|
|
Post by Commodore on Jun 14, 2017 19:26:45 GMT -5
A Compact Locomotive Break-in Track is needed. What are the options?
I've been asked about using a 13 degree crossing instead of a 90 degree diamond ...for a break-in track.
Don't know the locos, yet. But did suggest flex-track as an option on a 4' x 4' board.
Is smaller possible and able to work with AZL locos?
Has someone has done similar... or know of a better solution?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by markm on Jun 14, 2017 20:10:46 GMT -5
My break-in/test track is "220" oval: 220mm curves and 220mm straight. To me it's about the smallest break-in track for the vast majority of locomotives. You could go with 195mm curves, but then you're testing design limit of some of the larger engines. You need >100mm straight just for a spot to rail the engine. I test my locos forward and reverse, clock-wise and counter clockwise. If fits on a 2' x 3' board.
The advantage of the test tracks with a crossing is that you get clock-wise counter clockwise at the same time. The disadvantage is a larger layout to accommodate getting in and out of the crossing.
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by Commodore on Jun 14, 2017 20:44:02 GMT -5
My break-in/test track is "220" oval: 220mm curves and 220mm straight. To me it's about the smallest break-in track for the vast majority of locomotives. You could go with 195mm curves, but then you're testing design limit of some of the larger engines. You need >100mm straight just for a spot to rail the engine. I test my locos forward and reverse, clock-wise and counter clockwise. If fits on a 2' x 3' board. The advantage of the test tracks with a crossing is that you get clock-wise counter clockwise at the same time. The disadvantage is a larger layout to accommodate getting in and out of the crossing. Mark Thanks, Mark: I'm going to recommend a 3 foot square layout using flex track and the 13 degree crossing along one side. They should like the double loop Thanks again Rory |
|
|
|
Post by markm on Jun 14, 2017 20:55:11 GMT -5
You may be able to get things a bit smaller using flex, but ultimately you're going to have this:  The question is whether it's a break-in, test or torture track. I like to keep it simple to separate problems in break-in from track issues. Mark |
|
|
|
Post by Commodore on Jun 14, 2017 21:21:14 GMT -5
You may be able to get things a bit smaller using flex, but ultimately you're going to have this: The question is whether it's a break-in, test or torture track. I like to keep it simple to separate problems in break-in from track issues. Mark Yup! Thanks, Mark I was planning on offering one based on your plan, ...but double track. Reversing loops would probably require 3' x 4' or 3' x 5' for sure. BTW: How did you draw that so fast? Thanks again Rory |
|
|
|
Post by markm on Jun 14, 2017 22:34:10 GMT -5
If you do a double track, consider the outer one to be 245mm radius, which is the minimum for a couple of the AZL brass monsters as I recall. Also if you're looking to sell the product, consider that shipping size.
I use a commercial product: 3rd Planet for my layouts. Maybe not the best, but way back when, it was the only one with a Z scale sectional track library. It's really quite fast, just select the sections and keep clicking the layout. But in this case, I cheated. As you might have guessed from the filename, I had already drawn it, using a 13 degree double slip. A bit of a brain teaser: how do you power the track to run a train anywhere on the layout regardless of the slip switch position?
Mark
|
|
