Extending a Trak Mat layout

[NeneTyke]

Hello all, 

First post. I would appreciate your help with expanding my current layout (based on a Trak Mat circuit) to accommodate a long, straight section. The extension would join at the bottom left of the outer loop, exiting to the left of the photo./media/tinymce_upload/d92b23ec5cb30952f6b1f8cecae3f521.jpg

It doesn't seem like you can buy points with 3rd radius curvature, so I need a plan B, ideally without changing the rest of the layout. Could I use a regular RH point immediately after the level crossing and then make the rest of the curve using flexi track? This will result is a slightly kinked outer loop but hopefully will maintain sufficient clearance between the tracks.

I hope this makes sense but let me know if not. Thanks very much in advance for any advice you can offer, as I'm very much learning this as I go.

P.S. This was a fairly basic base board and loop until recently, which I built a few years earlier for my son. I never expected to do anything with it but I needed something to keep me sane during lockdown and I've quite enjoyed the challenge. It clearly isn't a proper layout and isn't high quality or authentic in detail but it has definitely come a long way in the last few months.

[5Dublo2]

I have done something similar - still testing the effects with different locos and coaches though so my track is not pinned down yet.

 

What I did was put in a right hand point and then to continue the curve, from the arm of the RH point,  I added two 38mm short straights, then a 2nd radius curve followed by a 2nd radius double curve and then a 3rd short straight before continuing with the two 3rd radius double curves - it is not perfect and you could probably do better with flexitrack, but I have not yet seen a derailment due to this configuration

[FishyDelishy]

You could remove the radius curves from the bottom 90 degrees of the corner.  Put a short straight R610 immediately to the left of the level crossing, then add your RH point R8073 and finally connect up to the radius 3 curves coming down from the top with flex track.  That will keep your track distance apart.

See this diagram!

[Buz]

Hi Nene Tyke

Is there any reason you can't put a second crossover at the top and extend at the top left,or bottom right where the loco shed is.

That would make logical sense as the extension start positions.

OK so its a toy railway layout who cares, are you having fun that is all that matters 😆

Any way you can always build a model railway later if thats what you want to do.

regards John

[JJ73]

Hiya & welcome the the Forum

 

If you can get hold of the Hornby Track Plans Edition 14 - there are some ideas for TrackMat Extensions in there - I know that the TrakMat is slightly different in the book to yours but it may inspire you!!!

 

/media/tinymce_upload/426206e077b90283ab1aa3c6ec96b450.png

 

I purposely scan it up-side-down b/c you have got your level crossing at the bottom & this 1 seem to be the nearest to your design (even though it is up-side-down!!!)

I think that this would be perfect & exciting for you!!!  😀 😎

Also it would make better use of your siding on the top left (With accommodated 2 Long Straights even better than 1)!!!

[Kevin Hodges]

 I've seen at least a couple of trackmat layouts that albeit small, are far from being 'toyish'. One in particular (on you tube) is breathtaking. Incorporating some of the finest scenery building skills I've ever seen.

 

I'm putting one together myself for my family to enjoy.

 

It's a fantastic, easy build layout concept for anyone who is new to model railways, or limited for space. It can easily be extended later on as demonstrated here.

 

Kev. 😀

[NeneTyke]

Thanks very much for your replies. It's great to see my little layout on a track planner and I'm grateful for sight of the magazine printout (the multiple overlapping points look great but the electrics would presumably be a real challenge). I've decided to go with a Peco Small turnout, which is a bit bigger than 3rd radius, along with some flexi track to complete the loop. I've spent the day in the garden building the base board for the extension and will post pictures later in the week.

[JJ73]

Your Welcome