60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
The Lazada suppliers in China are offering 5 x 46cm lengths of HO flexible track (together with rail joiners and fixing screws) for 1,850 pesos inc postage & taxes (about 27 quid). Still more expensive than UK, but definitely far cheaper than paying courier fees & import duty from UK. (UK firms (eg Hattons) will only forward flexitrack by courier due to its length. The courier then charges a fortune for completing import formalities.)
So I've ordered 5 pieces of track from Lazada (C.O.D.), they should arrive in the middle of June.
The reason for this post is I've never used flexitrack before. The U tube videos I've found (Peco) demonstrate using it for large rad curves, using tracksetting tools, but I can't find any advice for 11 inch curves. Any advice gratefully received!
As far as the design of the layout goes its a version of a layout I built last year using set track (layout size 66" x 44"). Obviously small tanks and short trains with 4 wheeled rolling stock required
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
Using flexitrck for sharp curves can certainly be done, but it does take a little more thought. The main issue is that flexi track tries to spring itself back into a straight piece of track. This is not a problem with larger radius, but can pose issues with sharper curves, as one needs to pay more attention to the ends where the rail joiners need to go. The rails here try to push outwards, so may need bending and carefully pinning to allow the curve to flow.
Think of ordinary sectional track which is pre formed. This sits at just the right angles that it is meant to be. Now think of the ends of the track trying to spring outwards and this is the main issue apart from cutting to length that will need to be overcome.
My track was built using Peco code 100 flexible track (00 gauge). I had plenty of 00 gauge track and did not have the funds to invest in 0-16.5 track, hence why I started changing the sleepers.
Now because my track sleepers are soldered to the rails, they are firm and rigid and really hold the curve well so the flexibility of the track is zero. In fact, there is probably more flex in a standard piece of non flexible 00 gauge track. (I also added a checkrail just for visual effect which probably stiffens it up further. The rail joint gaps seen on the curve are just for visual effect. These only cut through half the height of the rail).
Now you don't need to use soldered sleepers, as you should be able to bend the ends of the rails with pliers to avoid them pushing outwards. Take your time to get it to work right. But if all else fails, a few PCB sleepers at the ends near the joins may be the answer.
Another thought is to solder the rails together to hold the curve where they join. Use railjoiners as well for extra support. Yes, one may have to pin to hold the rails in place when one solders. Try to slightly bend the rails individually with pliers to prevent them pushing outwards. The idea is to get a smooth curve so that nothing will come off the track.
Think of ordinary sectional track which is pre formed. This sits at just the right angles that it is meant to be. Now think of the ends of the track trying to spring outwards and this is the main issue apart from cutting to length that will need to be overcome.
My track was built using Peco code 100 flexible track (00 gauge). I had plenty of 00 gauge track and did not have the funds to invest in 0-16.5 track, hence why I started changing the sleepers.
Now because my track sleepers are soldered to the rails, they are firm and rigid and really hold the curve well so the flexibility of the track is zero. In fact, there is probably more flex in a standard piece of non flexible 00 gauge track. (I also added a checkrail just for visual effect which probably stiffens it up further. The rail joint gaps seen on the curve are just for visual effect. These only cut through half the height of the rail).
Now you don't need to use soldered sleepers, as you should be able to bend the ends of the rails with pliers to avoid them pushing outwards. Take your time to get it to work right. But if all else fails, a few PCB sleepers at the ends near the joins may be the answer.
Another thought is to solder the rails together to hold the curve where they join. Use railjoiners as well for extra support. Yes, one may have to pin to hold the rails in place when one solders. Try to slightly bend the rails individually with pliers to prevent them pushing outwards. The idea is to get a smooth curve so that nothing will come off the track.
Modelling On A Budget ---》 https://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/F ... 22&t=52212
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Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
Although my usual answer was to cut in a piece of settrack when I needed small radii I have used flexi track for tight radius curves I found the best method was to cut a template from 1/8th hardboard to the required radius of the inner ends of the sleepers screw it down then form the flexi track around it. Code 100 nickel silver track does tend to be springy and you need to be careful that the rails don't creep in the sleeper base. It's noticeably easier to form a curve with code 75 rail. Looking at your plan going counter clockwise your flexi track starts with an ST 200 straight, I would lay that with the start of the flexible track as it would form a good anchor for curving the following section, it eliminates the possibility of joining the curve to the straight at an angle.=, which can happen even when you are trying to avoid it.
Growing old, can't avoid it. Growing up, forget it!
My Layout, My Workbench Blog and My Opinions
My Layout, My Workbench Blog and My Opinions
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
A most ingenious track plan, I've never seen anything quite like it, and I've seen a few. Thousand. Good for you for finding a way around expensive hipping. Mountain's advice was rather illuminating, I'd never considered soldering rails to end sleepers to maintain curvature, before. I assume that
you shall be running four wheeled stock and short wheel base locomotives. I do hope you will keep us apprised as you go along. This is simply nifty.
I might put in a plug for Sam's Trains Reviews, unless you are already stocked up, in that department. As I model British OO, my stuff has to be imported quite a distance, and typically at no small expense, so returning lemons is sometimes not worth the trouble. I, speaking for myself, have found Sam's to be exceptionally thorough and unbiased. I shelled out a goodly sum, recently, for a Peckett, and it works as well as Sam said it would. Which is to say, supremely well in every respect.
you shall be running four wheeled stock and short wheel base locomotives. I do hope you will keep us apprised as you go along. This is simply nifty.
I might put in a plug for Sam's Trains Reviews, unless you are already stocked up, in that department. As I model British OO, my stuff has to be imported quite a distance, and typically at no small expense, so returning lemons is sometimes not worth the trouble. I, speaking for myself, have found Sam's to be exceptionally thorough and unbiased. I shelled out a goodly sum, recently, for a Peckett, and it works as well as Sam said it would. Which is to say, supremely well in every respect.
Nessie rocks!
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
Many thanks to those who responded with advice re curving the track. Unfortunately the Chinese Supplier (via Lazada) has cancelled the order with no notification or explanation
So its back to variants of my 66"x44" layout
So its back to variants of my 66"x44" layout
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
That happened to me with something else that my brothers wife ordered nearly a year ago from Amazon. They made a few excuses about workers being on holiday for 6 weeks or months or something like that. I said I was willing to wait but then they said other things to try and put me off and they cancelled the order. I am beginning to think that some companies in the Far East never actually had them in stock to begin with?
Modelling On A Budget ---》 https://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/F ... 22&t=52212
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
I didnt even get a lie as an explanation!
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
As many of you know I live on Bohol Island in the Philippines. A year ago the railway described in the above posts was destroyed in a very violent typhoon, leaving the island without electricity for 6 months.
My rolling stock was saved as it was housed in doors.
Now that normality has been largely restored I'd like to build another railway, but this time one I can keep indoors. It needs to be very small (48"x36"). I've drawn this in Anyrail but am concerned about the incline, the orange coloured track. Its 80" in length and will need to rise at least 2.5" will a tank loco pulling 2 or 3 four wheeled coaches be able to manage this? I've got to order track from Hattons so I'd like opinions on this coffee table sized layout!
My rolling stock was saved as it was housed in doors.
Now that normality has been largely restored I'd like to build another railway, but this time one I can keep indoors. It needs to be very small (48"x36"). I've drawn this in Anyrail but am concerned about the incline, the orange coloured track. Its 80" in length and will need to rise at least 2.5" will a tank loco pulling 2 or 3 four wheeled coaches be able to manage this? I've got to order track from Hattons so I'd like opinions on this coffee table sized layout!
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
I'm concerned that trying to get a working incline on something so small
is likely to at the least be a problem, or not work at all.
I suppose in the Philippines there is always that risk of what we would see as
'Super Storms'. Best to keep it small and simple and as a result reliable ?
Geoff T.
is likely to at the least be a problem, or not work at all.
I suppose in the Philippines there is always that risk of what we would see as
'Super Storms'. Best to keep it small and simple and as a result reliable ?
Geoff T.
Remember ... I know nothing about railways.
http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Fo ... 22&t=32187 and Another on http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Fo ... &sk=t&sd=a
http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Fo ... 22&t=32187 and Another on http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Fo ... &sk=t&sd=a
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
Something I once considered when designing a split-level layout in a small space, but never got around to building, was to use a hidden lifting section instead of an incline. I had the idea to use Meccano wheels and pulleys to manually do the lifting, but it could probably be motorised somehow. The electrics would need some working out, the simplest I imagined was just lengths of wire soldered across the break, long enough to accomodate the up/down movement.
On your proposed layout, the curve in the lower left quadrant, could be either in a tunnel or behind a backscene. Train runs on and stops, lift operates up/down, train continues.
On your proposed layout, the curve in the lower left quadrant, could be either in a tunnel or behind a backscene. Train runs on and stops, lift operates up/down, train continues.
Chuffing along s l o w y
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
Anyrail will calculate and show the percentage incline at the start and end of the relevant section plus at points in between if you enable this option. If the percentage is greater than 2% your loco will struggle. You could go to the expense of buying DCC Concepts power base product which can help. But if the incline is too great, even this may not help.kebang wrote:As many of you know I live on Bohol Island in the Philippines. A year ago the railway described in the above posts was destroyed in a very violent typhoon, leaving the island without electricity for 6 months.
My rolling stock was saved as it was housed in doors.
Now that normality has been largely restored I'd like to build another railway, but this time one I can keep indoors. It needs to be very small (48"x36"). I've drawn this in Anyrail but am concerned about the incline, the orange coloured track. Its 80" in length and will need to rise at least 2.5" will a tank loco pulling 2 or 3 four wheeled coaches be able to manage this? I've got to order track from Hattons so I'd like opinions on this coffee table sized layout!
3ft x 4ft OO.png
https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/pow ... oho-scale/
BTW, Im not affiliated to DCC Concepts in any way, I just think many of there items are very good if not a little too pricey.
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Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
kebang wrote:... paying courier fees & import duty from UK. ... [/i]
kebang, I sympathise with you. Find "Bonavista Newfoundland" on a map.... I've got to order track from Hattons ...
Four years ago I moved to this tiny town that sits like a pimple on the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula. For me it is a 24 hour trip from my house to a hotel in Paris, France, but just 7½ hours from Toronto. This inhibits travel which ought to be 2 hours shorter since I now live 2 hours closer to France.
A similar impact will be felt whether it is my body or a length of track.
I researched supplies of OO/HO material when first I moved here; the winters are long and the winter nights are long. I came to the conclusion that one of the penalties of a life style half as expensive as that in the heart of a gritty city was paying more for luxuries.
I found two or three firms, placed orders for lengths of Peco track, a dozen or so plastic kits, dozens of tiny cans of paint, and now have a small stock sufficient to keep me happy for a while. The “pain of purchase” is like ripping off an adhesive bandage. It hurts for a few seconds, but thereafter life is great.
Were I in your position I would amass the cash until I had enough to place a broad order; if you can buy a couple extra lengths of track, buy an extra kit or two, and buy a rainbow of paint; scream “OUCH!”, then wallow in amazing comfort and luxury.
In the limit, were I to move to live in a trappers cabin a hundred miles into the bush, the courier would ramp-up the courier fees, and electricity would be an expensive proposition (think wind/water turbine, battery bank, ...)
Best wishes, Chris
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
Here the 'super typhoon' has become almost an annual event, rather than a rarity! So I don't want to build in the garden again... Any rail shows the incline at over 3%, so I suppose all I can do is build it and see if it works or not!.
Thanks for all the replies.
Thanks for all the replies.
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
Chris, I just checked your location on the map, at least where I live its always warm!
Re: 60" x 40" 'OO' Oval
Chris., just checked your location on the map. At least here it is always warm! I supplement our electrical supply with 400watts of solar panels, 200ah battery and a 1500 watt inverter. This was a godsend in the 6 months without power!