Are you using any track planning software?
Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
New To N Scale
I grew up on HO, but haven't had a train set since I was about 14. During the pandemic, I felt compelled to revisit model trains, something I've always loved.
Getting way out over my skis, I decided to embark on creating a layout joining Woodland Scenic's Grand Valley and River Pass layouts. After discovering I couldn't run the larger/longer locomotives/cars on the layout, I decided to go with N scale, which I'm surprisingly excited about after purchasing my first Kato N Scale Set.
Taking my unfounded ambitions a step further, I've decided to run double track around the layout as much as possible. I'd like to have a double turnout and thought I could chop-up a 15 degree crossover enough to get there, but it's not happening (see pic). I'm hoping I'm missing something - is there a better way?
Getting way out over my skis, I decided to embark on creating a layout joining Woodland Scenic's Grand Valley and River Pass layouts. After discovering I couldn't run the larger/longer locomotives/cars on the layout, I decided to go with N scale, which I'm surprisingly excited about after purchasing my first Kato N Scale Set.
Taking my unfounded ambitions a step further, I've decided to run double track around the layout as much as possible. I'd like to have a double turnout and thought I could chop-up a 15 degree crossover enough to get there, but it's not happening (see pic). I'm hoping I'm missing something - is there a better way?
Attachments
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
Kato seems really good at designing pieces to keep the geometry perfect for double track layouts. What is lacking, is a good source that explains what pieces can/should be used to accomplish certain goals.
Also, I found this old Kato product... Notice how the outside turnout startes later than the inside turnout? I presume that is so the diverging tracks emerge at the same point. So, staggered at the entrance so they are flush at the exit.
![]()
Also, I found this old Kato product... Notice how the outside turnout startes later than the inside turnout? I presume that is so the diverging tracks emerge at the same point. So, staggered at the entrance so they are flush at the exit.
The geometry of Kato double track is 33mm on center spacing. You can't make this work and stay at that spacing throughout without modifying both the turnout and the 12.5* crossing. You want to use the more reliable #6 turnouts, so the track needs to be 49.5mm on center going into these turnouts. Then use a 481 and 718 radii curves to close the gap back down to ~38mm. There will be about an 80mm gap from the 481 curve to your next double track piece. Put an extensible 78-105mm piece here and it flexes enough to connect reliably.
The through track can be widened and brought back to 33mm on center with a wiggle of the 249mm radius curves and liberal use of the extensible track.
![]()
FWIW, I gave up on double track for these problems. It was easier to widen the track coming out of a curve to get the geometric spacing correct -- which meant long stretches of track that was not 33mm on center. Love the look of the super elevated double track curves -- just know the limitations on down the line.
The through track can be widened and brought back to 33mm on center with a wiggle of the 249mm radius curves and liberal use of the extensible track.
FWIW, I gave up on double track for these problems. It was easier to widen the track coming out of a curve to get the geometric spacing correct -- which meant long stretches of track that was not 33mm on center. Love the look of the super elevated double track curves -- just know the limitations on down the line.
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
