Need help with this layout for five year old

@Craftech  John,

Back to your original request, I modified your original plan in SCARM to address your request for a return crossover switch arrangement and improved clearances between the inner and outer loops at the ends of the layout using GG switches.  If you want the upper crossover switch arrangement reversed, that could be accomplished by substituting two GG LH 042 for the RHs shown here.

In the revision, there are Fastrack Transition pieces in orange and cut to length Gargraves straight sections in light blue at each end of the switches.

SCARM file is attached.

@SteveH posted:

@Craftech  John,

Back to your original request, I modified your original plan in SCARM to address your request for a return crossover switch arrangement and improved clearances between the inner and outer loops at the ends of the layout using GG switches.  If you want the upper crossover switch arrangement reversed, that could be accomplished by substituting two GG LH 042 for the RHs shown here.

In the revision, there are Fastrack Transition pieces in orange and cut to length Gargraves straight sections in light blue at each end of the switches.

SCARM file is attached.

I like that a lot Steve.  He or his parents would definitely break off the little flag on the Fastrack manual switches every time they stood the layout vertically behind the dresser or took it out.  While sort of flimsy, the Caboose Industries switches on the Gargraves are at least flat and easily and cheaply replaced.  Can also be converted to powered down the road if they get a bigger apartment or a house.

Thanks again.  I like it a lot Steve.

John

John,

Um.. Not sure what happened to your last post with Menards O36 substituted on the outer loop, but here is my reply to it and a picture of file you had posted.

To answer you questions, my thinking was to minimize the number of Fastrack transition pieces required adjacent to the GG switches, plus the original plan had all Fastrack except for the switches.  Also there's simply no room for Fastrack transitions in between the switches on the crossovers.  Using the Gargraves straight track cut to length would eliminate the need for transitions in those places.

Based on comments from others, I suppose maybe you could substitute cut pieces of Menards or other tubular straight track in place of the straight GG track.

Also, you might want to revisit the clearance again on the right side of the layout, something seems to be different between the Menards O36 and the FasTrack O36 that closed the gap again between the inner and outer loops.  You could remedy this by lengthening the cut 10" Menards straights at the top and bottom by about an inch or so.

Does this help?

@SteveH posted:

John,

My thinking was to minimize the number of Fastrack transition pieces required between the GG switches, plus the original plan had all Fastrack except for the switches.  Also there's simply no room for Fastrack transitions in between the switches on the crossovers.  Using the Gargraves straight track cut to length would eliminate the need for transitions in those places.

Based on comments from others, I suppose maybe you could substitute cut pieces of Menards or other tubular straight track in place of the straight GG track.

Also, you might want to revisit the clearance again on the right side of the layout, something seems to be different between the Menards O36 and the FasTrack O36 that closed the gap again between the inner and outer loops.  You could remedy this by lengthening the cut 10" Menards straights at the top and bottom by about an inch or so.

Does this help?

It does.  One of the problems is that neither of Connor's parents have the time to give me the information I need.  I need all the pieces.  I just found out that what he has are 036 Fastrack pieces not 031.  They finally flipped it over and read it to me.  I guess he had a figure 8 add on with the original started set and everything is 036.  So I guess I will play with Menards 031 for the inner track and cut those pieces.  I have one case of those which should be enough.  Sorry for the confusion.

I need all the pieces.  I guess they also have a Fastrack 22.5 degree crossover.  I don't know what you do with that, but on the plus side it comes with four 1 3/8 extensions which I certainly can use.

John

OK, here's an approximation of the layout using 36" Menards tubular track on the outer loop and 31" Lionel tubular track on the inner loop.  Had to make some adjustments owing to the Lionel 031 switches being a quarter curve.  The pieces in turquoise will need to be trimmed to fit; everything else is stock 10" and 5" straights, with the S curves being half 31" curves.

Hope this helps!

Mitch

John,

Something to keep in mind with the 1-3/8" pieces that come with the FasTrack 22.5 degree crossover, is they are the half-roadbed variety.  In other words, they only have the roadbed on one side of the track and would look odd if used anywhere other than connected to FasTrack 22.5 crossovers, O-60 and O72 switches.

Cutting Menards 10 & 30"and GG straights  will eliminate a lot of short Fastrack straights.

I just wanted to throw in a little suggestion that might create better train running performance.  When creating crossovers between two tracks using radius (O31, O36, O48, O72, etc.) switches instead of numbered switches (#4, #5, #7.5, etc.), it is often better to create the crossovers in the corner of your ovals, if possible, to minimize the amount of S-curve action.  Please see the attached photo and SCARM file for how it's done.

Chuck

@SteveH posted:

John,

Something to keep in mind with the 1-3/8" pieces that come with the FasTrack 22.5 degree crossover, is they are the half-roadbed variety.  In other words, they only have the roadbed on one side of the track and would look odd if used anywhere other than connected to FasTrack 22.5 crossovers, O-60 and O72 switches.

Cutting Menards 10 & 30"and GG straights  will eliminate a lot of short Fastrack straights.

OK thanks Steve.  Good to know.  The normal type aren't very expensive so I will order some when I get my act together.

I think I will certainly stick with cutting Menards and Gargraves straights wherever possible.

John

@PRR1950 posted:

I just wanted to throw in a little suggestion that might create better train running performance.  When creating crossovers between two tracks using radius (O31, O36, O48, O72, etc.) switches instead of numbered switches (#4, #5, #7.5, etc.), it is often better to create the crossovers in the corner of your ovals, if possible, to minimize the amount of S-curve action.  Please see the attached photo and SCARM file for how it's done.

Chuck

What a fantastic suggestion.  Thank you so much Chuck.

John

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

OK, here's an approximation of the layout using 36" Menards tubular track on the outer loop and 31" Lionel tubular track on the inner loop.  Had to make some adjustments owing to the Lionel 031 switches being a quarter curve.  The pieces in turquoise will need to be trimmed to fit; everything else is stock 10" and 5" straights, with the S curves being half 31" curves.

Hope this helps!

Mitch

Thanks for that.  Those are the older remote controlled switches is that right?

John

@Craftech posted:

Thanks for that.  Those are the older remote controlled switches is that right?

Correct, the 022 switches. 

Mitch

Here is where I am at this point.

1.  I know what track he has so the outer loop will be 036 Fastrack and I will have to buy some smaller pieces.  I will substitute some of his grade crossings, power tracks, etc - all 10".

2.  Gargraves manual turnouts 042 which I will have to buy.

3.  Menards tubular 031 inner loop.  I will add tubular bumpers on the two spurs that fit over the top of the track.

4.  Cut pieces of Menards (Green) and Gargraves(Blue) straights. I MAY SUBSTITUTE MENARDS 30" TO CUT AT THE TOP instead of Gargraves

5.  The circular roadway is optional for now.

Does it fit?  Does it work?

Thanks for all this help,

John

John,

This looks good.  Here are my observations/suggestions about this design:

1) You would probably need a total of 4 Fastrack Transition pieces in between the Gargraves switches and the Fastrack track on the outer loop.

2) If using the the GG #801 track mating pins, you wouldn't don't need FasTrack transition pieces at the top inner loop where the GG switches connect to the Menards tubular track.

3) On the lower spur, there are two LH O54 switches superimposed, one over top of the other, which would make the parts list count one over what's needed.

@SteveH posted:

John,

This looks good.  Here are my observations/suggestions about this design:

1) You would probably need a total of 4 Fastrack Transition pieces in between the Gargraves switches and the Fastrack track on the outer loop.

I have four of these, but they are 10".  Can I cut them in half?

https://www.menards.com/main/g.../p-1477981296131.htm

2) If using the the GG #801 track mating pins, you wouldn't don't need FasTrack transition pieces at the top inner loop where the GG switches connect to the Menards tubular track.

You are referring to the two 5" pieces colored in Red - right?

I have a 30" Menards tubular track piece at home.  Would it be better to use the 24.8" Gargraves cut piece as shown at the top or substitute the 30" Menards piece?

3) On the lower spur, there are two LH O54 switches superimposed, one over top of the other, which would make the parts list count one over what's needed.

I'll delete that, thanks

Also, I believe I have to electrically connect the middle rail sections of the Gargraves track when i get it.   I can solder a jumper wire or use the one's Gargraves sells that goes into the ends.

Thanks for the help,

John

John,

Question 1, I was unaware of the Menards brand fastrack transition pieces.  Seems like you could adjust the position of the center cross tie and cut them in half to get one usable 5" transition from each.

Question 2a, yes I was referring to the red pieces, if those are indicating 6-12040 Lionel brand Fastrack Transitions, I don't think those would be needed since there's no FasTrack anymore on the inner loop.  I think a 5" tubular piece would work instead with the GG #801 track mating pins connecting to the switches.

Question 2b, for the 21.75" straight on the upper inner loop, it seems that either Menard's or GG would work there, unless your supply of the GG #801 track mating pins is limited.

@SteveH posted:

John,

Question 1, I was unaware of the Menards brand fastrack transition pieces.  Seems like you could adjust the position of the center cross tie and cut them in half to get one usable 5" transition from each.

OK.  That will give me the four I need.  Do you think they will look stupid in between Fastrack and a Gargraves switch.  I guess I could add cross ties to the four Menards half transition sections to closer match the Gargraves switches.  Or do you think I should just skip the entire hassle and pick up four 6-12040 Fastrack transition pieces?  They aren't that expensive.

https://www.legacystation.com/...MEAQYAyABEgJbJvD_BwE

Question 2a, yes I was referring to the red pieces, if those are indicating 6-12040 Lionel brand Fastrack Transitions, I don't think those would be needed since there's no FasTrack anymore on the inner loop.  I think a 5" tubular piece would work instead with the GG #801 track mating pins connecting to the switches.

You are right.  They are Fastrack pieces I didn't substitute with Menards tubular.   I'll fix that.

Question 2b, for the 21.75" straight on the upper inner loop, it seems that either Menard's or GG would work there, unless your supply of the GG #801 track mating pins is limited.

Thanks again,

John

@Craftech posted:

Do you think the (Menards' FasTrack Transitions) will look stupid in between Fastrack and a Gargraves switch.  I guess I could add cross ties to the four Menards half transition sections to closer match the Gargraves switches.  Or do you think I should just skip the entire hassle and pick up four 6-12040 Fastrack transition pieces?  They aren't that expensive.

Well, Looking "stupid" is a subjective question...and it seems like you've started to answer your own question.  It would certainly be easier to just buy the Lionel Fastrack 6-12040 transitions, but that's entirely up to you and Connor.

@SteveH posted:

Well, Looking "stupid" is a subjective question...and it seems like you've started to answer your own question.  It would certainly be easier to just buy the Lionel Fastrack 6-12040 transitions, but that's entirely up to you and Connor.

I did answer my own question.  I made the changes.

i don't know why the bumpers are still on the list.

Thanks,

John

@Craftech posted:

I did answer my own question.  I made the changes.

i don't know why the bumpers are still on the list.

Thanks,

John

When I opened your latest file and then the parts list, the bumpers don't show up.  Have you tried closing the parts list in your internet browser, then generating an new Parts List from scarm?  A previously generated parts list isn't automatically updated when you make changes in SCARM.  You have to create a new parts list each time you make changes.

@SteveH posted:

When I opened your latest file and then the parts list, the bumpers don't show up.  Have you tried closing the parts list in your internet browser, then generating an new Parts List from scarm?  A previously generated parts list isn't automatically updated when you make changes in SCARM.  You have to create a new parts list each time you make changes.

You are right, they're gone now.

OK.  I'm learning.  I tried to find out with an internet search what you do when an item isn't in the library, but I struck out.  I have all Marx 1590 switches for my 027 layout, but those don't appear anywhere in the program that I saw.

John