Tweaking Track Plan - Ross switch question | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum

lioneljimOGR Forum Member

I have completed nearly all my benchwork and am tweaking track track plan on my large (30' x 30') two level layout. Lower level has a min radius of 054 and lower level is 072 min. Track is all Gargraves flex and switches are Ross. Lower level plan is all finalized, switches purchased and track & switches temporarily laid out.

As I am finaizing upper level I find a few places where I can use either a Ross regular 072 switch or a Ross curved 072/054 switch. I've never used a Ross curved swtich before. With all the experience and wisdom on this board I was hoping to get some advice on which would work best from an operational view.

A second question: regarding roadbed. I once had heard about using the thin foam insulation that is used in construction to insulate 2x4 or 2x6 baseplates from the concrete foundation. I have quite a bit of this left over from building my house and thought of using it instead of cork or other commercial roadbed products. It seems just the right thickness and can be trimmed to accomodate curves and switches very readily. Anyone have experience using this? If so, suggestions on how to secure. I was thinking of glue and a few staples.

Any and all advice appreciated.

11/25/154:12 PM

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brwebsterOGR Forum Member

I used the baseplate foam under the tubular track in my staging yard. I'm afraid it will never have a chance to prove it's effectiveness at noise reduction since nothing in this area will be run at an appreciable speed. I wasn't concerned about aesthetics and freehanded an angle cut down the middle of the foam to form a 2 piece, totally flexible roadbed. It was held in place by the track itself once track screws were partially sunk into the table top. You will want to pay close attention to leveling your track, as the foam has a lot of give, collapsing far too willingly for my liking. For that reason, I'm making the rest of the roadbed out of sound board ( ceiling tiles ).

Bruce

11/25/157:04 PM

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clem kOGR Forum Member

I have several curved turnouts 120/096 they work great with three rail equipment, but do not super elevate them. With a 30x30 layout the best thing you could do is go with larger curves 096 minimum. My area is 36x22 and 096 is yards and industrial areas, mainline use 122 and 120.

clem k

11/25/158:33 PM

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William 1OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I had perfect success with the Ross 054/72 curved switches. Flawless. I think the sill sealer was used under Fastrack to eliminate noise due to the hollow bottom. I can't imagine using it under Ross or similar track. It would just bubble up between the ties won't it? Once you fasten the track down. Not the right idea.

11/27/157:40 PM

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