What exactly do you mean by “run-round loop”?
Also, for N scale, what are the available loop diameters?
With G scale, I know I can get 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 20 foot diameter loops…
What are my choices for N or Z?
Rick
Sorry, the British lingo sometimes lets me down on US forums.
I dont know what you would call it over there, but its basically a parallel track to the main line with a switch at either end. This lets you to run the loco from the front of the train to the back, and vice-versa - essential for switching layouts.
let me know what you call this track arrangement over there.
Jon
It’s called a “run around track” or maybe even “double ended passing siding”
6.5" radius would be very tight even in N scale; most commercial track products have 9" as their tightest radius. If you limit your power to small switchers and 40’ cars, or make it a trolley line you might be able to pull it off.
How much track to shim into a 13" circle: I think you’re talking Nn3 narrow gague or Z Nn3 uses Z track Some Marklin sets fit a double circle into this space.
I would avoid trying to squeeze in a loop, in any scale, within 13" of shelf depth. Even on a trolley line in N-scale this will look tight, though real trolleys did run on curves like this. The reason for avoiding it is that the curve will declare loudly what your minimum radius is, and set immediately within your consciousness the awareness of the limits, the edges, of your model world. Pay attention to some of the track plans by Iain Rice, and see the ways in which he defies his layouts’ boundaries, making a small space expand in your imagination.
If you need a loop (out-and-back runaround operations can be fun and challenging you know), what you could do is create a fold-out leaf, something that maybe latches onto the edge, or is supported on drawer slides, etc. You’d have to work out technical details of attaching the rails, but many previous modelers have built swing-out sections and modular layouts that deal with such concerns. You would only have this connected during operating sessions; it would allow you to have a decent 12" radius loop in N-scale. If you wanted more than this, you could go to a larger radius and add in a siding and some station trackwork, and make a whole little detachable diorama. At a minimum, you could employ 10" radius curves and just have this bulge out an extra 7", but I would not go tighter than this unless you model traction (trolleys).
Hmm, I guess I’ll have to scrap the idea if i can’t find a way to squeeze a loop within the onfines[:(]
There’s no way to extend anything on this cabinet because the borders for the glass are already built…
Would’ve been nice though…
I had already planned on cutting mousehole tunnels within each cabinet division[8D]
Rick
You might be able to get by using Z scale - suggest you check out the Walther’s web site (www.walthers.com) to see what’s available. Maybe you should give up on having a loop at all, and do a switching layout. In N or HO scale, you could do a pretty good one in 15 ft. You could even maybe make one for your G scale stuff!
Now when you say a “switchng layout”, do you mean one where the trains just run back and forth?
I’m used to running long freight trains, so I don’t think that’ll work out very well (reverse is a nono on my other layouts)
Yes to above, but it can get quite riveting, if you enjoy mind-games.
Why not try it, as an experiment in something different. Get hold of a cheap set and some track, you can always scrap it if it doesn’t appeal and sell the bits on.
Jon
Rick,
I would suggest that here are two realities:
Reality A
You want such and such on your layout and because you can not do it, you will have no layout. What is the fun value of this decision.
Reality B
Given the nature of your cabinent width and lenght I 'd go N as 13 inches is “deeper” so to speak in N - smaller structures - so you can get more in. In reality B you have a switching layout. Though this doesn’t incorporate what you would like in your “ideal” layout, you do have a layout, and with dcc, you could easily have a second operator in N scale. You could use the “barge” idea of moving trains on and off the layout. Now what is the fun value of this layout?
The last two issues of Model Railroader have had articles on a beautiful shelf - type layout in HO, including track plans and construction techniques. Check it out. There is also an older Kalmbach publication on small layouts in several sizes and scales. I don’t recall the title but if someone is interested, I have a copy at home.
For now, I have a nice sized space for the new HO layout that I am building, but if I move to a smaller house or condo at some point, I will probably do an HO switching layout. The ones I’ve seen look like a lot of fun.
John