On Feb 4, 7:58*pm, julvr wrote:
On Feb 4, 5:02*pm, "EXT" wrote:

Your "model" train diagram shows three rails (one in the middle) and 1 1/4"
spacing between the outside rails, most dedicated modellers would classify
this train as a toy train as it does not approach scale modeling in any
aspect.

Actually, O-Guage 3-rail system is much more popular than the two
track O-Guage systems. *It's been around since the thirties. *It
allows the train to do a reverse loop (this was back before processors
were in everything, but it's stuck). *For me, it the third track is
not an issue as it is mounted to high to be seen. *For this particular
application, the three track system is better because it can take any
O-Gauge train, wheras the two track systems can only take trains
designed for two track systems. *Two track trains tend to not be able
to negotiate as tight corners either, often having minimum turning
radii of 32" or more, which is not very practical for a cieling
mounted train. *I actually did a bit of research on this very subject
before I built my set.

The 1 1/4" is actually pretty close to the 1.17" that an actual 1:48
scale track should be. *Apperently, in Europe, O-Guage is 1:45, which
brings the track width even closer.

John

One more thing I forgot to mention -- for the purposes of this layout,
the three track system is good because it is simple to detect when the
train reaches a part of a track -- simply isolate one of the outside
rails. When the train passes over this section of track, the train
wheels will bridge the power, and you can use a relay to trigger an
event. When I built my setup, I issolated the track in two places --
the plan is to eventually make the whistle blow and some crossing
lights flash when the train nears the door, and to have it stop when
it reaches the window (I am planning to use an EZIO Relay Controller
for this, so everything is controlled via Insteon). I'll update the
web site once this is done, but forn now I have to spend my free time
on some other projects.