So were mine, Paul. [:)]
Crandell
Crandell, explain please, how could curved switches be the solution in this plan?
This was the drawing of the OP provided.
Paul
Paul, it was in reference to the drawing originally provided by Bryon, and which appears as a quote, but with details about the S-curve, in your reply. The OP’s diagramme that comes later could still be done with curved turnouts, but only at the very curve onset and resulting in a short siding.
Crandell
If you ask me, this thread has turned a bit silly.
The OP initially asked how to lay a roundaround track on a curve without providing a track diagram to illustrate his problem. Although the OP did mention that his turnouts were Atlas #6, one possible solution was to use curved turnouts. Since no one bothered to provide a track diagram to illustrate a solution using curved turnouts, I won’t either.
Then, the OP provides a simple track diagram, and cuyama provides a solution, complete with a track diagram to support his solution. It should be noted that the OP’s diagram did not have the turnouts equidistant from the start of the curve, whereas cuyama’s diagram placed the turnouts equidistant.
Paul solved the resulting S-curve problem on non-equidistant turnouts by adding an extra piece of straight track.
Hasn’t the whole issue really been resolved at this point? And, was there really an issue in the first place?
If the track plan calls for a 36" radius curve in a semi circle, and two turnouts are to be placed in a non-equidistant fashion, what is the probem? Just use flex track with an easement to place the runaround track approximately parallel to the main line track.
Rich
I don’t know whether or not this will help, but the runaround at Wagon Wheel Gap on my Yuba River Sub was accomplished by using Sinohara #8 curved turnouts (I use Code 100 for my main line) which gave me a 36" outer radius and an inner adjusted radius of about 33-1/2". At least that’s what I believe I ended up with, because I have over a 2-1/2" clearance between the two tracks, ample enough that I don’t have any problems with trains ‘clipping’ each other on the curves.
Here’s a couple of photos of the runaround:
The third track in the bottom photo is a cattle-loading spur.
Tom
Tom,
Great looking layout, and it certainly proves the point that curved turnouts can be used to lay a runaround track on a curve.
Rich
If you want to lay it out like the prototype does then make the runaround track on the outside of the main. This design allows the curve to flow easier into the turnouts and makes for an easier transition. For a great photo of this design check out figure 5 on page 40 of How to Build Realistic Reliable Track by Model Railroader. In my opinion on of the best books out there for building great looking and reliable trackwork!
Tim
I prefer to lay the turnout as shown on p.38 of the same book. I believe the transition is smoother.
Dante