CodyO`s Pennsy Modular 16'X4'

[Lemosteam]

Nonsense- take a look at the rout from Marysville to Duncannon along the Sesquehanna:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Marysville,+PA+17053/@40.3718779,-77.0351826,14.5z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c8c5cce84533ff:0xa354d3a3149d5006!8m2!3d40.3425876!4d-76.9299748!6m1!1e1

While a large single sweeping curve might be pretty, the location above shows your route to be prototypical and I for one like the look of S curves (with large enough radii) when a train is running.  it gives the viewer an opportunity to see both sides of the train when it is coming straight at you and with all of the cool photo stacking devices, I don't see it detracting from photos.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Nonsense- take a look at the rout from Marysville to Duncannon along the Sesquehanna:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Marysville,+PA+17053/@40.3718779,-77.0351826,14.5z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c8c5cce84533ff:0xa354d3a3149d5006!8m2!3d40.3425876!4d-76.9299748!6m1!1e1

While a large single sweeping curve might be pretty, the location above shows your route to be prototypical and I for one like the look of S curves (with large enough radii) when a train is running.  it gives the viewer an opportunity to see both sides of the train when it is coming straight at you and with all of the cool photo stacking devices, I don't see it detracting from photos.

Oh, I am well familiar with that particular stretch of railroad.

However, keep in mind the distance. You're looking at 2-3 miles of railroad there.

[wazzou]

Oh, I am well familiar with that particular stretch of railroad.

However, keep in mind the distance. You're looking at 2-3 miles of railroad there.

Not only that, but I only see one change of direction deviating from the gentle curved route following the bank of the river.

[Lemosteam]

You sure of that? Full blown s curve inside 1/2 mile...

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[wcfn100]

But Cody's plan has six 'S' curves in less than a half mile and no straight track between some of them. 


Jason

[wazzou]

But Cody's plan has six 'S' curves in less than a half mile and no straight track between some of them. 


Jason

^^^ This.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

And there's quite a bit of tangent there too.

Here's a photo.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/28053622@N05/8708355682

[Lemosteam]

But Cody's plan has six 'S' curves in less than a half mile and no straight track between some of them. 


Jason

yeah, I guess I see that point- I was really focusing on just the one in the middle.

[dougnelson]

Cody:
I would definitely smooth out the curves a bit.  As you have it, s curves without a tangent section between them are asking for derailment problems, particularly longer cars such as passenger cars.  Also, I would recommend transition curves as your end loops meet tangent track.  The idea is to have a larger radius curve as a transition between tangent and smaller radius curves.  This will help minimize derailment issues and trains will look much better entering and leaving the loops.  The track geometry should be more dynamic than fixed radius and straight.  If you can, consult a copy of John Armstrong's classic Track Planning for Realistic Operation.  Look up transition curves.

[seusscaboose]

But Cody's plan has six 'S' curves in less than a half mile and no straight track between some of them. 


Jason

but does it have Tubby's Nightclub? 

[CodyO]

Think you guys are missing something.

The tracks have to go straight across at module ends to allow for future expansion.

All Curves on the scenic side are over 30" and the CNJ bridge is meant to add some interest and follow a bit of the prototype.

@dougnelson One thing I dont like about Xtrck is that it's always been a pain to add transition curves. There WILL be transition curves just not on the plan. Good eye!

The center module may be straighten out a little bit.
But I'd like to avoid it just being straight.

Thanks for the help and suggestions!

@seusscaboose I think I found my first business for the layout!

[seusscaboose]

LMGTFY

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Downtown-Deco-N-The-Boobie-Hatch-Kit-p/dtd-2019.htm

[wcfn100]

Think you guys are missing something.

The tracks have to go straight across at module ends to allow for future expansion.

Even so, does it have to be expandable between every single module?  you can easily build off the ends if you ever get to that point.

Jason

[wazzou]

+ the Gap Masters don't have to be used at 90 degree angles to the module ends.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

That's what I figured, but I think your underlying assumption is incorrect. These aren't NTRAK modules!

Do yourself a favor. Prototype it out. Lay out the track plan at 1:1 somewhere and then set a nice long train on it. See how it looks.