very simple.

[jefelectric]

Hi all..

I'm trying to finish the other end of my layout to be done. I'm running into a space/time continuem issue lol. As you can see in the pics above, I'm making a reverse loop. It starts at a switch, then the two tracks paralell each other for a while. Then the loop starts to connect the two. I only have O-31 curves. I'm trying to get the track to connect. I want some extra length on this loop's main line area for storage. Also, due to the smallness of the room that the loop is going into, the boards are cut for the size I need.

Would an O-54 curve piece, or an O-72 curve piece help out here? My local hobby store is open for 2.5 more hours. I'd like to get this worked out before I start actually building the shelf, attaching brackets to the joists above, etc.

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

Yallaen,

This doesn't answer your question, but I do have a comment.  Have you tried running a train on this trackage?  If not I suggest you do before making it permenant.  The S curve created at the extreme right of your picture will be a real bear with many combinations of rolling stock and engines.  You might want to rethink this part of your layout.  I am speaking from experience as I had to redo some situations like this on my first layout.

[laz 57]

looks like you won't make that right hand turn?

laz57

[yallaen]

So what would be a suggestion here...I won't have much more room to work with, MAYBE a foot or so on either side.

 

[lionelsoni]

In my posting, I inferred from your use of the word "geometry" that didn't want to have to bend the track to force it to fit.

[Anonymous]

So what would be a suggestion here...I won't have much more room to work with, MAYBE a foot or so on either side.

 

Yallaen,
You either need to move the swith to the right and add more straights prior to the sharp right, or you need to eliminate all the straigths after the switch.  Either should work for you.  I would suggest moving the switch to the right and adding 2 to 3 additional straights...

You could also add a siding the backs into the loop... that would be cool...

Brent

[lionelsoni]

I just realized that there is a simpler way to make it fit exactly.  Cut one 10-inch straight section into two pieces, 8 1/4 and 1 3/4 inches.  Put the longer one at the left side of the loop that is just out of the first picture, as before.  Put the shorter one in the straight track coming from the diverging path of the turnout. 

The path is then, starting from the right, straight through the turnout, 4 straight 10-inch sections, 2 45-degree right-turn sections, 1 8 1/4-inch straight, 4 45-degree rights, 2 45-degree lefts, 1 1 3/4-inch straight, 1 45-degree right, 45-degrees left through the diverging path of the turnout.  Add as many more straights to the parallel tracks as you want.