hey guys had a question on the cover layout in the febuary issue of model railroader the over under twice around was wonder what i could maybe expand it to on a 5x9 table top curve raidus wise thanks. csx17
From a strictly mathematical point of view, you are expanding the length by 12.5% and the width by 25%. The limiting factor would be the length. You can safely multiply everything, including the minimum radius by 9/8, and know that the plan will still fit in the space. In the particular plan you speak of the minimum radius is 17". The new minimum radius would be 19" + 1/8". New separation of parallel straight tracks that are 2" apart would be 2" +1/4".
The track plan drawn in MR, while to scale, did not use a software library for the turnouts, did not identify each curve radius, did not identify parallel track spacing, and so on. To get to fit correctly on a 5x9, you need to redraw the plan with your software of choice. Or you can draw a scale drawing by hand using graph paper, compass, and ruler. I would start with 19" radius for the tightest curves, and adjust parameters as necessary from there. You might be able to use 20" or even 22" minimum radius by reducing the amount of straight track on each side. This would be a trial and error operation. Or you can stick with 19" minimum radius and add straight track to bring the track closer to the sides, if you so desire.
Once you have decided on the turnouts, track spacking, and minimum radius from your drawings, simply lay out the track full size, and make any adjustments necessary. Your plan is never going to match the full size to within 1/8", and you’ll be very good or very lucky if it comes within an inch at every location.
FWIW, this is the normal process for expanding a track plan.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred
thanks fred question how do i go about drawing it on graph paper for ho scale. never atemped to draw to scale just doddled on pieces of paper that was laying around. thanks. csx17
For more accurate doddling on paper, you need an architects scale. They are usually three sided and have different scales marked on them. Sort of similar to a scale ruler. With that and a compass, you can make scale drawings.
okay thanks for that ill have to figue out where i can get one of these would the scale ruler work for this or no. thansk csx
A scale ruler is not what you want for drawing your layout. An architects scale will allow you to draw in a 1/4" =1’ or 1/2" = 1’. It is a 3 sided ruler that has different scales on each side & can most likely be found at an office supply store.