[Zophiel]

For a very, very long time I have hoped to begin an HO scale model railroad table. As of last month, I finally started gathering the bits and making some plans.

I've sought out this forum to learn more and to ask newcomer questions. My layout concept is a kind of "Steampunk military academy" with some electro-cannons. I have some reasonable degree of skill with sculpting, so I expect to be making most of my own structures. Track and trains, on the other hand, I will have to buy.

So far, Code 83 track seems the most appealing. I particularly think Flex Track will make up a fair amount of the layout. I'm wondering what radius the sharpest turn Flex Track is able to manage.

In addition, what would be the most important newcomer mistakes to note here?

 

[stationmaster]

Older trains may not run on Code 83.

Bob

 

[tankist]

hi and welcome.
Bob is correct. but with that if compatibility with older trains is not needed C83 will IMHO look better.
the most common mistake? i guess it would be trying to crumb more rail into the layout then needed.

 

[alcoman]

Welcome to the hobby.

Flextrack will make much tighter curves than trains can travel on. You will find that the larger the curve is, the more you will like it.

The steampunk theme sounds interesting. I may try that with a car or two.

 

[tkruger]

I run old Mantua locos and they do have issues with switches that are less than code 100.

 

[mr_x_ite_ment]

I agree with alcoman...flextrack will give you a tighter radius than a train can handle. Whatever size table you have, I would go with the largest radius that it allows. Even on a 4x8, I would try to go with a 22-inch radius. This would leave it 2 inches from the edge on each side. It is no fun to have to do a victory dance every time your train makes it through a curve without derailing!

 

[MacDaddy55]

I agree with alcoman...flextrack will give you a tighter radius than a train can handle. Whatever size table you have, I would go with the largest radius that it allows. Even on a 4x8, I would try to go with a 22-inch radius. This would leave it 2 inches from the edge on each side. It is no fun to have to do a victory dance every time your train makes it through a curve without derailing!

Steampunk sounds like the old days....Sid Vicious is your Conductor and Johnny Rotten the Engineer. Sounds like a Novel concept! I run some big steam engines 4-8-4 , 2-8-4 , and Heavyweight passenger cars and 22 inch radius is the way to go. As for that Victory Dance.....I've done a Jig and a War Dance cuz I was hoppin mad with derailments using 18 inch. And who needs smoke and steam when your so PO"D because your locos and rolling stock keeps leaving the track.....oh those were the days my friend.:thumbsup:

 

[stationmaster]

Gentlemen, you forget the reason behind flex track. It is, by far, easier to lay., comes in 36"-39" lengths, is cheaper by the foot................

And as far as the corners, you lay it like you need it. Though trimming is necessary, it, again is cheaper than sectional track, by a long shot. And you forget, fewer splices means less problems with connectivity.

My $.02.

Bob

 

[mr_x_ite_ment]

I agree...there are many good reasons for using flextrack. I definitely like the idea of less joints to work with. Zophiel had asked about newcomer mistakes, and one biggie that popped into my head was bending flextrack too much (alcoman and MacDaddy addressed this too). I made the mistake myself when I first tried laying it. I was so impressed with how easy it would bend, but even the shortest train didn't seem to like it! If one solders the joints, then it could be a mess to take the sharp bend out. You can simply reheat the joint til it melts, but it isn't the most fun. It is also bad if one has glued down cork roadbed and finds that the bend is too much and has to take up track. I absolutely LOVE flextrack, but I certainly try to make the radius as large as possible with it! You are right, station...flextrack is good for so many reasons!

 

[subwayaz]

Welcome aboard "ZO" hope you enjoy your ride here. You've already received some good info above just wanted to welcome you.