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I have a couple of questions here. One, for my ceiling track plan I started to use XTrkCAD4. In layout options I selected O scale. At this point I assume it downloads the library for O scale. What I'm wondering about, is at the top where you select the track, there doesn't seem to be the various track lengths and curve radius's that I'm used to seeing for the N scale. Are there no options for the different curve radius in O scale? Next question, going over the door to the room, due to it's location, I am going to either have to suspend from the ceiling the platform for the track rather than using L brackets attached to the wall, or build a bridge to span the distance from one end of the platform to another. I would prefer a bridge. Are there any plans out there for building your own bridge? I'll need an approx. 42" span. Thanks.
Paul O.
O scale curves are measured in the diameter (the space that track takes up, from center to center, to turn the train 180*), whereas N and HO use the radius (the space that track takes up, from center to center, to turn the train 90*).
Look at which cars you want to run to dictate the diameter of your curves. Get the largest diameter that you can, for function and looks. Atlas and others make flex track (in 2 and 3 rail), so you can set whatever curve you want. If you use sectional track like Lionel 3-rail or Lionel Fasttrack (what I use), then the maximum diameter is 72" (they made 84", but I can't find it). Atlas makes up to O-108, I think.
Atlas has some nice bridges (their deck girder and through truss) that may be that size. Otherwise, a simple deck truss out of plywood with some detailing would work.
On a previous layout, I needed to get my trains over a aisleway. I built a pretty good looking (and simple to construct) bridge with a 1X4 pine board as the base. I glued various wood strips to the sides, making a convincing camel-back truss. Once completed, a coat of silver spray paint and it was good-to-go. The rivet counters would have laughed (especially as there were no rivets on my bridge), but it served the purpose.
On a previous layout, I needed to get my trains over a aisleway. I built a pretty good looking (and simple to construct) bridge with a 1X4 pine board as the base. I glued various wood strips to the sides, making a convincing camel-back truss. Once completed, a coat of silver spray paint and it was good-to-go. The rivet counters would have laughed (especially as there were no rivets on my bridge), but it served the purpose.
Hmm, well maybe when I get to that point, I'll try something and see what I come up with, might be interesting. Find a pic of something I like and try it.
Paul O.
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