How is the radius of Atlas sectional track measured

[ATLANTIC_CENTRAL]

I agree with OP, it can be difficult to bend flex track into sharp radius curves…short sections of flex track.

Code 83?

For industrial situations, consider the ATLAS 22 inch radius turnout Item #544 and #545. It has a curved diverging route (like PECO code 100 turnouts) that are designed to fit into a 22 inch radius curve.

I used these on a previous layout. I like the look of the car cut diverging at a consistent curve through the tracks, rather than the curve…straight…then sharp curve motion you get with a standard turnout that has a straight diverging path.

It also help with tight spaces since the track is already more sharply angled right after the frog.

Works well and looks better, what’s not to like.

I use the 22"R and 18"R Atlas “snap switch” for street trackage, they work fine for that sort of thing.

Sheldon

[jjdamnit]

Hello All,

The new switching area I’m building will be switched by a Ten Wheeler…

By “Ten Wheeler” do you mean a 2-6-2, a 4-6-0, or a 2-8-0?

What size tender?

Type of fuel- -coal or oil?

That wheel configuration seems large for switching duties- -both in terms of length and fuel/water- -consumption.

On my HO 4’x8’ pike the “mainline” consists of 180º asymmetrical curves at each end comprised of 15- and 18-inch sectional track, with 2-inch transitions between the differing radii.

My track plan allows for 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 locos along with four-axle diesels.

The upper and lower coal unloading/loading sidings are comprised of PECO #2 turnouts (ST-240 & ST-241).

As is the wye made up of PECO #2 turnouts with two (2) 15-inch radius Atlas sectional track for the legs to an Atlas Mark IV wye turnout at the head end.

Rather than rethinking the track plan, I suggest you reconsider which locomotive can work this yard most efficiently.

Unfortunately, I’ve become adept at “shoehorning” track into small spaces.

This comes at the expense of smaller locomotives and shorter rolling stock with tighter curves.

In modeling, compromises need to be struck to achieve reliable running.

For this situation, I would err on the side of caution, using small radius sectional track and turnouts with smaller locomotives.

Hope this helps.

[ATLANTIC_CENTRAL]

Hello All,

John-NYBW
The new switching area I’m building will be switched by a Ten Wheeler…

By “Ten Wheeler” do you mean a 2-6-2, a 4-6-0, or a 2-8-0?

What size tender?

Type of fuel- -coal or oil?

That wheel configuration seems large for switching duties- -both in terms of length and fuel/water- -consumption.

On my HO 4’x8’ pike the “mainline” consists of 180º asymmetrical curves at each end comprised of 15- and 18-inch sectional track, with 2-inch transitions between the differing radii.

My track plan allows for 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 locos along with four-axle diesels.

The upper and lower coal unloading/loading sidings are comprised of PECO #2 turnouts (ST-240 & ST-241).

As is the wye made up of PECO #2 turnouts with two (2) 15-inch radius Atlas sectional track for the legs to an Atlas Mark IV wye turnout at the head end.

Rather than rethinking the track plan, I suggest you reconsider which locomotive can work this yard most efficiently.

Unfortunately, I’ve become adept at “shoehorning” track into small spaces.

This comes at the expense of smaller locomotives and shorter rolling stock with tighter curves.

In modeling, compromises need to be struck to achieve reliable running.

For this situation, I would err on the side of caution, using small radius sectional track and turnouts with smaller locomotives.

Hope this helps.

A “ten Wheeler”

[jjdamnit]

Hello All,

A “ten Wheeler” is by definition a 4-6-0.

I’m a diesel guy- -thank you for the clarification.

Hope this helps.