Hey folks,
I am planning out my HO layout and I want to use flex track but what I do not know is what is the best way to form a 18" and 24"radius because I have never laid flex track before(I am using code 83 if that helps). I have not seen any articles that explains that. On another note what is the formula to calculate a grade percentage of 2-2.5% also. Thanks to anyone who can help a novice.
What you want to do is draw or mark a centerline of where your track will be, for any small radius curves.
What I do is get a couple of packs of different radius snap track. I use 15R, 18R, and 22R. (I only use the 15R for small industrial areas and not mainlines.) Then I put the snap track curves together and make a center mark every five ties or so on the platform / sub-roadbed with a marker. When I take up the snap track, I connect the dots to make the centerline.
Next step is to lay down the roadbed material, usually cork or WS black foam. You usually cut it in half down the center, which it is already cut for that part way. Lay down half at a time using the centerline on your platform as a guide. Once the roadbed is down you can lay the track on top of it and the curves will come out fine
Grades are calculated in percent. >> All you need to remember is a 1% grade is a 1 inch rise in 100 inches of length.<< You can divide that down to 1/4 inch rise in 25 inches. A 4% grade is 4 times 1/4 inch or 1 inch in a 25 inch of length. So a 2% grade would be a 1/2 inch rise in 25 inches of length or 1/4 inch rise in 12-1/2 inches. You can also do it using math, but I think this method is easier to remember.