Cut angles for raised wood roadbed.

Garden Railroading
1

Hi, I’m new to Garden railroading. I will be starting track work when the weather cooperates. I will be using a raised wood roadbed for part of the layout. The curve diameters will be 8’ (4’ radius) and 5’ (2.5’ radius). Can someone tell me what angles I need to cut my planks for the curves I am using.

Thanks for your Help

Karl

2

For a standard 24 sided polygon the angle is 15 degrees -regardless of the radius of the circle.

regards

ralph

3

Hi Ralph,

Thanks for the information should be very helpful.

Karl

4

NEVER PUT A CUT UNDER THE JOINTERS AND REINFORCE YOUR CUTS.

Dave

5

If you are using wood like 2 x 6, be sure to turn the wood so that it will crown, not cup…

Looking at the end of a plank, you want the rings to curve like a frown not a smile.

When the wood warps (and it will) you want it to crown, like a road, in the center.

Regards, Greg

6

Howdy Karl welcome aboard; Have you considered the “plastic” wood products now on the market? Some garden railroaders have used it what they call “ladder” construction. I used it on a ten foot long curved trestle. It comes in 8’ lengths and easily bends, can be worked like wood (I cut it on a table saw), it won’t rot and can be nailed, screwed and glued.

Good luck, Rob

7

Remember that the synthetic wood needs supports basically twice as often as wood, it sags. (Info from the manufacturer on using it on decks)

Regards, Greg

8

Hi All,

Thank you all for your advice, suggestions and information. It will be very helpful.

My plan is to use 2 X 6 (1 1/2" X 5 1/2") cedar decking for the elevated road bed. The ground level road bed will be crushed stone in a 2" X 8" trench.

Thanks again

Karl