So i have 55 feet of track

LarryLongBalls Nov 28, 2016

  1. LarryLongBalls

    LarryLongBalls New Member

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    How big of a layout could that create?

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  2. jpwisc

    jpwisc TrainBoard Member

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    That would be a 55 foot long point to point layout or a 17.5 foot diameter circle, or anything in between. How many switches do you have?
     
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  3. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

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    You could make a nice nine foot long yard out of it.
     
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  4. CarlH

    CarlH TrainBoard Member

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    in addition to the question from jpwisc on the number of switches you have:
    How many curved pieces do you have, and how many of those are required to make a half circle?
    How many straight pieces do you have, and what length are they?
     
  5. LarryLongBalls

    LarryLongBalls New Member

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    I do not have switches yet

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  6. LarryLongBalls

    LarryLongBalls New Member

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    I do not have switches yet, and i make my curved ttack out of straight track

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  7. jpwisc

    jpwisc TrainBoard Member

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    Then the next question I have is what kind of space do you have to fit a layout into?
     
  8. LarryLongBalls

    LarryLongBalls New Member

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    My whole backyard which is probably about 40×300 feet

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  9. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

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    Well, you could make a fifty-five foot layout. Of course, the locomotive would push the train going one direction, so you'd have to go slow because they derail less when the trains are getting pulled. A few switches would let the locomotive run around the train at each end. A wye or loop would let the locomotive turn around and face the other direction.

    Is the yard level or hilly? Can you use it all? Can you get more track? Do you have anything to run on it?
     
  10. LarryLongBalls

    LarryLongBalls New Member

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    The yard is very level, i can't use ALL of it, but i can use a good portion of it. I will definitely be getting more track soon (like at train expo's and such). I will be getting a locomotive very soon, its a steam locomotive owned by a mining company. I like the idea of switches for the locomotive to run around the train when at the end of the line and go back to the front, i would need to purchase some switches though.

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  11. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

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    Most mining/logging road engines were set up so they could operate forward or backward, especially tank engines with no tender. So, you probably don't need wyes or loops. A loop is handy for continual hands-free running, though, if that's what you want. Yes, a simple double-ended siding as long as the train will get the engine to the other end of the train. You need one at each end of the line, but it has to be as long as your string of cars, and you need a 'lead' (lead-in track) past the second switch long enough for the locomotive and caboose. You drop the caboose before the first switch, haul the cars onto the siding, uncouple, and pull the locomotive onto the lead past the second switch. Then you run around the cars and get the caboose, haul it down to the far end, and back it up to the string of cars, uncouple, run the locomotive back to the far end of the train, and back up to it.

    The ground you cover has to be very, very level. You need to build up a roadbed for the track, and maybe put concrete underneath. Learn about ballast--track is laid on gravel, because that drains water and is a stable place for it to sit.
     
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  12. LarryLongBalls

    LarryLongBalls New Member

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    Ok, thank you for all your help

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