Message Areas - "Further data - multiple track dynamic sections"

Train-Sim.Com Message Areas

"Further data - multiple track dynamic sections"

Email this topic to a friend
Printer-friendly version of this topic
Bookmark this topic (Registered users only)
Previous Topic | Next Topic Conferences MSTS Route Design (Protected) Original message
landnrailroader (58 posts)
Nov-18-01, 07:27 AM (EST) "Further data - multiple track dynamic sections" After proceeding further with the Kingsport Sub., I have determined some other factors which make it quite easy to lay multiple tracks, where all tracks are dynamic pieces.First, lay the main track. Any data that you have about degree of curve, etc. will always refer to the main track. Sidings, Yards etc. that parallel the main, will have more or less curvature.Second, Multiple tracks in the train-sim world are always 5 meters apart. This works out to 16.4' which is a bit wide, but we are stuck with it. Since the curves are circular, automatically, parallel tracks will have radii that are multiples of 5 meters more or less than the main track.Third, when laying the main track, jot down the radius, angle of curve, length of any straight sections before or after, and the angle of elevation.Fourth, lay parallel tracks with the same distances of tangent track, 5 meters more or less than the adjacent track, the same angle of curve, and the same elevation angle.Fifth, you will find that, if for example the curve ends with a straight section, then you can successfully use 2, 3, or 4 track pieces and they will match.Lastly, always precede and follow, any dynamic piece with a fixed piece. I try to use a 10m straight section, but if it is a compound curve, there is no reason to not use a fixed curve piece before and/or after the dynamic piece.In the real world, 16.4' is probably okay for main tracks, i.e. multiple main tracks. The tangent spacing is usually 15', but spacing is widened out on curves to allow for overhangs. In yards, the tangent spacing is usually 13' except wider on curves.Definition: Compound curves are those which are continuous curves, but in which parts of them are different. This is differentiated from a spiral which is technically a compound curve also. There is a curve on the Southern, along the French Broad R., near Del Rio, TN, that stretches for nearly a mile, and has pieces ranging from 2 degrees to 12 degrees or more. It was done to naturally follow the bend of the river. If the curve changes direction, then it is said to be a "reverse curve" or sometimes an "S" curve. This would not be a compound curve.J. H. Sullivan, P.E.
retired from CSX Engineering Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Lock | Archive | Remove

Lobby | Topics | Previous Topic | Next Topic