Measuring model train radius?
I was wondering how you measure and set the radius for a turn on a train set using flextrack or even snap track. Is there a certain way you set a ruler or whatnot??
Not registered with eBay?
Click to sign up
Click to sign up
LGB The Blue Train Set in Box..used
 | US $100.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:06:18 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
LGB G SCALE TRAINS 2040 CROCODILE LOOKS MINT NO RESERVE
 | US $331.10 (24 Bids) End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 16:57:00 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
LGB 21988 Circus Train Set**Excellent Condition!
 | US $100.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 9:21:58 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
LGB 20412PV (EUR) Train Set**Excellent Condition!
 | US $110.00 (6 Bids) End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 13:14:19 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
USA TRAINS R22405 ALCO NYC PA ,PB SET LGB
 | US $200.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Aug-05-2010 8:33:30 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
2 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
Usually, the radius you want is much larger than a compass can accomodate, as you probably realize.
You might want anything from a 10" (in smaller scales like Z or N), up to 45" (in HO or S) or even larger for O.
Cut a piece of string at least 3 " longer than the largest radius you think you’ll need. Tie one end to a pencil.
Go to where you plan to lay the track. Pull the string taught and measure from the pencil, down the string, with a tape measure. Let’s say you want a 20" radius. Measure 20".
Mark the string there. Now, put the pencil point where you want the curve to start. Pull the string taught, so the string is at a right angle (this is IMPORTANT) to the straight track where your curve starts, and tack down the end of the string at your mark. Now you can swing the pencil around, keeping the string taught, and you’ll get a smooth 20" arc. Lay your track so the centerline of the track goes along your pencil arc.
This is pretty old-fashioned stuff, just a "string compass",
but it sure does work.
If the end where you need to tack down the string end is over the edge of your table surface, you need to prop up something there, like a stool, and just hold the end down firmly with your thumb while you swing the pencil. You can also clamp down a scrap of plywood so it hangs over the edge and gives you somewhere to tack your string end temporarily while you draw the arc.
Comment by visibleholstein — March 10, 2010 @ 8:54 pm
The easiest way is to swing arcs with a compass on pieces of paper for the common radii and cut out the arcs.
Otherwise, use a right angle to go out to one side and a compass to measure the distance to the track above the line and swing the arc to see if it follows the track.
Comment by mike1942f — March 10, 2010 @ 8:54 pm