I am using 18" curves and am looking for a track plan to make my expander pier set work. It must be simple but it isn't for some reason and i am at loss trying to figure out why my "accessory set" has a "track plan manual" that does not contain a lay-out for the set i purchased.
gauge is HO and base set is a 47" X 38" oval with a 2-6-0 "canadain" locomotive.
thank you
Dear hd,
How much room length-wise do you have? If more than 90": (Table minimum size 39" x 90")
A simple 90 degree X 18" radius HO up-and-over figure-8 would have
9 curves (30 degrees by 18"R),
4 straights (9"),
9 curves (opposite direction)
1 half-straight (4-1/2")
3 straights (9")
1 half-straight (4-1/2")
The half-straights move the center pier of the bridge off the middle of the lower track....(oops).
or you could sub in a single 36" straight (item # 44584) for the upper '1/2-three-1/2' straights
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
If you need or want a slightly shorter length, you could do 30 or 60 degree angles between the bridge and under track. Let me know.
Edit: Added table minimum size, bold
i will try it today...it is interesting you suggest half-straights since the photo on the accessory kit showing the pier figure 8 set up looks as if the track is not nearly centered beneath the bridge.
geoff
Another recipe, with straights just a little short of theoretical math:
30 degree bridge angle, 18" radius curves.
11 curves each side (30 degrees each), 22 total.
1 straight (9") above and below, 2 total
Table minimum 39" x 77"
Dear All,
Another recipe with great promise, straights just a bit shorter than theoretical:
Need to purchase half (=15 degrees) 18"R curves (Item # 44531)
75 degree bridge angle, 18" radius curves.
9 curves (30 degrees) + 1 half curve (15 degrees) each side, (18 + 2 halves total)
3 straights (9") above and below, 6 total.
Table minimum size 39" x 85"
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Edit: Changed "longer than theoretical" to "shorter..."