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Can a 8x8 square layout accommodate three sets of tracks-outer track standard gauge of 83, inner 72 and further inner lgb? If the average consist length of a std gauge train is approx 8-10 ft will the 8x8 do visual justice? Or should it be 8x12?  Thanks for your advice 

Ash Standard 

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Ash,

For historical reasons Standard Gauge track diameters are nominal. i.e., not exactly the named dimensions.  Here are the actual dimensions of all three rails of the available circles of Standard Gauge track:

 

(42, 57, 72 and 87 curve tracks result in concentric circles that are on exact 7-1/4" centers.)

 

STD42 (2.143 gauge, 2.268 c to c) 45º-8/circle

arc=15.112, radius=19.241, diameter=38.482

arc=16.002, radius=20.375, diameter=40.750

arc=16.893, radius=21.509, diameter=43.018

 

STD57 (2.134 gauge,2.259 c to c) 30º-12/circle

arc=13.873, radius=26.496, diameter=52.991

arc=14.464, radius=27.625, diameter=55.250

arc=15.056, radius=28.754, diameter=57.509

 

STD72 (2.125 gauge, 2.250 c to c) 22.5º-16/circle

arc=13.254, radius=33.750, diameter=67.500

arc=13.695, radius=34.875, diameter=69.750

arc=14.137, radius=36.000, diameter=72.000

 

STD84 (2.125 gauge, 2.250 c to c) 22.5º-16/circle

arc=15.683, radius=39.938 diameter=79.875

arc=16.125, radius=41.062 diameter=82.125

arc=16.567, radius=42.188, diameter=84.375

 

STD87 (2.125 gauge, 2.250 c to c)22.5º-16/circle

arc=16.101. radius=41.000, diameter=82.000

arc=16.542, radius=42.125, diameter=84.250

arc=16.984, radius=43.250, diameter=86.500

 

If your table is only 8’x8’, and you need  wide radius curves (much preferred for the larger sets), then you will only have circles of track, no straight sections.  Lengthening the layout will allow for up to 4’ of straight track on two sides, which is both visually and operationally superior.  The extra space and straight track will also facilitate the placement of accessory structures, which IMHO are essential.

Kirk Lindvig, USA Track LLC


Last edited by OGR CEO-PUBLISHER

I agree with Kirk. Something other than loops will increase enjoyment for the long term...plus add real estate for display or decoration.  Decoration with G or STD sized buildings EATS square footage. To store a Flying Colonel would eat up 6-7 square feet.... a 840 powerhouse is the same. A semi circle of 444 roundhouses and a 200 turntable eats 20 square feet!  So... more is better!

ash standard posted:

Can a 8x8 square layout accommodate three sets of tracks-outer track standard gauge of 83, inner 72 and further inner lgb? If the average consist length of a std gauge train is approx 8-10 ft will the 8x8 do visual justice? Or should it be 8x12?  Thanks for your advice 

Ash Standard  ld

Ash,

An 8x8 square layout is the same size as four SGMA corner modules bolted together.  While that size layout will accommodate 3 circles of Standard Gauge track, depending on the radius of track you install and the specific trains you run, you may find your trains constantly hitting each other due to the "overhang" and the "underhang" of the locomotives and cars you run. 

SGMA initially installed MTH's wide radius curved track (83) on our modules, but through experience soon discovered that our expensive Standard Gauge trains would occasionally hit each other while passing on the corners.  After significant testing, SGMA changed its module standards so that the outer mainline on our modules used USA Track's STD87 curved track.  This new standard eliminated most (but not all) contact between Standard Gauge trains on our corner modules. 

Based on SGMA's experience and testing, I recommend you purchase and install USA Track's STD87 curved track on your square layout vice STD83.

Bob Nelson

Last edited by navy.seal
Rob English posted:

I agree with Kirk. Something other than loops will increase enjoyment for the long term...plus add real estate for display or decoration.  Decoration with G or STD sized buildings EATS square footage. To store a Flying Colonel would eat up 6-7 square feet.... a 840 powerhouse is the same. A semi circle of 444 roundhouses and a 200 turntable eats 20 square feet!  So... more is better!

More is ALWAYS better.

Or... Too much of a good thing - is just enough.

Jim

TRUE, but it is amazing what you can do with an 8' X 7 1/2' space. I have three track ovals: 072 standard on the outer, an LGB R2 in the middle, and finally an inner standard 042 oval. I run a three car state set behind a Lionel Classics 2-400E on the outer loop, a 26" Piko BR 24 pulling three PIKO 14" DR beer reefers plus an LGB P/B wagen on the middle LGB loop, and a 408E pulling two 214R reefers and a red 217 caboose on the inner oval. I have a number of the smaller tinplate accessories such as the 126 station, the 437 signal tower and an AF 102 station. I also have the SG Lionel weigh scale with an LCT red 216 hopper displayed on it, and two different 436 power stations plus a 438 signal tower. Finally, three LGB circus animal cars with a wonderful Schleich assortment of elephants, tigers and lions plus two trainers on/near a 3' section of LGB display track. ALL of the above on an 8' X 7 1/2' display. Works for ME! You just have to be creative, and "never say never"! (WINK)

Last edited by Tinplate Art

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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