Hello everyone, I’m building my layout using eztrack and I’m trying out some new track software. Using #5 or #6 turouts what kind of curved piece do i need to make the tracks parallel? Thanks.
Dave, I’m sure that you know what scale you’re building in. Unfortunately, the rest of us don’t.
The usual design of yard lead doesn’t need ANY curves to make the tracks parallel. OTOH, I have two yards which have curves (over 90 degrees of total curvature) between the lead and the body tracks. So, unless you can show us the track plan, your question needs a lot more background data before anyone not wearing your moccasins can even suggest an answer.
Another thing to consider. You have chosen to use a proprietary sectional track system that locks you in to the manufacturer’s choice of track geometry. You might consider getting out of the straitjacket by transitioning to flex track for your yard body tracks… Or, learn to build your own specialwork and trade the straitjacket for wings.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with flex track and hand-laid specialwork)
I built a passing track using #6’s by cutting a 22R curve with a band saw to bring track paralell to the previous one. You then need to cut a strait section, join the two cuts with rail joiners and by gluing a flat piece of plasic underneath. Hope this helps you.
I guess I left a few things out, I’m building in ho scale, and I’m starting on the the Williston, Nd. rail yard in the present day. I’m going to try to link a google map so you can see what it looks like. I thought I might have to modify some track but wasn’t sure. thanks for your help, I’m new at this so advise is appreciated. One reason i’m using eztrack is I’m going to be moving in the spring and if I end up completely dismantling the layout it might be easier. right now its 16x4 but I need to add another 10 feet to do what I want to start The extra 10 feet will be the base of the L. Again thaks for the help!
Here is the link i forgot! http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=48.14369,-103.62133&spn=0.00494,0.016469&t=h&z=17&vpsrc=6
First, Williston looks like a great town to model with the yard and all the rail-served industries.
Second, since you’re interested in an actual place instead of a generic toy train layout, you’ll quickly run into the limitations posed by a system like EZtrack or Unitrack with its rigid geometry. Plus track in a yard doesn’t much look like the groomed mainline ballast EZtrack represents. Even if you plan to move the layout, you may be farther ahead looking into more flexible options like traditional track products without built-in roadbed. They cost so much less in many cases that you may not mind having to chop them up for modification. Modular benchwork and roadbed will also let you move entire sections of layout while limiting damage from otherwise having to tear the track out.