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So I’ve had this ABBA set of Atlas F-3 D&RGW engines, but I’ve been putting off running them because I have very few D&RGW zephyr cars to pull behind them. I also have 10 Amtrak zephyr cars, but haven’t put them on the rails for lack of Amtrak motive power to pull them. 

So, a perfect match! Or a symbiotic relationship? Both finally on the rails. 

 

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In the eighties b/4 discovering 2r 0 scale, I had #1 scale 1/32 trains on white carpet using Lagas Creek Scale track.  I saved the carpet by using 6 mil poly cloth under the track.  Glad I did.  When it came time to relocate the trains there were grease markings on the plastic interface but clean white carpet!

Agreed with the negative comments.  That guarantees a time out of anyone's visitation privileges.


 

Leroof posted:

yep, what is fascinating to me is that the O scale two rail runs so well on a carpet. 

Only equipment I've had issues with on carpet are Sunset Models. The way the track gives a little, combined with Sunset's usually accurate detail, leads to some shorts as detail parts (cow catchers in particular) come in contact with the rails. Also couldn't get the coupler height right on a couple GGD SP daylight passenger cars, and they kept uncoupling when the track dipped.

But all Atlas equipment on Atlas track, never a problem.

Hi Jay. During the transition to Amtrak in the early 1970's, a lot of Amtrak trains were headed up by private livery-painted locomotives. The San Diegan had Santa Fe power and coaches for quite a while even though they were Amtrak trains, so the DRGW motive power is probably prototypical. But what do I know -- I'm still running on three rails.

BTW, I'm presuming that's Atlas sectional track you're using?

Yes, Atlas sectional Matt. Using a mix of flex track and 10" sectional on the straights, but honestly having a little trouble with the flex track (just lack of experience). Much tougher than I thought adjusting the ties to mate with the ends of the rails.

Phil, 49.5" radius on the CZ track, 45" radius inside of that. Working on two more inner loops - 40.5" radius (on the inside below) and 36" radius - with my son, hopefully will have pictures this weekend.

Here's a couple overhead shots of the CZ cars on 49.5" radius. I think the cars look better on the middle of the curve than they do at the end of the curve. That's why Matt (and others) are always advocating for transition curves.

cz1cz2

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lionel1946 posted:

Yes, Atlas sectional Matt. Using a mix of flex track and 10" sectional on the straights, but honestly having a little trouble with the flex track (just lack of experience). Much tougher than I thought adjusting the ties to mate with the ends of the rails.

Phil, 49.5" radius on the CZ track, 45" radius inside of that. Working on two more inner loops - 40.5" radius (on the inside below) and 36" radius - with my son, hopefully will have pictures this weekend.

Here's a couple overhead shots of the CZ cars on 49.5" radius. I think the cars look better on the middle of the curve than they do at the end of the curve. That's why Matt (and others) are always advocating for transition curves.

cz1

I used to have a program that created parabolic curves -- easement in/easement out with varying radius all the way through. Unfortunately, I lost the source code and couldn't update it. I've been trying to recreate the mathematical formula so I can recreate it because it worked well with long rolling stock. The only catch is that the smallest part of the curve still had to be compatible with long-wheelbase steam.

I have been wondering what the magic radius is so that 21" cars don't badly overhand the curves.  The largest I have is O82 which they overhang badly.  It appears that at O100 or greater, your radius of 50", it doesn't look terrible.

Does anyone have a precise answer, at what point does severe overhang stop with 21" cars?  

DETROIT posted:

I have been wondering what the magic radius is so that 21" cars don't badly overhand the curves.  The largest I have is O82 which they overhang badly.  It appears that at O100 or greater, your radius of 50", it doesn't look terrible.

Does anyone have a precise answer, at what point does severe overhang stop with 21" cars?  

Measure the truck wheelbase (truck center to truck center) and multiply it by four. That should give you a good idea for use with body-mounted couplers. The bare minimum multiplier is three. Obviously, bigger radius is better for appearance and operation. Even with 48" radius, there's quite a bit of overhang on a 21-inch car.

Hope this helps.

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