I’m in the process of designing my staging yard, and to get right to the point, I’m considering using code 83 Atlas #4 left hand turnouts. It seems that in doing this, assuming I run tangent track from the diverging routes, I will end up with 2-1/4 track centers. I need to reduce the length of the straight section (on each turnout) to bring the centers to 2" - as well as reduce the overall length of the ladder.
So the question is this: How much will I need to remove to make the track centers 2"? Thanks.
Are you sure about your measurements? All of the Atlas code 100 turnouts I have used, with the diverging routes back-to-back, make the tracks exactly 2" on center.
Brad, Just dropped off-line to check out the Atlas #4 yard in code 83 track: Butting the turnouts, and going straight leg off each one, the Track Centers are, indeed, 2", per my RTS software…Therefore: No changes are necessary! By the way, Atlas RTS is, I believe, available FREE…Happy Modelling… JWH
Cacole - I am not referring to center-to-center as if using them for crossovers - I’ve checked this and it is indeed 2" on center.
JWH - I am using XTrackCAD, and that 2-1/4 measurement was a quick “ruler” check. Having checked this with actual track pieces in-hand and using real steel tape measure, I find your information in indeed correct. The primary reason I’m using XTC as opposed to RTS is the larger and more diverse database of available track.
So much for the ladder, it’ll be 3" too long for the last curve to the last track. Back to the drawing … board? Software? That’s OK, I think I have a better idea anyway. Thanks again.