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Making Curves The Easy Way
Most model railroads have curves, so it is important to know what radius is needed for smooth running and to avoid derailments. The next thing is to work out whether the curve will fit where you want it to go, and then to draw it to see how it looks. There are various ways to do this including using a flexible curve ruler (pictured) to form the required curve. Securing one end of some twine to a nail and the other end to a pencil is another way to draw a neat curve. I made a radius tool from a wooden yard ruler. I inserted a nail at the 1″ mark and drilled several holes at various intervals along the ruler. I then poke a pencil into a hole to scribe a curve. For example, if I want a 22″ radius, I drill the hole at 23″ (22″ from the nail). As any carpenter will tell you “measure twice, cut once.” It is simple advice, but well worth remembering.
3 Responses to Making Curves The Easy Way
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Hi I’m kinda new to railroading I’m not as skilled as u guys but I have the passion .and trying to pass it down to my little boy who is 3 . Here is my question I made a oval with the bed and trac as one and another inside oval some of the curves are not rite the train derails some time I have nailed most of the track but there still a gap in between the two .i can’t walk away and enjoy it afraid they will fall to floor all of my trains and houses were given to me from my grandfather . I would also like to do different lay outs any help would be great thanks
Ralph – Welcome to the club of those of us just starting out with the hobby. I have some questions that might help those of us reading your question. Are you working with HO, N or another gage of track? Are you working with flex track or with track with fixed curves? What is the radius of the curve or curves that the train derails from? What do you mean that ” there still a gap in between the two” ? Are you talking about a gap between where one rail meets another ? Are you using rail joiners (that is what I call them) to connect the rail end of one section of track to the next ? Sorry for all the questions. John Linn
Really interesting. Does someone have information to do an easement ?