Talking T Gauge

Jes · Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Posts: 27 Location: The Netherlands

Hi guys,
First of all, I'm not a native english speaker, so sorry for my bad engish!

I'm new to this forum and, honestly, just discovered T gauge a couple of days ago. I instantly got fascinated by the tiny trains! I will order a class 103 model soon and I'm just thinking about how I culd build a layout with as much as possible track on a surface as small as possible.

I found the following design:
http://www.scottpages.net/PizzaN.htm

I tried to calculate if it's possible to build this layout using T-gauge tracks, but I do'nt have any software for it and I'm not that good at maths either.. Does any of you know how to calculate if this is possible?
If so, one could make three loops on a surface of just under 35*35 cm! That's amazing!

David K Smith · Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2008 2:02 am Post subject:

Jes, welcome to the world of T!

Without doing any calculations, shooting from the hip I'd say it's probably doable with the two track radii that are available from Eishindo.

My suggestion, rather than attempting any calculations or looking for software, is to just give it a try when you get some track.
_________________
—David

http://www.t-gauge.net/
http://1-450.blogspot.com/

Jes · Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Posts: 27 Location: The Netherlands

Thanks David, I'll just give it a try and find out what works best.

Another question:
I'm expecting to receive my first train set any day now and soon will order a track set. I'm in doubt if I should order the 120R or 132R. I would prefer the smaller radius, but Í'm worried about the performance of the train.
I remember to have read somewhere that the 120R causes more stopping and crashing of trains. Does any of you have experience with this?

David K Smith · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:55 pm Post subject:

Yes, the smaller radius does seem to induce a higher rate of derailing, but you will need both radii for that track plan.
_________________
—David

http://www.t-gauge.net/
http://1-450.blogspot.com/

Jes · Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Posts: 27 Location: The Netherlands

I'm aware of that, but I was just wondering what would be best to start with, since I won't be able to buy everything at the same time.
As soon as I have some sketches of my layout design, I'll share them with you guys.

rmyers · Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Evanston, IL USA

Looks like fun.

The concept is that two radii are used to get the loops to offset. So you will need both 120 and 132.5 radii.

I think the basic trick is alternating 270 degree segments of smaller and larger radii.

the finished loop will be about 280 mm across track centers or about a 320mm square baseboard minimum.

Bob

Jes · Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Posts: 27 Location: The Netherlands

Thanks Bob! I worked it out in Paint and it turned out to be looking like this in T gauge:

(yellow=120R and green=132R)

The loops appears to be even closer together then in the N scale design.
I think it will be a fun challenge to make this work in T, using bridges and different heights. I'm thinking about creating a complex modern Japanese urban landscape with busy streets, tower blocks and road bridges in a really small space.
Meanwhile I can't wait for my first class 103 to arrive Very Happy

EDIT: WHOOO it just arrived! It just took 5 days!

Jes · Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Posts: 27 Location: The Netherlands

I just started a blog on which I'll keep you informed about the progress of my layout.

David K Smith · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:44 pm Post subject: