I have a circle of trainset curved track #1100W that I want to link to another circle of the same type of track through a 90-degree crossing. Can this be done, and if so do I need four pieces of matching straight track (#1000W) to complete the X in the middle?
If your curve track is 30-degree (12 pieces to make a circle), a Figure-8 track plan is best done using a 30-degree crossing not 90-degree
# sections -- LGB part # --- Description
22 -- 11000 --- curved track, R1, 30-degree
1 -- 13000 --- 30-degree Crossing
As Hunt described, the 30 degree crossing makes it much simpler. Look at this quick comparison trackplan done in RR-Track using LGB track. The 90 degree crossing is an Aristocraft since LGB's 90 degree is much smaller and requires even more small straight pieces to "fit".
Using sectional track, the 90 degree plan requires a 12" straight section, a 6" straight, and a 3" straight on each of the four legs.
The LGB 30 degree crossing layout requires no straights. The 30 degree crossing fits in place of one section of R1 (1100) curved track.
(http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/almcev/figure8.jpg)
Enjoy!
Al