Figuring the curves for my triple loop
Figuring the curves for three tracks in order to minimize the space, keep the curves as smooth and evenly spaced as possible, and connect each loop to itself was no easy task. Each loop has a minimum radius and easement curves of two wider radii in order to keep long engines and cars on the track. I originally used brown wrapping paper to put under my test loops to make the track more visible for photography. Then it occured to me to write the track numbers down so I could keep track of the pieces I was using. The degrees of curvature have to balance in order for it to fit together.
Inner loop from the eastbound throat: R718, insulated joints, S248, R718 15 degrees, 4 x R282 45 degrees each, R481 15 degrees, R718 15 degrees, power feeds, S124, insulated joints, and finally S248 to westbound throat.
Middle loop from eastbound throat: S248, insulated joints, S248, R718 15 degrees, R 381 30 degrees, 2 x R 315 45 degrees each, 3 x R381 30 degrees each, power feeds, S64, insulated joints, and finally S248 to westbound throat.
Outer loop from eastbound throat: S248, insulated joints S248, S186, R718 15 degrees, R381 30 degrees, R348 45 degrees, S64, 2 x R348 45 degrees each, short adjustable straight item# 20-050, R348 45 degrees, power feeds, S186, insulated joints, and finally R718 to westbound throat.
All the R numbers are the curved track radius in millimeters, and the S numbers are the length of straight track in millimeters. That's how Kato labels Unitrack.
Figuring the curves for my triple loop
Figuring the curves for three tracks in order to minimize the space, keep the curves as smooth and evenly spaced as possible, and connect each loop to itself was no easy task. Each loop has a minimum radius and easement curves of two wider radii in order to keep long engines and cars on the track. I originally used brown wrapping paper to put under my test loops to make the track more visible for photography. Then it occured to me to write the track numbers down so I could keep track of the pieces I was using. The degrees of curvature have to balance in order for it to fit together.
Inner loop from the eastbound throat: R718, insulated joints, S248, R718 15 degrees, 4 x R282 45 degrees each, R481 15 degrees, R718 15 degrees, power feeds, S124, insulated joints, and finally S248 to westbound throat.
Middle loop from eastbound throat: S248, insulated joints, S248, R718 15 degrees, R 381 30 degrees, 2 x R 315 45 degrees each, 3 x R381 30 degrees each, power feeds, S64, insulated joints, and finally S248 to westbound throat.
Outer loop from eastbound throat: S248, insulated joints S248, S186, R718 15 degrees, R381 30 degrees, R348 45 degrees, S64, 2 x R348 45 degrees each, short adjustable straight item# 20-050, R348 45 degrees, power feeds, S186, insulated joints, and finally R718 to westbound throat.
All the R numbers are the curved track radius in millimeters, and the S numbers are the length of straight track in millimeters. That's how Kato labels Unitrack.