Ok here is the question. I dont remember how to figure out what size a circle of 22 radius curves is. How big of a square do I need with 3 inches around it. Also if I wanted to have 30 radius curves how big of a sq there for a full circle? How Do I curve my flex track to achieve the 30 radius?
thanks J.W.
Just double it. So a 22" r curve rquires 44" to do 180 degrees (a half circle).
OK, so it’s a 44" circle, then add 3" to each side, so it’s a 50" box.
60" by itself, or if you want 3 inches on all sides, 66".
Just secure it on one side, bend it around, and secure the other side. That’s if it’s the springy kind of flex. If it’s the stiff kind then draw the curve centerline on the roadbed and lay the track so it follows the centerline.
Just remember the 22" is to the CENTER of the track, so your 44" measurement is center to center. A 50" box will have roughly 2" borders where the track come near the edge. Same concept goes for the 30" curves, unless you lay the track so the outer edge is on the 30" mark, in which case it would really be closer to a 29" curve.
Brad
This all correct, but your measurements are for HO scale. The original question didn’t mention a scale. We both missed that. I’m in N scale, so I was thinking with my N scale hat on. I’m guessing you’re in HO?
Long story short, if he’s in Z scale then most of this is pretty irrelavant. If he’s in G scale then we both missed the mark by a longshot! Guess we both should have asked, huh? Oooops!
You’re right though, those measurements are usually taken to the centerline of the track, no matter what scale.
yea …sorry guys I shoudda ststed that im in HO. designing the layuot for the garage. Single car, and I get to use half of it. Trying to figure out elimaniting a duck under and still get a continous run.
So my thought was u shaped with two half circles on the top of the u. Ideas?
I’d download some track planning software and start playing with some ideas. There are two free ones.
The Atlas program is pretty easy to use. The flex track tool is kinda goofy, but not too bad once you get used to it. http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm
Xtrkcad is more powerful, but a bit tougher to use. http://www.sillub.com/
Make sure you register either one so you get all of the capabilities activated.