tclayton
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Beginner Question on Measurements
Hello,
Sorry for the newbie question, but I'm having trouble figuring out something which is probably very basic. I'm trying to create an oval with one side shorter than the other (see the linked image) which then curves around to match the other side. I'm having trouble figuring out how to properly place pieces so that the track lengths match. If you notice in the image there is a gap between the tracks. I've tried different combinations, but can't seem to come up with the right approach to figure this out.
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Todd
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Oct/21/2009, 3:55 pm
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TakeFive
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Re: Beginner Question on Measurements
If you are not married to the length of the short side, you can connect the entire diagonal section from the 020 straight through the 160 curve on the lower right of the short side to the 160 curve on the right of the bottom straight and then make up the resulting gap on the short vertical side with whatever flex length closes it. You're being caught in a geometry trap where the track lengths don't adhere to the sum of the square of the lengths of two sides equals the square of the length of the hypotenuse rule.
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Oct/21/2009, 4:09 pm
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NYCE7
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Re: Beginner Question on Measurements
Those diagonal tracks will get you every time. I had the same "problem" trying to get perfect lineups until, as TakeFive pointed out, I realized that geometry, not the track or software, was the culprit.
If you duplicate the diagonal section in the upper left corner or replace the diagonal with quarter turns, you'll find that the track fits perfectly, but the second you introduce a section that isn't duplicated elsewhere, you're likely to encounter gaps. Alternately, a tiny straight piece in the center of the upper left corner will correct the alignment of the diagonal. Then another tiny straight piece will finish off the diagonal.
As a fellow beginner, it took a moment to acknowledge that the real world doesn't use perfectly cut and bent sections of track like modelers nor does the real world layout tracks in giant loops to get back to the starting point.
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Oct/21/2009, 5:02 pm
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tclayton
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Re: Beginner Question on Measurements
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look at this and will hopefully have more success. Thanks very much.
Todd
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Oct/21/2009, 5:15 pm
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tclayton
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Re: Beginner Question on Measurements
In case you want to see a first pass at the completed plan, here is the image. It's based upon the "Blue Coal & Stafford Town RR" from Model Railroader By Les Stafford (http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=1797).
It's not perfect, but it's close to what I wanted. The turns need to be 19"+ radius for the Acela we're planning on running on the future layout. This limited me to 15 degree turns since this is based upon Kato track. Not everything lines up perfectly, but nothing a little brute force won't solve...
I really appreciate the help.
Thanks,
Todd
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Oct/22/2009, 1:42 pm
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MacRailSoft
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Re: Beginner Question on Measurements
Thanks for the layout - you might consider submitting it for the user layouts section?
That'll be great!
Regarding your original question: It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific track systems, e.g. some examples for Kato how their turnouts should be used can be found here.
Often these examples can be found in the printed catalogues as well!
Hope that helps..
-
J. Barnholt
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Oct/22/2009, 10:20 pm
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tclayton
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Re: Beginner Question on Measurements
Thanks! I tried to follow some some of the guidelines, but I'm starting to wish I paid more attention in math.
I'll submit the layout. No problem. Just don't be too critical on the "hacks" I used to line things up.
Todd
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Oct/22/2009, 11:37 pm
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TakeFive
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Re: Beginner Question on Measurements
Todd,
Great layout. Don't worry about "hacks", they disappear under ballast. Good job.
Dcik
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Oct/26/2009, 5:59 am
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tclayton
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Re: Beginner Question on Measurements
Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. I'm working on another design that will fit in a smaller space. I can submit that one as well once it falls into place.
Todd
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Oct/26/2009, 7:46 pm
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