20 replies to this topic

[Paul Lindewall]

Hello all, my first post.
 
I'm contemplating a build for a two-lane HO track for use in a small (4' X 8') space. (There is room for a larger 4' X 12' four-lane, but the wife seems to think otherwise - for now.  ) 
 
I'm considering the "Oak Creek 36" I found online. It was designed to fit on a door (36" X 80") for semi-portability, and uses Tomy sectional track. However, the design does present some concerns to me, namely the overpass area (marked in the white square.) I dislike a corner on an underpass. I am considering adding two 15" straight sections to the straights leading to the overpass curve (extending the table to 36" X 96") and reversing the elevation so the straight is underneath the two corners. Thoughts?

One question: what would you consider to be the minimum vertical clearance needed in the overpass area? The chances of a de-slot on a straight section of track is relatively low, so I'm not overly concerned with being able to reach a hand in there in a hurry to retrieve a car, but being able to clean the track when needed is a consideration. 

Thanks!
 

[James Wendel]

For what it's worth, that double overpass design does not provide the lane-length equalizing benefit that a single overpass (modified figure eight) does.

[Paul Lindewall]

For what it's worth, that double overpass design does not provide the lane-length equalizing benefit that a single overpass (modified figure eight) does.

I am aware of that, but there are ways to work around it with race management and lane swapping. Many years ago, I had a large (4X12) four lane layout (Aurora AFX) with unequal lane lengths, and worked out a solution to even things out that worked very well, and resulted in some very exciting, close finishes.

[Tim Neja]

You might be interested in a Viper routed track!! He has some GREAT door size tracks--3 lane and 4 lane that are excellent!! Check out Dan Cronin--VIper Scale Racing.

[Paul Lindewall]

You might be interested in a Viper routed track!! He has some GREAT door size tracks--3 lane and 4 lane that are excellent!! Check out Dan Cronin--VIper Scale Racing.

I have checked out the routed tracks from both Dan Cronin and Brad Bowman. Should I ever win my 'debate' over the larger area for a 4X12 track, they are definitely a consideration. However, for now I cannot justify the cost of a small routed track if my goal is a larger one sometime in the future (hopefully). 
Any thoughts or input on my original ideas and clearance question?

[Randy Tragni]

2 inches should be plenty of clearance for a bridge but you can go more if you want the elevation change. 

I don't like the buried curve either. I would consider doing something to eliminate that. There are hundreds of track plans out there or you can work with this design and shift the cross over. around.

[bbr]

Theres nothing like a well built routed track, costly yes, but you can just get the routed road bed and do a lot of the finish work yourself.

According to Brad, the way he routes the track, the rail drops in and the rail height is very consistent.

[Brian Czeiner]

 This is our track out in the garage. We changed it several times until we settled for the final layout.  Each lane has it's own quirky spot around the track. Lots of lead changes each lap until someone crashes. Lots of close heats and races. The table is 4 x 16 but could be shrunk up to 4 x 8. A monitor sets in the lower right hand corner with the lap top underneath. Wireless mouse controls it all.

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[Paul Lindewall]

2 inches should be plenty of clearance for a bridge but you can go more if you want the elevation change. 

I don't like the buried curve either. I would consider doing something to eliminate that. There are hundreds of track plans out there or you can work with this design and shift the cross over. around.

I did a little work in CAD to show what could be done by extending the length of the table, and adding 15" to two straights. Everything fits on a 36" X 96" (3 feet by 8 feet) board. 
 

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[Randy Tragni]

OK, here's a photo taken on my track showing clearance for a bridge from track surface to overhang. Hope this helps.

 

PS: I still wouldn't cover two routes under a bridge. Just too difficult to track marshal.

PSS: yes, routed tracks are the best but not everyone has the means to afford one but used might be an option. 

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[Paul Lindewall]

OK, here's a photo taken on my track showing clearance for a bridge from track surface to overhang. Hope this helps.

 

PS: I still wouldn't cover two routes under a bridge. Just too difficult to track marshal.

PSS: yes, routed tracks are the best but not everyone has the means to afford one but used might be an option. 

 Very nice looking track. Are those the Viper Racing track borders on the corners? If so, about how wide are they?

The section of track under the two crossovers is actually just a straight track. I reversed the elevation from the original track plan. Hopefully, there won't be too much marshalling along a straight section. 

[Randy Tragni]

"Are those the Viper Racing track borders on the corners? If so, about how wide are they?"

No, those are homemade. Use HO train cork borders, paint white and add strips of red vinyl tape.

[Paul Lindewall]

Well, I have good news and bad news. First, the good news! The missus and I arrived at a compromise solution to the track size. She gave me the green light on a 4' X 8' table, after I showed her how it could be hinged to the wall with gate hinges, unfolded into position, and use drop down legs to support the other end. So, I'm going to be able to build a four lane instead. No overpasses, but the two straights on the left and right side will rise up a bit, so the back straight will be slightly elevated (scenery reasons). My new design is shown:

 

Now, the bad news. It cost me a new Toyota Camry for the missus. Oh well, I think it's worth it (and so is she!) :-) 

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[Randy Tragni]

I would think you'd at least be able to get a routed track for a new car ; )

[Paul Lindewall]

I would think you'd at least be able to get a routed track for a new car ; )

After the new car, I can't afford a routed track! 

[SpeedyNH]

LOL  I feel for you.

but at least you have Something good!

[Paul Lindewall]

LOL  I feel for you.

but at least you have Something good!

You have something much better nearby! I used to race 1/24th at Modelville before I retired and we moved here. The Lenjet tracks are incredible (the Purple Mile is impressive in both scales!) 

[SpeedyNH]

if you knew me, then you would know that I go down there sometimes.

speedy

[Paul Lindewall]

The 4' X 8' layout looks great on paper, but it's really just too big for the room, and too heavy to be moving around. So, plans changed. Now it's a modified "Tuckaway 25" originally designed to fit on a 36 X 80 door. But, I added 3" to the back two straights to allow a bit of track separation on the left side, so now it's a 36" X 83" board. Fits well in the room, and can be moved around without having to do muscle warmups beforehand. 
Thankfully, I was able to re-use the plywood top and most of the framework. There was one spot on the plywood where I had cut an opening for power taps that wasn't going to be covered in the new configuration, so I am using a piece of 1/4" hobby grade plywood to create a false "Pit Area" which effectively covers the opening, Track borders will be added, of course, and two sections of AFX guardrail (painted silver instead of bright orange) are used as scenic items. The setup uses folding table legs with adjustable height, and four driver's stations - two on the front, one on each end. 

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[John Streisguth]

I had a 4 x 10 layout that was similar except had esses where the lap counter bridge is.  It was short but fast, which gave it's nickname, "The Autobahn". This should be a good layout to race on...have fun!

[Paul Lindewall]

Track is down and wired, track aprons and guardrails are in place. Outside border wall is installed to keep cars off the floor. Pit stalls are by Innovative Hobby. I glued the printed parts to 1/16" balsa sheets, beveled the edges 45 degrees, and glued them together rather than messing with trying to keep things in shape. TrackMate lap counter hardware will be arriving tomorrow, and then more scenery work is coming.

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