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Posted - March 31 2022 : 11:30:06 AM
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Hello there ! I am very happy to be a new member of this great community. Thank you. I started the building of The Little Big Eight layout in H0 scale. Why a figure 8 layout? For absolutely no serious reason except for the fun. All your comments, advices and criticism will be greatly appreciated.
I don't take myself seriously, so I apologize if you do.
Edited by - Old Bandit on March 31 2022 11:58:54 AM
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Posted - March 31 2022 : 7:44:59 PM
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OB, I love it. I have a best friend, the guy has been a prototype 1:1 modellor on a Class 1. He makes a collection, of the high end stuff, Microscale, that sort of thing, of every type of rail car he sees on his job, and quite a number of past and present diesel locomotives, particularly of the old ATSF. He has this wall of top shelf models, are carefully built and meticulously stored.
And what does he do? He has a oval of EZ track on the floor of a spare bedroom that he runs them on! He once built a module of a siding based on one in Clovis, New Mexico, with all the proper semaphores and such like, and it was exquisite. But he stubbornly refuses to do anything other than his track-on-the- floor gambit.
Too me, like WKS, my friend is OLD Old School. Early track planning books shamelessly featured track plans circumnavigating furniture legs. I just love it.
Really glad to have you aboard, and have you take us in new inspirations!
Myself, I could never resist a diamond!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAOMiKseN5Q
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Posted - March 31 2022 : 9:28:53 PM
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That looks like a cool track plan. What are your thoughts on scenery/structures? Like are you planning on adding industries or a town in each of the circles of the figure-8?
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - March 31 2022 : 11:16:46 PM
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Much more interesting than a simple oval! I have one suggestion though; IF you’re going to operate equipment with body mounted couplers, I suggest eliminating the S-curves.
1295
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
Edited by - gmoney on March 31 2022 11:18:05 PM
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Posted - April 01 2022 : 09:17:24 AM
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quote:That looks like a cool track plan. Originally posted by RP model railroads - March 31 2022 : 9:28:53 PM |
Thanks !
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Posted - April 01 2022 : 09:21:02 AM
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quote:That looks like a cool track plan. Originally posted by RP model railroads - March 31 2022 : 9:28:53 PM |
Thanks !
quote:What are your thoughts on scenery/structures? Like are you planning on adding industries or a town in each of the circles of the figure-8? Originally posted by RP model railroads - March 31 2022 : 9:28:53 PM |
No idea yet but I'm working on it.
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Posted - April 01 2022 : 09:22:48 AM
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Thanks for your long reply Chops. Very nice video. The dino lives in a very strange world.
Edited by - Οld Bandit on April 01 2022 09:25:31 AM
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Posted - April 01 2022 : 09:33:16 AM
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Unfortunately I have to downsize my layout a bit (direct order from SWMBO). The dimensions will therefore be 2'8" x 84'4" and the the curves radius only 15".
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Posted - April 01 2022 : 09:38:59 AM
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quote:IF you’re going to operate equipment with body mounted couplers, I suggest eliminating the S-curves. Originally posted by gmoney - March 31 2022 : 11:16:46 PM |
Very good idea but unfortunately I don't have enough room for that.
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Posted - April 01 2022 : 1:02:35 PM
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As you can see, I'm working very hard on my layout !
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Posted - April 01 2022 : 4:44:24 PM
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quote:Unfortunately I have to downsize my layout a bit (direct order from SWMBO). The dimensions will therefore be 2'8" x 84'4" and the the curves radius only 15".
Originally posted by Οld Bandit - April 01 2022 : 09:33:16 AM
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So you're going to build those s curves with 15r? smdh......
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Posted - April 01 2022 : 11:12:05 PM
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"S" curves are not bad if there's a car length of straight track where the curve reverses. It looks like the diamond serves that purpose.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - April 02 2022 : 03:40:12 AM
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quote:So you're going to build those s curves with 15r? smdh...... Originally posted by jward - April 01 2022 : 4:44:24 PM |
Yep !
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Posted - April 02 2022 : 08:50:22 AM
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Not planning on too many 86"s right? My experimental Mormon's Gulch layout has similar dimensions and uses exclusively 15 inch radii. I deliberately put in S curves because visually that is more dynamic than a typical tail chaser. Using 1880's theme with 40' coaches and 35' freight cars, train lengths short, but sweet. It looks just fine as the line bends and twists through canyon walls. Put a second tier on it to open it up, in a small space. Have yet to give it a full testing, but so far, so good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqQyOsxfVkE
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Posted - April 02 2022 : 10:16:17 AM
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Nice video !
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Posted - April 02 2022 : 11:03:51 AM
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quote:"S" curves are not bad if there's a car length of straight track where the curve reverses. It looks like the diamond serves that purpose.
Originally posted by scsshaggy - April 01 2022 : 11:12:05 PM
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Yes the crossing serves this function rather well. However the plan also has s curves on either side of the crossing. The S curve problem gets exponentially worse the smaller the radius. That is, build a layout with S curves at 36" radius you probably won't have problems. Build the same layout with 18" radius and you'll have lots of derailments with body mounted couplers. I wouldn't even want to try it with anything sharper than that because alot of your equipment is going to be operating at its limits without the s curves, adding them is asking for trouble. You might get away with it with talgo couplers. But even a 40 footer with body mounts will probably derail on that curve.
It is a situation that could be rectified pretty easily by using a 60 degree crossing instead of a 30, and lessening the angle of those s curves. Doing so should allow the insertion of a 3" or 4.5" straight between the curves. It's far from ideal but it should be workable.
The reason I point things like this out is that a layout where the trains don't stay on the rails is no fun for anyone. It is better to redesign the plan to eliminate the questionable areas before the track is laid, than it is to build the layout and get frustrated because it doesn't work the way you planned. Trust me, I know. I've built some spectacular failures over the years.
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Posted - April 02 2022 : 11:35:51 AM
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Thanks for your very interesting input jward.
quote: [quote]I've built some spectacular failures over the years. Originally posted by jward - April 02 2022 : 11:03:51 AM |
Me too ! Welcome to the club. I'll work on a better plan but I have a very limited space for my layout...
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Posted - April 02 2022 : 11:45:39 AM
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I tried to build two versions of my layout (without nail, glue or screw):
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Posted - April 02 2022 : 12:18:12 PM
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Looks pretty good to me- I think it might work. The S is definitely interrupted on all sides.
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Posted - April 02 2022 : 1:05:31 PM
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I drew two new plans: Which one is better (or less worse)?
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Posted - April 02 2022 : 1:37:39 PM
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I built my track plan #1. Works fine for me ! I'm very pleased with the result so far.
Edited by - Οld Bandit on April 02 2022 1:39:59 PM
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Posted - April 02 2022 : 6:44:04 PM
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quote:I drew two new plans: Which one is better (or less worse)?
Originally posted by Οld Bandit - April 02 2022 : 1:05:31 PM
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From an operational standpoint I don't see much difference. In both cases you have at least 6" of straight track between the opposing curves, so any S curve derailment issues should be eliminated. Best of all, you've retained the meandering nature of the original plan without sacrificing reliability.
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Posted - April 03 2022 : 02:21:01 AM
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I like 'em both. Then, I like pretty much anything with tracks. Looks to be room for a spur here and there, that will comfortably. Have you decided on a landscape or a theme? Will your layout have a name?
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Posted - April 03 2022 : 07:57:56 AM
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quote:Best of all, you've retained the meandering nature of the original plan without sacrificing reliability. Originally posted by jward - April 02 2022 : 6:44:04 PM
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Thanks !
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Posted - April 03 2022 : 08:03:57 AM
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quote:I like 'em both. Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â April 03 2022Â :Â 02:21:01 AM
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Thanks
quote:Looks to be room for a spur here and there, that will comfortably. Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â April 03 2022Â :Â 02:21:01 AM |
Very good idea. I'm on it !
quote:Have you decided on a landscape or a theme? Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â April 03 2022Â :Â 02:21:01 AM |
Not yet.
quote: Will your layout have a name? Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â April 03 2022Â :Â 02:21:01 AM |
The Little Big Eight
Edited by - Οld Bandit on April 03 2022 08:06:30 AM
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Posted - April 03 2022 : 1:28:43 PM
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I tried to run a test train and I failed miserably because I discovered that the diamond creates a big short. WTF ! In fact, I built a layout like this one below:
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Posted - April 03 2022 : 5:14:53 PM
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What you've got there are two facing reverse loops. Both loops would require isolation to both rails and a mechanism, either manual or automatic, to reverse the polarity as the train enters the loop. I've never seen two facing reverse loops before, and am not sure if that is even viable.
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Posted - April 03 2022 : 8:38:22 PM
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quote:What you've got there are two facing reverse loops. Both loops would require isolation to both rails and a mechanism, either manual or automatic, to reverse the polarity as the train enters the loop. I've never seen two facing reverse loops before, and am not sure if that is even viable.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â April 03 2022Â :Â 5:14:53 PM
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Something is wrong there. An EZ track crossing shouldn't short out, because both tracks are supposed to be completely electrically isolated from each other. It is, after all, EZ track, and power routing crossings are complicated to wire. I'd check it with the continuity setting on an ohmmeter. It should be the electrical equivalent of two pieces of straight track. If it isn't I'd return it to Bachmann for a replacement.
Does the entire layout short out when you try to run trains? Or do they run until the locomotive gets to the crossing then short out?
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Posted - April 03 2022 : 9:38:25 PM
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With the two turnouts, you have two reversing loops, so that when you're leaving the loop, you're going back into the turnout the opposite way from how you came out of it. That means that the curves have to be totally isolated from the switches. If you wire in another reversing switch on the central track including the two switches, the polarity can be changed to match that of the train leaving the loop. The reversing switch would be a double pole, double throw switch wired like this:
The way the switch is thrown, here, the center track between the loops would work with both turnouts set for the curve. The other way, works with both turnouts straight. This is pretty conventional wiring for a loop-to-loop layout.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - April 03 2022 : 11:57:33 PM
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Many thanks for all your replies gentlemen ! Much appreciated. I also discovered that the short destroyed my DC controller... I don't use Bachmann EZ track but a European H0 track: Trix C track. And the diamond is a Marklin 3-rails AC modified for 2 rails DC. This is the problem I must solved.
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Posted - April 04 2022 : 06:01:37 AM
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Another dead end. This project has been cancelled. So I need a new and more simple idea. Something like that I think:
https://youtu.be/Hudb9VdTxDg
Edited by - Οld Bandit on April 04 2022 10:33:02 AM
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Posted - April 04 2022 : 10:53:57 AM
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quote:Does the entire layout short out when you try to run trains? Or do they run until the locomotive gets to the crossing then short out? Originally posted by jward - April 03 2022 : 8:38:22 PM |
I forgot to answer your question. My bad. The entire layout shorts out. I checked it with an ohmmeter.
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Posted - April 05 2022 : 12:03:25 AM
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Uhhhh, if you are using a Marklin AC crossing mixed with DC track, yes, that will cause mischief. What you have, as discussed above, with the loop to loop venture are two opposed electrical circuits that will fry each other as soon as power is applied because the electricity is being pushed up the down the down staircase, so to speak. Personally, for simplicity and interest, I like the squashed figure 8, toss in a spur or two, and if the crossing isn't some outlier, should work fine.
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Posted - April 05 2022 : 08:50:19 AM
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Thanks for your reply Chops ! I found this one and only solution. The turnouts are DC models. But it'll be an electrical nightmare for me...
Edited by - Οld Bandit on April 05 2022 08:50:46 AM
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Posted - April 05 2022 : 10:45:09 AM
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I can also get a rid of the crossover. Absolutely no short here !
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Posted - April 05 2022 : 12:36:25 PM
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quote:Thanks for your reply Chops ! I found this one and only solution. The turnouts are DC models. But it'll be an electrical nightmare for me...
Originally posted by Οld Bandit - April 05 2022 : 08:50:19 AM
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With this one wired for DC, you'll constantly be throwing reversing switches! Do you have any objections to an over-&-under figure 8? You could still incorporate the S-curves.
1303
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
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Posted - April 05 2022 : 12:57:54 PM
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quote:Do you have any objections to an over-&-under figure 8? You could still incorporate the S-curves. Originally posted by gmoney |
Absolutely not ! Very good advice.
Edited by - Οld Bandit on April 05 2022 1:00:19 PM
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Posted - April 05 2022 : 8:33:50 PM
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Diamonds are forever.
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Posted - April 06 2022 : 06:47:53 AM
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There re two ways you can gp here. Using an Atlas 30 degree crossing will definitely eliminate the shorts. I suspect most crossings made for DC track will do the same. Or, as CHops suggested, add some elevation and make an over and under type layout. Personally, I favour the latter.
Looking at your plan, you have enough room to get the grade down to a manageable 3%. You could use the Woodland Scenics risers for the grade. Or, try using an Atlas pier set, which will give you the necessary 1/4" rise per section. Just rearrange your plan so that you have 12 full straight or curved sections together and you'll be fine.
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Posted - April 06 2022 : 08:46:08 AM
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Thanks for all your very helpful answers. BUT I found this solution. I made a few tests and it seems that my idea could work.
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Posted - April 06 2022 : 08:49:05 AM
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quote:Diamonds are forever.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â April 05 2022Â :Â 8:33:50 PM
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Can't say better !
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Posted - April 07 2022 : 01:01:58 AM
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Posted - April 07 2022 : 09:02:13 AM
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First run ! Please forgive the shaky phone camera work.
https://youtu.be/nWKZsmT-NIo
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Posted - April 07 2022 : 12:08:01 PM
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Nice! How did you resolve the crossing issue?
1312
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
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Posted - April 07 2022 : 11:17:54 PM
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I LIKE it!! Fun watching the big old diesel do the two step through all the reversing curves. And you are doing this with Trix track, I believe??? Marvelous use of an older, and foreign, technology. I've never seen anyone use Trix track to this advantage, ever.
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Posted - April 08 2022 : 06:26:13 AM
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quote:Nice! Originally posted by gmoney - April 07 2022 : 12:08:01 PM
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Thanks !
Edited by - Οld Bandit on April 08 2022 06:26:38 AM
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Posted - April 08 2022 : 06:27:04 AM
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quote:I LIKE it!! Fun watching the big old diesel do the two step through all the reversing curves. And you are doing this with Trix track, I believe??? Marvelous use of an older, and foreign, technology. I've never seen anyone use Trix track to this advantage, ever.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â April 07 2022Â :Â 11:17:54 PM
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Thanks !
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Posted - April 08 2022 : 06:37:41 AM
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quote:How did you resolve the crossing issue? 1312 Originally posted by gmoney - April 07 2022 : 12:08:01 PM |
The crossover diamond is completely insulated from the rest of the layout. The two loops are both DC powered. I was thinking about a DPDT switch (see the picture below) but I found a better idea. The diesel itself will be the switch ! The diesel's four axles pick up the track power. When the first axle rolls on the diamond track, then the crossover track is powered. And the loco can run. Simple as that ! Hope I'm clear...
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Posted - April 09 2022 : 03:02:31 AM
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Due to a lack of space, I must downsize a bit my layout. New dimensions are: 84' x 32'. The track plan is slightly different from my first idea.
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Posted - April 09 2022 : 09:58:41 AM
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That;s a good idea as long as you only run diesels with all wheel pickup. Steamers and short wheelbase diesels that aren't long enough to bridge the gap will stall out. SO will locomotives where one truck picks up off one rail and the other truck picks up off the other rail.
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Posted - April 09 2022 : 12:51:47 PM
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You are absolutely right ! I have two solutions: a DPDT switch or a shorter crossover (as shown in the picture above).
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