I’m looking to modify the Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Ry. track plan that appeared in the June 2009 Model railroader to better fit my area and my track plan. The track plan as built is 19 feet by 10.5 feet. I’m enlarging it to 20 by 11 feet - using the extra space for aisle width which is listed as 24". I do have a question about the track plan. There is a hidden area in the middle of the peninsula of the track plan. It shows a loop that crosses over itself on a 30 degree crossing. The loop shows it to be a 20" radius, but unless I measured incorrectly, it actually is much less than 20". Can someone confirm that is correct?
I’m also planning to use this hidden loop to convert it to a helix (or a grade) to staging under the layout.
The loop is not a helix. It is level. It’s purpose is to lengthen the tunnel so that a train is not visible at both ends at the same time.
Most of the hidden track in the back is level.The maximum grade on it is 1% and it would be easy to revise the elevations to make the grade 0.5% or less. This track is not part of the main line. It provides interchange wirh connecting railroads and access to staging.
The OA&E was an interurban railroad with sharp curves and steep grades. Freight trains of 10 cars or so were run over the Oakland hills with a steeple cab electric loco on each end to provide enough power and to prevent the cars from running away in the event of a broken coupler.