Thanks Fred, you stated what I was trying to get at. Turnouts are just like 2x4s…some trimming required, but don’t trim too much [B)]
Chris
Fred,
We do agree to some extent.
If-as you say-you are willing to risk trimming turnouts, then you can estimate as Chris proposes. However, the risk can be considerable. The differences between Chris’ estimates and the actual lengths of my Walthers/Shinohara turnouts are measured in multiple inches, not fractions. The differences with my curved turnouts would be even greater. Such a risk can be avoided by just a little research into reality.
I also agree that the last few percentage points of design effort are more costly than the first few and somewhat disproportionate to the cost of the entire process. However, to say that the last 10% costs as much as the first 90% is a gross exaggeration. And in this era of construction litigation, to forego the effort to be as accurate and complete as possible (understanding that perfection is rarely obtainable) is foolhardy. The “harm” of defending oneself from a malpractice lawsuit-even if successful-will usually greatly exceed the cost of pursuing as much of that last 10% as possible (to say nothing of the cost in dollars and reputation if you don’t successfully defend yourself).
Dante
Peco has templates for their track at http://www.peco-uk.com/page.asp?id=pointplans.
I used Atlas track on my first N scale layout and found it the turnouts marginal; switch to kato unitrack. I’m now building HO 2x8 modules and won’t use any track but Peco.
Have fun!
Dan
Thanks DannyBoy6 for your link.
Which one should I dowmload because I see there are two different kind of N scale tracks. Should I use the N gauge code 80 or N gauge code 55?
Thanks again!