I have 2 foot wide modules will i only be able to get 11 inch curves? I am working in N scale. If i use a yard stick and put a pencil at 11 inches will that give me a 11 inch radius? Paul
Radius again.
- Thread starter plbab
- Start date
11" radius curve will make a circle 22" in diameter ...& that's about as wide as you can safely turn a train in a 24" space...in fact, even then those trains are really going to be hugging the edge of that table...remember - the curve radius is a measurement of the track;s centerline . (the point halfway between the rails)
Paul:
you need 2 points to get a radius. Unless you have a yardstick with extra wood befow the first inch, you will need to put a point (nail, push pin, ) in a bit from the end (I drill a hole at the 1" mark) and drill another hole for a pencil at the 12" mark (11"+1").
I also make two extra holes beside the nail hole to mark either rail position or end of ties.
I also make extra pencil holes for more radii.
If you're not going over 11", you might get away with using a foot ruler; yardsticks tend to bash against the walls.
I agree with Charlie about the radius being a bit close to the edge. If it's against a wall, you may find long cars or locomotives hitting the wall.
you need 2 points to get a radius. Unless you have a yardstick with extra wood befow the first inch, you will need to put a point (nail, push pin, ) in a bit from the end (I drill a hole at the 1" mark) and drill another hole for a pencil at the 12" mark (11"+1").
I also make two extra holes beside the nail hole to mark either rail position or end of ties.
I also make extra pencil holes for more radii.
If you're not going over 11", you might get away with using a foot ruler; yardsticks tend to bash against the walls.
I agree with Charlie about the radius being a bit close to the edge. If it's against a wall, you may find long cars or locomotives hitting the wall.
How very timely
I was going to post a question about radus measurements..but that clears it up for me..the radius is measured via the outside rail
thanks (even if you didn't know you were helping
)
Simon
I was going to post a question about radus measurements..but that clears it up for me..the radius is measured via the outside rail thanks (even if you didn't know you were helping
)Simon
Simon:
Radius is measured to the centerline of the track. This lets you make reverse curves without making allowance for the gauge.
(Exception: Lionel measures diameter over the outside of the ties/sleepers.)
Laying out the extra lines that I suggested just makes tracklaying easier.
Radius is measured to the centerline of the track. This lets you make reverse curves without making allowance for the gauge.
(Exception: Lionel measures diameter over the outside of the ties/sleepers.)
Laying out the extra lines that I suggested just makes tracklaying easier.
Thanks David,
so in fact my 12" radius curves if laid in a 180 degree arc would take up 24" + the width of the track (9mm or approx 3/8") .
Good to know this before I start squeezing my flexitrack onto the back of an old door
I was planning to start building the base of my new layout last weekend but I wanted to work outside to saves vacuuming up polystyrene bobbles ) but it snowed 
Cheers
Simon
so in fact my 12" radius curves if laid in a 180 degree arc would take up 24" + the width of the track (9mm or approx 3/8") .
Good to know this before I start squeezing my flexitrack onto the back of an old door
I was planning to start building the base of my new layout last weekend but I wanted to work outside to saves vacuuming up polystyrene bobbles
) but it snowed Cheers
Simon
Or + the length of the ties, or + the width of the roadbed you're using. (Depending on what you're willing to have hanging over the edge - hopefully nothing!)
ahy good point 
I'm using Woodland scenics road bed..or will when it arrives I have it on back order with the stockist..suddenly the vast expanse I seemed to have gain by going "N" seems to be shrinking Why do I have to live in a shoe box ??? A most railroad unfriendly house 
I'm using Woodland scenics road bed..or will when it arrives I have it on back order with the stockist..suddenly the vast expanse I seemed to have gain by going "N" seems to be shrinking Why do I have to live in a shoe box ??? A most railroad unfriendly house 
Originally posted by Sir_Tainly
Why do I have to live in a shoe box ??? A most railroad unfriendly house
For "shoe box" read......."An average British home"
I too have the same problems your Lordship
John.
Hi John,
actually mine is on the small side as it's only 2 bedroom..a side effect of having to live in the most expensive place for houses in the UK, outside London Still at least it means I can work and have money for trains (even if I lack space to use them )
Simon
actually mine is on the small side as it's only 2 bedroom..a side effect of having to live in the most expensive place for houses in the UK, outside London
Still at least it means I can work and have money for trains (even if I lack space to use them )Simon