Comments on: When You Need To Super-Elevate Track For Trains Moving Through A Curve At Speed

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 10:41:20 +0000

I think the key to addressing any super-elevation concern is the speed one would want to achieve through the curve. Really now, how many layouts are large enough to run trains at high speeds and not look like the typical toy train in the shop window racing around the loop every few seconds?

It’s commonly recognized that, for most layouts, attention to the easements into and out of the curves produces quite an improvement over the typical abrupt entry into or out of a fixed-radius track section. I would suggest spending time on super-elevation only after getting the easements right.

By: Doug Sassman

Doug Sassman — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 03:19:56 +0000

Doug Sassman/says

On the bottom side of of the curve use smaller code rail—–(example)out side rail code 100 inside rail code 80——-

By: Howard Blasczyk

Howard Blasczyk — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 20:42:09 +0000

Keep in mind that you are working in scale. Even a small change can make a difference.
A 1/8 inch elevation of the outer rail in HO scale would be almost 1/2 foot on an actual RR.

Although super-elevating during construction may be preferable, it can be done after construction. You may not be aware of where the problem areas are until you actually run trains. It is however preferable to add the shims prior to ballasting.