I need some more advise please. I've decided how the current HO 4 x 8 will be expanded almost double but have some questions.

1. I have no vibration on the pool table but can I expect it when I put the layout on foam on top of plywood?
2. What foam should I use for building landscaping?
3. What is the recommended type of foam and what thickness should i use to minimize any vibration?
4. What is the recommendation on rate of incline as I plan to have tracks at different elevations?

Thanks in advance,
Rookie

Oh by the way, the 15 in radius oval is working very well with the Bachmann Chattanooga Choo Choo running on it. Had to put some lead tape on the tender to weight it down but now it goes full speed w/o issue.

Rookie

I would like to thank everyone for their responses - it really has helped me. Getting 3 ovals with three different trains working for my grandsons (3.5 and 4.5 years old) has been a blast - they just love it and love to put dinos and people in the cars to take them on a ride. it's the Dinosaur Train they say.

Someone said it will get boring at some point and I know it will. As they get older then we'll look at some special layouts including elevation changes, mountains and tunnels. I'll have them involved in these changes which is really going to be fun.

Again thanks,
Rookie

Jeffery, thanks so much for this information on the formula. Starting with 3 oval loops for the grandkids but I know it's going to grow into something else by next Christmas.

Again thanks and Happy New Year,
Rookie

So I plan to put all three trains on three oval tracks on a 4 x 8 piece of plywood and then build in different levels including tunnels and mountains. My 4.5 and 3.5 year old grandson like to have all the trains they can get. Based on what you all have shared I need to have the outside oval be made of 22 inch radius with maybe a 3 inch straight insert so i have a 47 inch oval curve. I would plan an inner oval made of 18 inch track so it would be 36 inch oval. What would I need to put an oval between the two? Based on what you suggest the 15 inch oval would be a problem.

Thanks for all the help,
Rookie

Thanks very much for the recommendations. Let me consider them and i'll likely get back to you.

Happy New Year,
Rookie

I think I answered my own question. I thought 18 radius was degrees but it's inches so 18 makes a 36 wide curve. So i'm going to need some 15's in to make an interior loop of 30 wide curve.

Just getting started. Thanks.
Rookie

I have a 47 x 38 oval layout which I've extended to 82" and would like to put another oval inside this one. What radius curves should I buy?

Thanks,
Rookie

I actually already have another oval outside the 38 x 82 and want to end up with 3 total ovals with three different trains running.