Hi all. Does anyone know the least amount of track needed to build a reverse loop on an HO scale? Just need a simple one to turn it around. Thanks
William:
This much like asking how long is a piece of string? The first point to consider is the minimum radius you want to use. A 22" radius will need at least 4 pieces of flex track, plus of course the turnout. A larger radius will of course require more track. The formula for the perimeter of a circle is the familar 2 times 3.14 times the radius. You of course will need to have more space and track to get both arms of the loop back to the turnout.
This permints turning a complete train. Turning only a engine is a more space efficient system. That would require an arrangement called a wye, to allow the engine to make a three point turn.
Hope this helps.
Dave
Dave gave you the formula. It also depends on what you are running and your tolerance for a less than realistic look. Big steam and long passenger and freight cars need more room than 40' box cars and switchers.
The 30" crowd will tell you that's the minimum radius. If you are building around the entire basement, why not? If 4 x 8' is all you got....compromises have to be made.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
The lengh of the reverse loop depends on how long the train is that you want turn around.
Hi William,
All of the above is correct but I would think not very judiciously put. If you are a starter, you might care to check http://meltonmrc.org.au/newsletters/issue22-september13.pdf and the story within related to incorporating a reverse loop. Private Message me if you would like further links that may be of use to you!
Regards from Australia
Trevor
WILLIAM TARBOX Does anyone know the least amount of track needed to build a reverse loop on an HO scale?
Does anyone know the least amount of track needed to build a reverse loop on an HO scale?
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrainLonger than your longest train and broad enough radius that the train will not derail going around the loop. Rich
YES, this is important since your trains will need to come to a full stop and wait for the dispatcher to clear the switches and the signals. You sort of pretend that the loop is off stage. Trains can leave the mane lion by either the near route or the farr route (and return by the other). To this end the LION would put two or three passing track inside of the loop, but of course that would not use the minimum amount of track. Perhaps that is a future project. I'd be sure to leave room for it.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
All good information. I take it you already have the layout semi built and want to add the reverse loop?
Lynn
Present Layout progress
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/290127/3372174.aspx#3372174
the dimensions are 3 radius by 2 radius. The total distance is one complete circle whose circumference is 2 PI (3.142) radius. The length can be extended by adding straight section at the top of the loop and bottom.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Much better and more complete answer than my previous one.
gregc the dimensions are 3 radius by 2 radius. The total distance is one complete circle whose circumference is 2 PI (3.142) radius. The length can be extended by adding straight section at the top of the loop and bottom.
The danger with this simple arrangement is the "S" curve on the left side. Much better to add distance "L" on each side where the minimum "L" is the wheel base of your longest piece of equipment. The overall space requirement is 3R by 2R+L. The total track distance is then 2L + 2RPi.
Ray
Colorado RayThe total track distance is then 2L + 2RPi.
Give me pie! LION wanats pie!
Thanks everyone for your responses! I have a lot of work to do.