Large Scale Central

get a train RUNNING !

General Discussion
#1

I need to “Get a TRAIN running!”

My plan of a train in the extension of my barn . . . . is a nice plan. Except . . . . that building the barn is way down the line of priorities here on my little western ranch.

So . . . I have re-designed my concept to being a large size “Pizza Layout” on my veranda.

So . . . I need some advise.

The scale is 7/8n2

What you anyone recommend in the way of ready to go track for outdoor use ? It will be a circle ( or maybe an oval ) outdoors.

I want to GET GOING . . so will go with ready made track and figure on hand laying nice narrow gauge looking track later .

All advise / suggestions welcome . . . . :slight_smile:

#2

“Pizza” layouts as defined by Vic are generally a very small circle - less than R1. Not sure what you could do in 7/8ths in such a small circle, but a standard R1 (a little over 4 foot diameter at the ends of ties) would probably be workable. Eric Shade is our resident 7/8ths guru - he might have some ideas.

Do you own any equipment yet?

#3

Use what ever you can find used that has most of it’s ties. 2 footers or Industrial? Industrial I’d remove 2/3 of the ties and spread the rest out.

Run trains and have fun. Play, learn about your equipment. Get a rail bender so you can experiment with various curves and the look or flow you envision.

Hard to suggest too much with so little to go on.

Remember Rule#1; You must at all costs, have fun.

#4

John Caughey said:

Use what ever you can find used that has most of it’s ties. 2 footers or Industrial? Industrial I’d remove 2/3 of the ties and spread the rest out.

Run trains and have fun. Play, learn about your equipment. Get a rail bender so you can experiment with various curves and the look or flow you envision.

Hard to suggest too much with so little to go on.

Remember Rule#1; You must at all costs, have fun.

Here is . . . “my rolling stock” .

I want to start with a circle of track suitable for outdoor use. What is best for outdoor use ?

Will be building up a raised “pizza circle” in front of my veranda with concrete blocks. Get a circle of track on it with train running. . . then proceed from that.

#5

I swear by my Aristo Stainless… Tough, and needs next to no cleaning…

I know that it’s not made anymore, but it does show up for sale on eBay…

#6

you wrote:

While my concept is of a number of modules that are linked
by track running into tunnels and thru book cases that
separate the modules, . . .

even if (temporary) outdoors, modules always is a good idea.

start with a simple R1 circle, made out of four quarter-curved modules.

later, in the barn you just put some straight modules between the curves.

#7

Seven eighths has quite a range, I do Maine two foot gauge which would require a minimum radius of 8 feet or better, however many model industrial, mining or agricultural lines which can have really small radius curves. LGB R1 or similar is not uncommon reasonable. It all depends on the space you want to use…my porch would require pretty small curves certainly in line with R1. SAY 4 feet diameter. Just right for little 4 wheel cars and critter style loco.

#8

Eric Schade said:

Seven eighths has quite a range, I do Maine two foot gauge which would require a minimum radius of 8 feet or better, however many model industrial, mining or agricultural lines which can have really small radius curves. LGB R1 or similar is not uncommon reasonable. It all depends on the space you want to use…my porch would require pretty small curves certainly in line with R1. SAY 4 feet diameter. Just right for little 4 wheel cars and critter style loco.

Thanks for all posts. I just ordered a 4ft circle of track. Will get a few more concrete blocks on each visit to Home Depot and begin construction. Updates with photos will be posted. If you click on THIS you see my rolling stock ( acquired about 12 years ago )

Good railroading . . . . Narrow Gauge Lover