So I was thinking about my automatic stub switch project (both flop and spring), my loco project, and rolling stock future projects for the micro. One thing I was thinking was the need for trucks. My loco is going to require a special truck with small wheels to fit under it and look right. Standard B-mann wheels are huge; almost the same size as the drive wheels and just won’t do. Gary Raymond makes a set of ball bearing wheels that are .883 which scale out in 1/24 to be 21" wheels. That is a great size and are ball bearing wheels which would be ideal for tight curves. Sierra Valley makes a nice non-bearing set that are .837 that could also be used in the same truck.
I say all this to say I need a test facility. I need to test the function of my switches, I need to be able to test my loco. I need to be able to test my truck design, and I need to test rolling stock. What better way to do this than to build a layout (see how I did that). Well I can’t full on build the Micro I have planned. I don’t have the money, the space isn’t ready, and it will take to long to accomplish and I am impatient. Not to mention I need to fulfill some other wifely obligations first. But I need that test track. So I decided to see what it would take to put my two reversing loops together. This is practical in that I can use the reversing loops on the eventual layout. the two together fit nicely in a 3 foot wide by 10 foot long pace. It just so happens this can be made out of a single piece of 4X8 sheet stock. The core would be 3X8 and the 1X8 cut off could be cut into two 1 X 3 pieces and tacked on either end.
It does end up having a S curve of sorts where the two switches come together but hey if my stuff can negotiate that then the real layout wont have any surprises.
I even think I could sell this to the wife.