What to do next?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have tried every way I know to get a simple oval with a runaround on one end. I end up with kinks that slow or stall some of my locos. It is a 4X8 HO, cork over foam. The two straight runs are 41" apart (glued down) center to center along the 8’ sides. I want to include a runaround or passing siding inside the outer semicircle. Using code 83 flextrack, I have tried #4 turnouts but the kinks occur where the runaround meets the diverging rails. Then I tried curved turnouts with pretty much the same results. Then I tried using short sections of pre curved track of 18 and 22" radius. I know that this can be done, I just don’t know where to go next. I even thought about hand laying the turnouts. I do not want to go less than 18"R

The plan I am using is Ian Rices called “the hollow run RR”

Any suggestions will help. How about Ribbon Rail templates? I still would get the kinks at the turnouts though.

2

I would really be great if you could provide an overhead shot of the place, Bruce, but here is where I think an eased curve out each side of your loop end would help a lot. Either that, or use two turnouts on either side of the end curve, just where it starts to curve, but use the diverging routes to form the inner main…if I am following you correctly.