Fast Tracks

I have a spot on my layout that needs curved turnout. Originally I was going to use a #8 twist ties for this turnout, but the #8 point form tool that I was going to use is no longer available to me. Since I don't want to purchase a point form tool for #8s for just one turnout, I am thinking about using a #6 instead. I plan to have the inside radius at 30" and the outside will float to what ever it takes. Do you see any issues with doing this? Any comments or suggestions.

Thanks

Jim McHenry

Hi Jim,

As long as you minimum radius is 30" you should not have any issues as the outer radius will be much larger. If you can keep above 30" inside that would be even better, as the inside radius of a curved turnout is a compound radius and there will be a very short section that ends up less than 30"

Tim

Tim

The radius of the inside track will actually be 30.75" and I'm not sure if I can alter that much at this point. Almost all of my locomotives are P-B-L and are designed for a minimum radius of 26", but that is really pushing it. The largest loco that I will own is a K-27 but at sometime I will probably have visiting power that will go up to a K-37. Will the "pinch point on the curve go down below the 26"r? If so I should probably rethink and or re engineer that spot on the layout.

Thanks

Jim

You should be fine with these specs.

It looks like I'll be able to use the #8 after all. I tought my friend had given his #8 tools to another friend in Chicago. It turns out he did keep the tools and is going to allow me to borrow the point form tool next weekend. I love it when a plan comes together!

Jim