Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit..... ;)

[david colley jnr]

I have a long standing affection for Rabbit Warren layouts since seeing one in a PSL Model Railway Guide.
I've even had a go at a couple, but my problem has always been using too tight a radius or trying to fit too many twists to give realistic scenery.

Has anyone ever investigated using set track to create a convincing layout with at least three levels and a passing loop? would you mind sharing the track plans so I may at last be able to re-create my dream... Not that I don't already have enough projects!

David

[rue_d_etropal]

'realistic scenery', what's that Judging by many of the layouts at exhibitions we all live in a very flat land with a few hills in the background.
Always a bit disappointed that the OO9 brigade decided rabbit warren layouts were nor realistic so better to have a simple station with little going on. Rabbit Warrens were always good entertainment at exhibitions, entertaining the paying public.
As for tight radius curves, would suggest using something like the Tomix 10cm radius N gauge, not sure what to use for 16.5mm gauge, the Fleischmann 10in curves no longer available. There is some tram track which is 8 and 10 in radius from Luna.
Getting right couplings would be key to working properly, especially on reverse curves. Obvious gradients should not be too steep.
Remember a wonderful live steam powered OO9 layout a few years ago, which was in the classic rabbit warren style.
Now you have got me thinking and I already have too many ideas for new layouts.

[david colley jnr]

Sorry Simon, by realistic, I mean believable. On one of my attempts I had pillars of rock and cliff faces. Simply a case of trying to fit too much into too tight a space! It was 009 and 18" x30" and had three levels! To get all that track in it meant overly tight curves and massive gradients with no clearances...
I was hoping that by not using flex track it would prevent me from going too crazy and keep the hill rolling and not sheer faces!

[Cross Kitter]

If you want Rabbit Warren just look at the Metre Gauge in Switzerland - all those lovely spiral tunnels.

If you are wanting 009 then Kato do some very sharp radius curves.

Simon

[Colin Peake]

You've missed one on eBay David:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cyril-Freezer ... 1c36a5ad9e

Colin

[bandmbill]

I have doodled a few rabbit warrens - one idea I have thought of was to use a hidden tiny spiral in one corner so that the line only had to go down (or up) so that you have a (slightly) more believable model.

[Si]

I've often thought of doing a rabbit in O9 as it would allow me to set the trains going around a moderate length of track in a small space, looking after itself, while I'm working on the computer.

However, I wonder if rather than just the normal distorted loop of track, it might be a good idea to introduce end-to-end tracks with auto-shuttle control on them (given that these days the auto shuttle electrics seem to be quite clever and can do delays, slowing, accelerating, etc). Thus the warren no longer needs to twist around a mountain, but can have multiple trains running in and out of factories, docks, breweries, WWI trenches, etc etc.

Just a thought.

[Simon Andrews]

Have a look at Tim Ticknell's OO9 rabbit warren layout. Pictures 61 - 66 in Mick T's Pewsey open day report. http://micksrovingreporter.blogspot.co.uk/
Just shows what can be achieved.

Simon.

[Boghopper]

Have a look at Tim Ticknell's OO9 rabbit warren layout. Pictures 61 - 66 in Mick T's Pewsey open day report. http://micksrovingreporter.blogspot.co.uk/
Just shows what can be achieved.

Simon.

I've just had another look at Tim's unnamed layout and I have to say I'm very impressed. I don't see any problem with rabbit warrens, especially when they are as carefully imagineered and constructed as Tim's work always is.