I want to build a loop over loop on my Lionel layout so I can run 1 train over the other around the whole layout. All level–no grades.
How do I do it? How do I build the elevated? Out of wood myself? or a kit?
Where do you buy the kit. If myself explain how to build.
Ed—printer65
Seeing you haven’t built it yet you may check out the different track systems and see what they have for elevated trestles. Not sure if you are just going with an elevated loop over the entire layout or directly over a given loop.
You might want to check out this site. www.steeltoys.com Check out their Steel El. It appears just to be an elevated portion over a city street but it looks like you could build an entire loop with what they have available. Not sure on clearance issues and such as not a lot of info is given. Nor do they show doing what you have in mind. But it looks like it would work. Seems pricey but so is wood and fabricating it yourself.
The only other question is whether you run TMCC. Running tracks directly over a TMCC layout can at times raise havoc with the signal.
You can block the interference by establishing a second ground plane for the upper loop with a simple piece of wire tied to earth ground running under the upper loop.
Lionel makes 2 elevated trestle sets. One trestle is used for each section of track, so buy as many sets as you need for your size layout. Here is the link:
If you wanted to go for something vintage, you could use Marx Trestles. I just threw this together using Marx Trestles, Lionel Tubular track and one of my Flyer sets. The Marx trestles are designed to have two levels of tracks running. I haven’t completed the “elevated line” yet, or powered it up, but I bet the noise would be terrific, just like the real thing! I remember the sound from growing up in Chicago and riding the El.
Northwoods Flyer
I have been spending a great deal of time on this very subject. My interest was piqued after my wife bought me a Life-Like HO set that had exactly what you are talking about. One loop was elevated above the lower loop. They used a upside-down U shaped trestle to accomplish it. I did have them over O gauge track however they are too narrow to put near the turns and I had to put them on 1 inch risers in order to clear. Plus they don’t really have the strength to support O scale equipment(I had an On30 trolly on the elevated track).
My next step is to try and use two tunnel portal opening thingys back to back and see if they will work. My only question is do they have the strength to support the weight(If not maybe a metal “meat” to the portal “sandwich” would do the trick. Hope this helps.
The MTH portals are plenty strong enough, but it’s an expensive option if you need a bunch of them.
Wes
CTT ran an article years ago for realistic elevated track. They glued Atlas HO girder sections to Lionel elevated trestles. The girder sections support the track and they are short enough to span curve sections without landing out in outer space.
GEEEZ’s, I saw this topic and thought you were talking about the “L” loop that circles the “loop” of downtown Chicago. Thank god it’s just a elavated toy train post. You had me worried for a sec.!!!
FYI, the Steeltoys El has been used with both TMCC and DCS trains above and below. It does not interfere with any signals…
The stock size of the El allows for a 6"wx 6"h clearance to run other trains under it.
T-Rex