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Post by keithb on Nov 2, 2023 18:00:43 GMT
Removed my figure eight X and made it into two inner passing loops/sidings/loading areas. The X was messing up the layout. Just didn’t fit in. Will do a updated video soon. I was not using it, these loops will get used.
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Post by josef on Nov 2, 2023 20:38:29 GMT
Most of the modelers I know that have figure 8s on their layouts have done by going down a level rather then going up or at table level. It allows for reverse runs and keeps the main line available for more trackage and scenery. Several I know have the level drop inside a tunnel and come back out. Also gives added areas to lower level for some interesting scenery. One former neighbor turned his lower level into a Jurassic Park environment.
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Post by healey36 on Nov 2, 2023 21:21:44 GMT
Back when The Old Man was into HO-scale, we found the "folded figure eight" to be far more interesting than the standard configuration (an example seen here):  Less space required, and one can slightly elevate the inner loop to generate some additional visual interest. Given enough space and elevation, one can forego the crossover, substituting a girder or small truss bridge. Anyway, an idea. |
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Post by runamuckchuck on Nov 2, 2023 21:48:32 GMT
If you compress this layout from front to back or visa versa and widen it using a 90 degree crossover you have my Halloween orange track layout seen in Have we lift off? thread. I did not use elevation on a temporary layout but agree that this has a lot of interest associated with it. Depending upon the other layout features such as buildings, tunnels, mountains, shrubbery and trees you can get a nice peek a boo effect as the train passes in and out of view.
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 3, 2023 2:29:01 GMT
I like what you did, Keith. I prefer passing sidings over reversing loops. You can add another train to your layout.
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Post by Adam on Nov 3, 2023 10:32:08 GMT
I came to the same realization when I built my layout. Smart move Keith!
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Nov 3, 2023 20:37:28 GMT
Back when The Old Man was into HO-scale, we found the "folded figure eight" to be far more interesting than the standard configuration Yeah, I've been using folded figure-8s on both the main layout and the test layout for a while now. I even recreated my version of the Marx "Twin Train" set (the OEM version of which came with a plain figure-8), which allows me to run *two* consists on the same conventional control track, and control signals in both directions at the crossover. Here's a video shot on the test layout while I was working out the kinks:
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Post by Traindiesel! on Nov 3, 2023 20:42:16 GMT
Good move, Keith. I’ve always thought reverse loops are overrated. With the sidings you save real estate space and you can store trains and switch them out occasionally.
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Post by keithb on Nov 4, 2023 0:30:38 GMT
Thanks Diesel!
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Post by atsda on Nov 6, 2023 17:50:09 GMT
Keith, It is good to have flexability. What is the surface of your layout? Do you secure your tracks? Alfred
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Post by keithb on Nov 8, 2023 10:19:15 GMT
Keith, It is good to have flexability. What is the surface of your layout? Do you secure your tracks? Alfred Alfred that covering is heavy green felt from amazon. It comes 72" wide they sell it by the yard. Only the upper track is secured.
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Post by atsda on Nov 8, 2023 19:43:36 GMT
Post by keithb on 9 hours ago
atsda Avatar
Nov 6, 2023 at 12:50pm atsda said:
Keith, It is good to have flexability. What is the surface of your layout? Do you secure your tracks? Alfred
Alfred that covering is heavy green felt from amazon. It comes 72" wide they sell it by the yard. Only the upper track is secured.
Thanks Keith. One more question - is the felt directly over a hard (wood) surface or foam/ something else? Alfred
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Post by keithb on Nov 8, 2023 21:49:53 GMT
Post by keithb on 9 hours ago atsda Avatar Nov 6, 2023 at 12:50pm atsda said: Keith, It is good to have flexability. What is the surface of your layout? Do you secure your tracks? Alfred Alfred that covering is heavy green felt from amazon. It comes 72" wide they sell it by the yard. Only the upper track is secured. Thanks Keith. One more question - is the felt directly over a hard (wood) surface or foam/ something else? Alfred Just on plywood.
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