I'm getting nowhere without reasonably accurate track templates. A turnout is not just the intersection of a circle and a straight line. I know you all want me to get XtrkCad and I'm sure I will but for now, I don't have a box that can run that application. Little luck, either, finding track templates online.
So, I'm drawing my own, starting with a #8 Left turnout. I fear to put the large image inline, so:
http://xuefang.com/rr/junction/number8-L.gif
I've shaded the area between points and frog mostly to make the turnout stand out as a unit in a layout. Obviously, the trailing lines will foul for far longer than this, depending on what trackwork is laid out there. The thin red lines represent clearance; on straight they are 1" away from centerline. As the diverging route represents a curve, I've added 1/8" to the clearance there.
The other lines are merely a drawing grid, with gridlines 6" apart. I'm not handlaying and I don't demand exactness; these are just schematics. They're designed to be viewed at a much smaller size in a full plan. My main concern is getting the overall geometry correct.
I figure I can make reasonable track plans by copying templates like these and rotating them around, lining up the centerlines by eye, and checking for clearances. I'll do a #6 turnout, some straight and curved track, and perhaps a curved turnout. Then, I'll see if I can't work out spiral easements.
Comments?
So, I'm drawing my own, starting with a #8 Left turnout. I fear to put the large image inline, so:
http://xuefang.com/rr/junction/number8-L.gif
I've shaded the area between points and frog mostly to make the turnout stand out as a unit in a layout. Obviously, the trailing lines will foul for far longer than this, depending on what trackwork is laid out there. The thin red lines represent clearance; on straight they are 1" away from centerline. As the diverging route represents a curve, I've added 1/8" to the clearance there.
The other lines are merely a drawing grid, with gridlines 6" apart. I'm not handlaying and I don't demand exactness; these are just schematics. They're designed to be viewed at a much smaller size in a full plan. My main concern is getting the overall geometry correct.
I figure I can make reasonable track plans by copying templates like these and rotating them around, lining up the centerlines by eye, and checking for clearances. I'll do a #6 turnout, some straight and curved track, and perhaps a curved turnout. Then, I'll see if I can't work out spiral easements.
Comments?