Our model railroad club does several modular shows a year. Our problem is that our end loops are several years old, require auto reversers and are getting difficult to maintain. We need to replace them with something easier to set up and maintain. We’ve been kicking around some design ideas and I’m looking for suggestions or better yet a scale drawing of some options. Here are our needs.
All modules are 32 inches deep. Three tracks on each straight module, that are 5, 7 and 12 inches on center from the front of the module. The first two tracks are actually a single mainline in a folded dogbone. The 3rd track is for a branchline.
We would like a single-level solution with no change in grade. We would prefer that the loop modules be 64 inches deep (two 32 inch modules). Module length can be whatever is necessary but not to exceed 8 feet.
The looped track has to return to the standard 5,7 and 12 inches prior to exiting the loop module(s) so that they can connect to any other straight module.
Track is Atlas code 100 (flex and/or sections) and we typically use Peco Insulfrog turnouts today.
I was envisioning a mainline feeding into a turnout that creates two parallel loops of track that would return to the respective 7 and 12 inches straight tracks. If anyone in the forum would be willing to work up a track plan drawing, I would appreciate it. I don’t use any of the model railroad track planning software. Thanks.
Other module clubs that I’ve been in did follow the standard so I agree with you. This club and its modules have been in existence for several years apparently. I’m a new member trying to help with replacing the existing loops. All of the “straight” modules are owned by members (some used in home layouts) and the end loops owned by the club. So whatever changes that we make have to let the other modules continue to exist as is. Thanks.
Yes, we are HO. I will try to do a rough pencil drawing and post it later today. What I’m trying to describe is a folded dogbone for the 5 and 7 inch tracks with the 12 inch track being only one way across the top. A train on the 12 inch track would travel to a loop, switch to the main, go across the front of the layout on the 5 inch track, go around the second loop and return on the 12 inch track. There would be a chokepoint on each loop at one turnout but I’m thinking it will give us an opportunity for broader curves. Right now, our inner loop of track is only 18 inch curves with a wye and an auto-reverser. Thanks.
OK, let’s see if this works. This is a very rough drawing for concept only. The length of the modules can be a little longer if necessary. I’m thinking that 22 or 24 inch radius should fit but I don’t know how to draw it in a software tool. I need to know the radius that the curves would be and the best option for the turnout, curved or straight and size. Thanks for the help.
NMRA standards are so close to what you have you can adapt to conform with little changes. The NMRA standard mandatory tracks are at 5 and 7 inches with a 4.5" setback on each end to promote a standard 9" track to join them with. This is about what you have. My club uses a track at 3" on some modules as a passing siding and if you want tracks at other intervals you can go for it. The only thing that has to be inline is the ends where everything links or there needs to be a transition module to go from your module to NMRA standards. Instead of a loop back module you can also make corner modules and link the layout in a doughnut type shape. The doughnut shape also does not have to be a perfect circle you can make many other shapes too. We found that using a standard corner module for an inside curve will require a 12" module to make the rest of the layout fit right if you dont have a matching internal curve on the other side. For example a T shaped layout you will be fine with but an L shape will require the 12" module.
I’m very familiar with NMRA standards because I’ve belonged to two clubs in VA that followed them. This club is a little different and planning to stick with what they have. I’m just trying to get a little help with someone drawing new end loops for us. When I was planning my Florida layout, I hired Lance Mindheim who does a great job. I’m trying to avoid that in this case since there are quite a few people involved and we’ll need to come to a consensus. Thanks.
I guess then I dont really know what you want. IF you want a loopback type set up then you are going to either need to keep the autoreversing or just use a single track looping the 5" track to the 7" track and the 12" track to the 3" and then you can run 2 trains independantly.
Thank you Chris, that is exactly what I am looking for. Now I know that one module must be 8 feet long and the other can be 6 feet. I also know what size curves will fit. Can I ask what software product you used to draw that? Thanks again, this helps me greatly.
I own a copy of 3rd Plan It. Is there any chance that you could send me the file in a private message? Then I can try to use it to learn more about the tool. Thanks again.
