Hi, I am starting with a 4'x8' table and I have laid some track for a main line using 22r track, I started out drawing my 22"radius 26" back from the end of the table and dead center, I have a scribe that I put a nail in on one end and tap with hammer (anchor) the other end has a hole for a #2pencil and I then mark the circumference of my track and I do this on both ends, now I have the radius I need to follow. The stumper is where do I start the straight track (9") as the curve track seems to want to on the ends point to the middle. I tried to put a 6" straight in the curve but that made the rack to wide for the table. I need to connect the straight now to finish this part.
Hi Jimmy, I'm guessing you're using sectional track, did you start at the center of the curve, or at one end. (center I hope) Draw a line 2" from the side, where this line meets the curve, the tangent point is where the straight track meets the curve. I'm gonna' start another discussion about whether to lay it with the inside rail, the center, or the outside rail, but the tangent point is still the place that they meet.
When considering radius, it is using the center line of any track. Nail holes would be right atop the pencil line.
HO HO HO HO Sounds like Xmas As you can see in the pic the stick has a nail in one end and the pencil in the other, from dead center on the 4' end I marked to 90deg either side . Using 22"r from Atlas and whether I laid the track next to or dead center on the holes it did not make any diff. I started at the center and as I added track I temporarily pushed nails into the homasote to keep the track tight.
I think I see the problem, the center of the curve marks the spot where a joint should be, so that there would be six pieces on each side. I must have been sleepier than I thought.
from your pics: Your curve is made up of 9 pieces with the plywood's center line splitting middle piece. Try using 8 curved pieces instead, with a joint on the centerline. Then add your straights. In other words you are making more than 1/2 a circle. At this point in time you do't care about the exact radius, just so the straight sections leave the curve sweetly.
Make double sure you are using all 22" radius sections, all by the same brand. Not all sectional track is made to the same degree and could result in too much or too little curvature. And as mentioned above, the 22" radius is your center line. It looks like you may be trying to align the edge of the track ties with this line.
After a bit of fussing and using some small track pieces it looks pretty good now to figure out how I am going to put the actual plan into the center of the MAINLINE. Problem with the Xtrack cad is it will not allow me to print grid lines on the standard sheet of paper. I should make note that indeed I aligned my radius with the ties on the inside curve might not be the proper way but all is working fine at this time. Now comes the yard tracks and their switches.
Tracks are tight close to the edge. Kinda scary. Will you be dividing the two scenes, with some sort of view block?
Hey Box, Well I just cannot make up my mind as to what I am going to do, I removed all the track and am going to redo when the flex track I ordered arrives, might make it a bit easier instead of all the joints. As far as the edge goes I will be installing a rail around the perimeter just to prevent an ugly scene. I am not going to get into the scenery just yet will go with an urban commercial zone although I do want a main line for the grand kids. I can put a consist together and let it run. Originally I wanted to do a classification yard (BNSF Northtown) which is kind of neat as the Soo Tracks run right through (over) the yard. Next I kicked around the DMIR as the Proctor Yard and the Harbor are close then I came across Rts freeware and liked plan 16D so that is where I was and then I wiped the slate clean, tough getting old do not know what I want..... Jim
Well, don't worry about re-starts. Very, very few of us have made it a go on just the first proposed plan. Planning and daydreaming are part of the fun, and you learn as you do so.
I will try and post new pics on Wed as my flex track arrived and I started to assemble my plan using what must be an Atlas plan and when I try and print out the dimensions it is a garble of numbers and does not give me any good start from here. I marked my board every one foot and snapped lines to get a grid, next I used the tri-square set at two inches and went around the board for a border. I am setting my ties to the inboard side which will allow for scenery and protection ( also will install railing). My next problem is the switches which I have a bunch of #4 and #6 right and left, I am not sure if they are DCC compliant and should I use a remote switch or manual. Another question is do I lay the switch on the flextrax. Jim
Well it isn't much but this will be the start I am waiting on more flex track as I feel this is the best way to go about laying track, question do I need to use a cork road bed to raise the track or is it OK to leave the track flat on the table? Jim
