Pieces of Track for Figure Eight on Ho Trains
Posted at 17:38:54 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Hi , I am a newbie to the model train world at the ripe old age of 49 . My wife bought me a small set for my birthday "Caledonian Bell" I have now added a Mainline steam set and also picked up another saddle tank loco with three matching carriages and
a few pieces of extra track .
My question - is it possible to make a figure of eight self contained track using the R614 section as the centre ? I was thinking of putting one in the centre of my layout and having a couple of loops running around the
outside . I can't use an elevated section as the board has to be stored flat ( until I can get our youngest to move out , but she is only 13 and refuses to go ). I was looking at using a 8'x4' board and placing stations etc on it when I get it out . I am not
sure if it is electrically possible as I would like the train to be continually running around the eight . It was the wifes idea and I would like to keep her interested .
Any help greatly appreciated .
Cheers Kev
Last Edited 12:07:42 Thu 29 Oct 2020
Posted at 18:05:35 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Hi Kev
Welcome to the forum.
There is no reason why you cannot have a figure of eight track using the diamond crossing you suggest. If you are using analogue (DC) you will need a separate controller for the figure of eight, otherwise it will receive
the same voltage level as any other loop you may build around it. This does not mean that it will not work, it just means that if you have one train going continuously, the other will do as well.
The other alternative is to go digital (DCC) in which case
you can just have one controller to control both circuits independently.
Last Edited 18:05:35 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Posted 18:05:35 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Posted at 22:03:43 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Just one thing to be wary of if you make more than one connection between the outer loop and the figure of eight is that you may inadvertently establish a reversing loop. You can tell by whether it is possible for a train to pass any particular point on
the layout in one direction and come back to that point running in the other direction. The problem is that this results in a short circuit that can only be avoided by having an isolated section between them and usually you need a reverse loop module (RLM)
to handle thus.
Last Edited 22:03:43 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Posted 22:03:43 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Posted at 22:09:21 Sun 6 Apr 2014
@Fishmanoz
kev will be alright with the layout he plans because he described the figure of eight as 'self contained', which I took to mean that it will be a separate track within an outer loop.
Last Edited 22:09:21 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Posted 22:09:21 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Posted at 22:39:12 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Thanks guys , as mentioned the figure eight will be self contained so will have its own power supply . I have got some more track coming with a R614 so I will set it up and let you know how I get on .
Cheers
Kev
Last Edited 22:39:12 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Posted 22:39:12 Sun 6 Apr 2014
Posted at 07:51:35 Thu 29 Oct 2020
Further to the "figure of 8" theme I have a basic oval with the Christmas Express set and two of Expansion pack A, one Expansion pack B and one Expansion pack C.
What additional parts would I need to create a figure 8?
I have in mind to make a "fly over" at the crossing point
Best Regards
Franklin J.
Last Edited 07:51:35 Thu 29 Oct 2020
Posted 07:51:35 Thu 29 Oct 2020
Posted at 08:25:21 Thu 29 Oct 2020
You have changed the plan now from a flat eight with a crossing to a flyover with a bridge. Even on an 8 x 4 board you will not have enough run up to gain the clearance height required. A recommended 2% slope means that 3" gain needs at about 12' of sloping track.
Edit - sorry confused by a second poster with a slightly different plan.
Just be aware that if by using points you convert an existing oval into an oval with a cross over then you have got into the reverse loop scenario which will require a reverse loop module in DCC or manual polarity switching in DC as already stated.
http://www.halton96th.org.uk/robs_rails.html
Last Edited 08:25:21 Thu 29 Oct 2020
Posted 08:25:21 Thu 29 Oct 2020
Posted at 10:28:15 Thu 29 Oct 2020
In 1972 / 73, Hornby produced, to the best of my knowledge, their only figure-8 track pack, R.708. It was produced for a Canadian only freight set, but 1,000 packs were assembled and some sold solo.
It contained early System 6 rails with an R.614 diamond crossing. I believe the curves were all 1-st radius. It also contained a number of short straights to balance the off-set diamond crossing. There was also a track power connecting clip. I have one of these track packs, never used.
As the diamond crossing is self-isolating, no special wiring is needed. A figure-8 configuration does not in itself form a reverse loop.
Bridging the figure-8, by trying to incorporate it into an oval is a completely different story.
Regards, John
Last Edited 10:28:15 Thu 29 Oct 2020
Posted 10:28:15 Thu 29 Oct 2020
Posted at 12:07:42 Thu 29 Oct 2020
As the diamond crossing is self-isolating, no special wiring is needed. A figure-8 configuration does not in itself form a reverse loop.
Bridging the figure-8, by trying to incorporate it into an oval is a completely different story.
I think that was made very clear by Rob in his answer above
Last Edited 12:07:42 Thu 29 Oct 2020
Posted 12:07:42 Thu 29 Oct 2020
Please create an account or login to reply.
Hornby Members Login
Forum Rules
- The Hornby Forum is intended for discussion of all things model railway. Primarily a place for newcomers to ask questions and seek assistance from like-minded individuals, the Hornby Forum offers a user community for all those interested in model railway.
- Discussion of non-Hornby brands is allowed, however, active promotion or advertising of these brands is not permitted.
- Please keep in mind that the Hornby Forum is a publicly viewable space and you should never post personal information (including email addresses).
- While every effort is made to contact you before any censorship, we reserve the right to amend or remove any content without explanation.
- All customer service enquiries should be directed to Hornby Customer Services.
Pieces of Track for Figure Eight on Ho Trains
Source: https://uk.hornby.com/community/forum/figure-of-eight?p=1
0 Response to "Pieces of Track for Figure Eight on Ho Trains"
Post a Comment