what is everyone’s opinions on banking curves…
Mike
Might as well use the curves, they don’t earn interest in the bank! [:D][:D]
Sorry, I couldn’t resist!
They look cool and can help broaden the radius. I’m sure there are mathematicians in the group who can explain it. There is no practical need for it but it can really dress up the appearance.
Tom
Years ago on a layout tour, we ran across a layout with reverse banking to compensate for the dynamics of couplers and train speed to tip cars over toward the inside of the curve. The layout ran well and long trains appeared to have no problem on the long large radius curves even on the grades. Has anyone else done this?
Bill
Banked curves allow higher speed around a curve by offering moving mass compesation. If your the Super Chief running across their Kansas racetrack, it’s one thing - but at layout speed’s, the need’s are non-existence.
If you think it looks COOL, fine, but the transitions are problematical, and the side thrust dynamic’s just aren’t there.
I agree with Don. Unless you are running trains at very high speeds (80+ mph), the weight of ho or n scale cars in not enough to cause the centrifugal force to pu***hem off the curve to the outside. I am not sure about o scale but would guess that the same applies. Making sure the underlaiment is flat and level and the transitions are smooth is hard enough I would not add the difficulty of banking curves 2-5 degrees.
whatever you decide good luck!
Randy Johnson
cool… thanks for the advice…
Mike