Parallel tracks

J

jambo101

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Feb 14, 2007
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I know its a noob question but i've never been able to successfully get the tracks to be parallel after installing a turnout,the small curved piece of track that comes with the turn out runs the turned out track off at an angle and up till now i've had to use a small piece of Flex Trac to get the tracks parallel.So whats the trick?:confused:
 
You don't have to use the small section of curved track that comes with the turnout. Use flex track to make a very gentle "s" curve off of the turnout into a parallel track at the center to center distance you need. Using the short section of curved track when making parallel tracks just makes the "S" curve tighter.
 
I think that the turnout is 2/3 of a curve and the short piece is the other 1/3 so that the turnout can replace a full curve, but work in a shorter situation if required. Maybe 2 short pieces? or take another turnout, put it on the end and draw around it, and then lay flextrack.
 
Jambo, the best way to get the tracks parrallel is with the flex track. The piece that comes with the turnout is to sharp a radius. Here's a turnout with 2 tracks spaced at 2"s. Making the curved piece longer will ease the dreaded "S" curve.

Loren
 

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Thanks guys,guess i'll stick with the flextrac.I dont understand why they put that piece of curve in the package if it doesnt make the tracks parallel,it seems to send the track off on a 10 degree angle.
 
I think you are talking about the Atlas Snapswitches (turnouts). THey are a curved radius turnout, and the 1/3 18" radius piece is there to help you complete the circle/oval of track.

Andrew
 
jambo101 said:
Thanks guys,guess i'll stick with the flextrac.I dont understand why they put that piece of curve in the package if it doesnt make the tracks parallel,it seems to send the track off on a 10 degree angle.
Click to expand...

It is there because the turnouts are made for train set use, not for a serious model railroad. If you buy Atlas Custom Line, Shinohara, or Peco the turnouts don't come with additional track. I don't like Atlas turnouts, but that is just my personal preference. Just use flex track, and don't feel you need to use everything that comes in the package with the turnout.
 
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