Going in on Tomix FineTrax

[VentureForth]

Alright - so every like two years or so I get the bug to really work towards making a layout. 

 

I've collected various track from Atlas, Kato, etc., and tried putting things together with those.  But I've decided to go all in on Tomix.  It's what I have the most of, and what I started with 35 years ago.

 

I finally got some a good design put together on Traxeditor.com.  I even started buying up some Tomix track.  Amazing the disparity in some of the prices!  I've seen some HUGE fluctuations.  I expect to pay more, but not more than 2-3x retail PLUS shipping!  :O

 

I don't mind waiting.  So, for the track, I wait.  I digress...

 

Here's what I'm dealing with.  I have a stash of 1-gen brown track.  I'd say around 75% of it is in good shape.  I'm replacing with (F) track, which is fine.  They interlock nicely.  I can hide the brown track, or use it in yards where the more rustic look is appreciated.

 

Then I found super elevated track.  Ooooo.  I have perhaps the 2nd oldest viaduct set Tomix put out in the 80's.  The old "D" Set.  Can I unscrew the current track out and put in super elevated slab track?  From what I've seen so far, it looks like the tilting is done as part of the wide track, so I suppose I can't. 

 

Also, sorry for not searching.  I'm sure there are tons of answers already on the next two questions, and I'll look, but one stop shopping is always nice.

- What is the narrowest you would space out tracks in a yard?  I can get less than 37mm, but the lengths don't match up perfectly.  Is anything closer than 37mm too close for a yard?  Should I suck up the differences in lengths, worry about parallel, and adjust the length with a variable track?

- Since the 80s, Tomix has gone from 3 wire DC turnouts to 2 wire AC turnouts.  Do I have to have a Tomix controller to connect to the switch boxes?  Can only Tomix switch boxes control the new turnouts?  I plan on it anyway, but they're kinda pricey.  My legacy switches are dead, so I plan on buying a few "B" sets.  I'm going to stick with sets so I don't get too confused, but what the heck is the difference between the N-W and the N-S switch boxes?

 

I've already got some track on order.  Next, I'm going to probably buy a N-DU101-CL power pack along with at least one "B" set.  OOoh - The 90950 My Plan set has all that plus extra track for the same price as buying separately!  Simulated acceleration and braking isn't common in the US unless it's DCC, so it would be a cool add.

 

Why do they only come with one switch controller?  I suppose it makes sense for station operations, but not for a yard.  I suppose the control boxes aren't that pricey.

 

Any ideas?  Suggestions?  Here's the layout as I have it today: https://www.traxeditor.com/index.php/community/other-projects?view=projects&task=details&id=6235

 

Edited November 9, 2018 by VentureForth

[kvp]

29 minutes ago, VentureForth said:

Also, sorry for not searching.  I'm sure there are tons of answers already on the next two questions, and I'll look, but one stop shopping is always nice.

- What is the narrowest you would space out tracks in a yard?  I can get less than 37mm, but the lengths don't match up perfectly.  Is anything closer than 37mm too close for a yard? 

Should I suck up the differences in lengths, worry about parallel, and adjust the length with a variable track?

- Since the 80s, Tomix has gone from 3 wire DC turnouts to 2 wire AC turnouts.  Do I have to have a Tomix controller to connect to the switch boxes?  Can only Tomix switch boxes control the new turnouts?  I plan on it anyway, but they're kinda pricey.  My legacy switches are dead, so I plan on buying a few "B" sets.  I'm going to stick with sets so I don't get too confused, but what the heck is the difference between the N-W and the N-S switch boxes?

The newer Tomix yard set has tracks spaced 28 mm apart, using C280 curves and adjusting the lengths with 72.5 mm pieces.

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10486973/50/2

In the bottom left corner you can find the track diagram for the yard, and it's possible to build it with old tracks too.

 

For turnouts, both Tomix and Kato 2 wire switch boxes work, but going all Tomix is easier. The NS box is a single output, the NW box is a double output switch. The my plan has an NW box for moving both turnouts at the same time. (so both select the same siding or a crossover is either active or not)

 

You can make series current limiting capacitor driven circuits and control them using single pole, double throw switches or even use rotary switches for single knob ladder control. Imho this is one of the cheapest solutions.

34 minutes ago, VentureForth said:

Then I found super elevated track.  Ooooo.  I have perhaps the 2nd oldest viaduct set Tomix put out in the 80's.  The old "D" Set.  Can I unscrew the current track out and put in super elevated slab track?  From what I've seen so far, it looks like the tilting is done as part of the wide track, so I suppose I can't. 

It would be a really big hack, but it's possible to cut away the extended parts of the track and glue them in place of the old track, but there is a viaduct kit for wide track which is a bit easier and imho looks nice. Imho you can also reuse the piers from the old set in both cases.

[VentureForth]

Yeah - the Tomix control boxes aren't expensive so I'll stick with that.

 

I saw the new yard set, but couldn't find the track layout.  THANKS for the link!  I'm probably not going to buy the yard set, but it helped me out dimensionally.  I actually took the turnout to the wash out, brought in the bottom most track to the left by 140mm which gives me a lot more room to stash longer trains.  that will give me 3x 1120mm lines and 1x 1052.5mm line.

 

[VentureForth]

Another quick question: Is the distance from the turntable to the back of the roundhouse 280mm?

[bill937ca]

Re the roundhouse this may be of interest.

 

http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~toyoyasu/nbgn_18.htm

 

http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~toyoyasu/nbgn_1.htm

 

Steam engine pages:

 

http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~toyoyasu/index.htm

 

Easily translates in Google Chrome.

Edited November 9, 2018 by bill937ca

[VentureForth]

Cool pages.  Didn't answer the roundhouse question, though.

 

As for the turntable itself, HobbySearch shows ALL of them sold out or terminated.  On eBay, they are selling between $300 and $1900!  Me thinks they got a decimal point wrong on the latter....

[bill937ca]

Dimensions:

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tomix-4053-Locomotive-Roundhouse-N-scale/362138848646?epid=1739254271&hash=item5451284d86:g:eGYAAOxyHslQ8iPQ

[VentureForth]

OK - Here's my layout.  First image is an overview.  Second image shows where I have a 10mm by 3mm gap.  The 10mm I can mitigate with a V70.  Can't figure out how to get the 3mm lateral fixed.  Is that close enough to stretch/bend?  I so much prefer a clean layout.  lol

[kvp]

I think your problems come from using full length diagonal straights. If you replace one of the 280 mm straights with 70+99+99, that would move the lower track end about 3 mm to the right and about 11 mm up. It should also increase the distance between the two tracks below the bridge with 3 mm.

Edited November 12, 2018 by kvp

[VentureForth]

Interesting. I'm give that a shot. Thanks!

 

So... I'm really bummed. I bought a bunch of track. It's all set to arrive in mid December, just in time for Christmas. But then I ordered the 90950 My Plan set to bundle a power pack, some switches and track. Why bummed? Because it gets here Wednesday, and my wife won't let me play with it til Christmas. Lol

[VentureForth]

So... Probably too late for this...

 

I'm second guessing myself. Really the Tomix track isn't all that pricey. It's the other stuff that's awesome that makes Tomix really expensive. But Kato holds their own. Beginning to wonder if I should have gone with Kato. Availability in the US  is  so good, the occasional Japan only thing totally compatible.

 

But alas... Too much legacy track. I think I'm doing the right thing.

Edited November 14, 2018 by VentureForth

[brill27mcb]

The track will probably connect fine. An oval of sectional track has a surprising amount of flexibility.

 

Rich K.

[VentureForth]

On 11/12/2018 at 5:46 AM, kvp said:

I think your problems come from using full length diagonal straights. If you replace one of the 280 mm straights with 70+99+99, that would move the lower track end about 3 mm to the right and about 11 mm up. It should also increase the distance between the two tracks below the bridge with 3 mm.

 

So, all I can say is that you are a GENIUS!  It worked perfectly - except I used a 72.5 instead of the 70 you recommended.  Snapped together perfectly!

 

Now, for all the track to get here, in a half zillion individual shipments...

[VentureForth]

Alright. I have got to totally go back to the drawing board. Shinkansen can't go through the trestle from a curve. Grrr. Makes it around the 280mm curves just fine. 

[kvp]

2 hours ago, VentureForth said:

Alright. I have got to totally go back to the drawing board. Shinkansen can't go through the trestle from a curve. Grrr. Makes it around the 280mm curves just fine. 

Maybe you could replace it with a 280 mm elevated piece that has the sidewalls further apart. Or switch to a combo of 70 mm elevated + 140 mm bridge + 70 mm elevated setup or somethingike that. 

[VentureForth]

19 hours ago, kvp said:

Maybe you could replace it with a 280 mm elevated piece that has the sidewalls further apart. Or switch to a combo of 70 mm elevated + 140 mm bridge + 70 mm elevated setup or somethingike that. 

That's a great idea, though I would have to get some new viaduct pieces.  Do they even make 70mm viaduct?   I do have a 580mm section of S140s that I can replace the trestle in the middle of: 140-280-140.  I prefer that layout than the one that I came up shown below just to get in a 140-280-140 section that track passes under.  I don't like it as much because it's too blocky.  I have my original plan mocked up on the carpet.  I'll just have to visualize what to do with the trestle being on an incline and track passing under a non-trestle.  I may actually have some good flexibility with the original plan with regards to scenery - ie: let a river pass under the trestle rather than tracks....

Edited November 26, 2018 by VentureForth

[VentureForth]

Here's what my original plan looks like in real life with an 8-car Shinkansen. Interestingly, the Kato Shinkansen has specific instructions to add 62mm sections to either side of the trestle for it to work. Tomix has no such viaduct piece that I can find.  Trestle is just in the wrong place as you can see. And, I have an unsupported section between two 140mm sections. Anyway, check it out...

 

 

[kvp]

The matching Tomix pieces for the Kato s62 and s64 are the 70 or 72.5 mm long ones. Except that Tomix tracks have wider spacing and usually don't need extra spacers.

[bill937ca]

You can also use the 1525 70-90mm variable length piece.  The 72.5 mm piece is for adjusting track centers for a station platform.

[VentureForth]

Yes.  I bought a V70 and I like it and plan to use it.  Maybe should have bought a couple. 

 

3 hours ago, kvp said:

The matching Tomix pieces for the Kato s62 and s64 are the 70 or 72.5 mm long ones. Except that Tomix tracks have wider spacing and usually don't need extra spacers.

 

Yes, I agree.  Unfortunately, there's not a viaduct version of the S70/S72.5 for Tomix that I've found.  In fact, I am having a hard time just about finding any single track viaduct pieces...

Edited November 27, 2018 by VentureForth

[kvp]

15 minutes ago, VentureForth said:

Yes, I agree.  Unfortunately, there's not a viaduct version of the S70/S72.5 for Tomix that I've found.  In fact, I am having a hard time just about finding any single track viaduct pieces..

The classic viaduct pieces were mostly replaced by wide tracks with elevated beams and sidewalls, but the 70 mm piece you are looking for is 3064.

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10009767

This is a 70 mm viaduct piece in which you could install the following tracks:

-wooden or concrete sleeper straight

-block isolator track

-train detector track

-feeder track

-automatic light signal track

-straight track with or without isolator and a manual formsignal

yes, Tomix tracks have a bit of variety...

 

The newer wide track version with add on elevated beams allow up to 5 tracks wide elevated curved tracks and unlimited straight tracks with 4 different railing/sidewall options, although there is no wooden ties variant atm.

[bill937ca]

2 hours ago, VentureForth said:

In fact, I am having a hard time just about finding any single track viaduct pieces...

 

Single track elevated track is called Overhead Track.

Fine Track Overhead Curved Track HC243-45  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10032045

Fine Track Overhead Curved PC Tracks HC280-45-PC https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10349749

Fine Track Overhead Curved PC Tracks HC317-45-PC  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10349750

Fine Track Overhead Curved Track HC354-45   https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10032046

Fine Track Overhead Track HS99  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10032043

Fine Track Overhead PC Tracks HS140-PC  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10349746

Fine Track Overhead Track HS158.5  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10032044

Fine Track Overhead PC Tracks HS280-PC https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10349747

Fine Track Overhead Curved PC Tracks HS99-PC  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10360978

Fine Track Overhead Curved PC Tracks HS158.5-PC  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10360979

 

More from a search on Plazajapan  https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=Tomix+overhead&LH_PrefLoc=2&_ssn=plazajapan&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Tomix+overhead+viaduct&_sacat=0

Edited November 27, 2018 by bill937ca

[bill937ca]

Some of the single track options fall into the category Railroad Related Institution under Structures on HS.

 

Fine Track Concrete Arch Bridge S70 https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10408917

Fine Track Concrete Arch Bridge S140 https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10447965

Embankment Set for Wide Track  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10402479

Extension Parts of Embankment for Wide Track  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10402481

Viaduct S70-A  https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10009767  (if you can find this it still requires a piece of track.)

 

Edited November 28, 2018 by bill937ca

[VentureForth]

I've be been playing with Tomix for 35 years and had no idea of this level of diversity in their product line. Now to see what's actually available for purchase...

 

This is what I came up with as an alternate. Still maximizes teach I already have. Will add station to the right of the straight section on the left, and an outer loop.

 

It's not perfect because I don't have those special little pieces and 99mms yet, but I think I like the geometry of this layout better than what I had.

 

 

I didn't know if you can see, but besides having legacy brown track, there's also a healthy mixmatch of grey bed with brown and grey sleepers.  Sigh.  I'm gonna get the hang of this eventually.

Edited November 28, 2018 by cteno4
Fixed youtube embed