11-29-2012, 09:20 PM
The best way for the start of the grade (well one good way) is to get a 4-foot length of roadbed and tack down the first foot on the flat and then tack the last foot to the 2.2% grade. This makes a natural bend.
Another is a form of "spline". Cut thin boards to the profile desired with a curve. Then glue them together to the thickness you need. I don't know what curve should be used -- I favour something 5 feet or over or 2 metres. This may take a bit of math.
Not sure about the S curve area. Curves put more drag on. There will be more track length along the curvy bit than a straight line. The grade will also translate into cant (tilt) across the track in some places and much of it will be the wrong way.
Another is a form of "spline". Cut thin boards to the profile desired with a curve. Then glue them together to the thickness you need. I don't know what curve should be used -- I favour something 5 feet or over or 2 metres. This may take a bit of math.
Not sure about the S curve area. Curves put more drag on. There will be more track length along the curvy bit than a straight line. The grade will also translate into cant (tilt) across the track in some places and much of it will be the wrong way.
David
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.