to build a reverse loop turnaround on my upcoming layout. i would like a 22in radi turn but dont know what track pieces i need.
I dont know what pieces you would need to be able to match up with both routes of the turnout. It would be much easier and quite a bit cheaper if you just did it with flextrack.
I am in the planning stages for the same thing. I am using Atlas code 100 flex track and Peco turnouts. I found some very interesting reading on the subject at Loy’s Toys on the internet. Their address is www.loystoys.com Since I also have a 90 degree crossing that causes a reverse loop when I come into it from the opposite direction I am sending my plan to Loy’s and buy my parts for the reversing sections from them including the Peco turnouts. They discuss a Digitrax reversing module and their own brand. When it comes to electrical items I need all kinds of help. Good luck.
That depends on several things. 1. What brand of track is being used? 2. Which turnout is being used. 3. What are the size of loop limitations? That is, is there room for the two converging tracks to be straight or does one or both need to be curved?
Here is one solution using Atlas code 83 track.
Starting with a custom-line #4 turnout. From the straight leg of the turnout use 6 nine inch straight tracks, a 2" straight, then begin the 22" radius curve. There will be 10 curves before going back to 4 more nine inch straights. Then a 6" straight, a 1 inch straight, a 1.25 inch straight. Then do a reverse curve of a full 22" radius, and one 1/3 22" radius. That should connect right back into the diverging route of the original turnout.
Bigred, download RTS (Right Track System), the layout design program from Atlasrr.com. You can print a 22" inch curve and some turnouts 1:1 (actual size) and use them as templates. Print out a bunch of them and tape them together. Then you can lay it all out BEFORE you cut out the subroadbed, lay track ,or whatever. This will give you a better than general idea of where to put what. I’d use flextrack for the actual loop, though. The less sections or joints you have, the better. Then, you can use the templates to cut out your subroadbed (if you’re using the “cookie cutter” method).