Tight Curves

I thought I ought to test how tight a curve I could make for a tram track. It turns out that I can easily get a 4 wheeler to run on a 5" curve. Anything smaller and the friction on the wheels causes reliability issues.

I tried 6", 5.5" and 4". It easily runs on 5.5".

Here's a video:

I've started using foam core heavily  for my test work and will probably be using this on the layout when prototyping the system. Final work will be done using cuts in the plywood base with timber supports, but maybe I'll just keep the foam core in place!

It's certainly stronger and lighter than cardboard, easier to cut and shape etc so will most certainly be used for the basis of landscaping.

I think that the track itself is about 4mm from base to rail top. I will be using an underlay under most of the track - most likely cork - but the tram will probably be different. The underlay is to absorb noise and form a good basis for ballast. With the tram tracks, I may use something like rubber matting used for lining kitchen drawers - it's a non-skid thing used to keep plates from banging about when drawers open. It's thin, absorbs vibration and is cheap.

I guess that means a 5mm foam core can be used for the road-base to line up with the rails? Anyway, that's getting a bit ahead of things.

Layout Option 3

And another variation with fewer points. Most likely the best so far.

Layout Option 2

Here's a new development based on comments from Markus. This looks like more fun but I'm a bit concerned that it will look cramped. Would like your views, folks.

I have not shown the tram line but that should be no problem. It adds about $150 in track costs.

Baseboard Basics

Just a quick post showing the baseboard under construction. I've built 2 frames - one 1200 x 600 and the other 800 x 1400. It's basic 19mmx75mm timber construction with a few reinforcements here and there. Some  nice cutting and chisel work too!

The plywood sheets are 3mm thick and come standard in 800 x 1200 which is convenient. Note that they are not always square though! I could not be bothered straightening them - most likely I'd make them worse anyway.

I've joined the 2 parts of the L together so that they can be separated easily enough later for transport. I plan on investing heavily here and want to hang onto this if we move again.

I'll be putting some coach bolts in here tomorrow with wing nuts. These sections are screwed together for now.

Just added a little 200 x 800 plywood piece to the larger baseboard as a separate item to allow both boards to be separable (above).

And below is a picture of my desk with various bits of train and electronic detritus liberally polluting it. All the Arduino software is working, of coures, and the test layout is running smoothly.