So... i bought some "superelevated" double curves. If I put straight "flat" sections between the superelevated sections, will I have a derailing point, or a little gap, at the track base, or, shut up Marty, no one can see the elevation any better than you can.
The super-elevated track comes with 22.5 degree (1/8th) curved easement pieces and SHOULD be used with the curves. Otherwise, you will be derailments. And it makes a difference as one is Left hand and one is Right hand.
1:1 Scale installations have easements from tangent track to super-elevated curves, both in decreasing curve radii and in raising the elevation of the outside rail. There have been many spectacular wrecks caused by designers taking shortcuts with track designs, and operation departments raising speeds . One disastrous derailment occurred on the New York Central in Glens Falls, NY in the mid-1940's. Fitz (Jim Fitzgerald) posted photos a while back. I don't have links to or memories of the specifications for these easements, but easement transitions occur over hundreds of feet. In modelling, the best way to achieve this is by hand laying an easement track between the tangent and the curve. Though apparently Kato has a reliable solution to the problem.
I didn't understand the OP's question to suggest he wouldn't be using the easement sections, but rather asking if he might be able to insert some straight tracks within the curve between each easement section. It would seem awkward to me, as you would basically be inserting a "banked straight" within a banked curve. I would only attempt such a thing for a very short distance where there is absolutely no other option to make the track geometry work.
Yes, unless you used the easement track. On the underside of the track there are arrows on the super elevated, make sure the arrows point to each other. The flat side has no arrows.
To clarify. As usual, things are lost between my eyes and my brain. Then more is lost, between my brains, and my thumbs. I get the need/concept of easements and elevation, in 1:1 I will use the easements. What I wanted to do, was put short straight pieces between the curved sections. But, in trying to think it through, I don't think the geometry will work. I won't be using the straights, I will use a wider radius easement, to broaden the curves. I wish all Kato single track was banked. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I literally stand corrected. (My loops are on top of a piano) I still can't see the superelevation, on the track, but I sure see it on the loco! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You're right , it won't work . You would need transition pieces between all the straight track pieces and that would probably create some very interesting action ......Mike
Thank you guys! You have saved me a huge amount of frustration! I was having trouble with using the double track on my new layout. Mentioning the 'arrow' was just what I needed. I kept getting 'snake heads' and could not figure out how to avoid them.
@Inkaneer <bemused grin > Ya and trust me knowing of this issue I'd never have acquired the set ever so many years ago. Now? I won't be getting much more ...if I can avoid it. ☻
