HPIM0370
Originally uploaded by mrkuffler.
Ok, I am hoping to get some posts and discussion on this -
I just picked up some of this Gargraves Track that works with O Gauge and Standard Gauge. The quality is really very nice.
Here is my problem - I have a limited amount of space. I need wide curves. I want to run my standard gauge race cars and an oval of 2 7/8 gauge as well.
Bending this Gargraves Track makes me nervous. Bending any track makes me kind of nervous. Also, I can kiss switches goodbye with the Gargraves track, they don't exist (spoke to one of the guys at Gargraves).
I have a ton of O Gauge stuff I really like to run as well as standard gauge. So what do I do?
3 ovals of track - Standard, O and 2 7/8? Buy a bigger house? Use the Gargraves and get a nice big oval for O gauge and standard? Where am I going to put my brass mountain and my 116 station and 840 Powerhouse?
Which track works best for everyone else? What track plans have you seen that work well for places that aren't huge.
Most standard gauger's seem to have 3000 square foot basements that are finished. I just don't have that.
Any ideas?
Marc
1 comment:
Marc,
I have been experimenting with making my own 5-rail track for O and standard gauges. So far I made a "proof of concept" straight section. I intend to make a full loop. I use standard gauge tubular track (from Lionel, MTH, or another old maker like Ives or AF), and O gauge tubular track. The rails are the same size (not length always) and use the same pins. What you do is take a piece of standard track, lay the OUTER rails from O track in between the 3 standard rails, and then fasten the O rails using O ties in between the standard ties. That's it.
You have to be careful on curves to use the same radii: so 42" diameter curves from O and standard are both needed.
The only waste is the center rails from the O. One can use the uncoupler track center rail in this setup. Hope this idea is useful.
I have another idea I haven't tried yet. It would be creating a switch for the 5-rail system that would split O from standard gauge trains. This would allow you to have O or standard sidings. It's complicated on paper, but it least it has no moving parts. You just have to be careful if you get wild and pull a standard train with an O engine, or vice versa!
Sean Lev-Tov
seanlevtov@yahoo.com
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