We would like to fit a Yuletide Express in a spot 54" x 24". Possible?
Ron
It would help a lot if you gave part numbers when inquiring.
There is no listing for Yuletide "Express", is it actually Yuletide "Special"?. If so, the set is HO scale, comes with a 47" x 38" oval (outside measurement). So it would require at least 40" wide to have 1" free space on each side, preferably 42".
The N scale is called "White Christmas Express", even the dealers don't get it right on their sites.
If you have the set, look on box for the part number.
But, can I buy HO track outside of Yuletide Special to fit 24"x54"?
Well a street car might run on 12in R.
I don't know of anything in HO that will run in that small of a loop, outside of a streetcar or 4 wheel switcher. The smallest radius in sectional track in HO that I've seen is 15" radius and there isn't a whole lot that will run on that small of a circle. It would require at least 30x30 inch space.
The radius is measured to the center of rails, so 15" radius is actually 32" outside for a half circle, plus extra space at the sides, say a minimum of 34" wide.
Ron, do you already have the set, or just thinking about it? Bachmann makes the "White Christmas Express" in smaller N scale, it looks exactly like the HO version. The catalog says 34" X 24" oval, that would be 11.25 degree radius. It would barely fit from edge to edge of your desired board. Item Number 24016.