Curved track building.
Jan, 2011. Built a curved rail panel jig. The curve is set for 20' radius. Built just like the Tangent jig with 3/4" 2'x8' top with 2x4's around the edge for rigidly. Same 2x3 spacers for a 2 1/2" or three finger knuckles spacing. Built a rail stop on the jig at 2" off the jig so the track panels will have a 20" offset like the tangent jig. Again, If you are looking down the track panel, like from the engineers position or sitting on a car, the left rail sticks off the end of the panel 20" longer than the right. I figure when installing out on the railroad I will hold the outside rail to the 10' length and cut the inside rail to fit.
I put a piece of 3/4"x1"x8' along the edge of the spacer blocks on the curve , just out far enough to center the ties on the rail.
I also installed small pieces of 3/4"x2" on the top of the ends and middle spacer blocks to hold the one rail about in place while screwing down the rail.
I put a piece of 3/4"x1"x8' along the edge of the spacer blocks on the curve , just out far enough to center the ties on the rail.
I also installed small pieces of 3/4"x2" on the top of the ends and middle spacer blocks to hold the one rail about in place while screwing down the rail.
Aug, 2013. Building curved track panels.
I have made up track gauges out of 1x2 clear pine. I space the curved track at a 7 5/8", as per the IBLS standards. I made up three of them to be able to work along and hold the gauge.
I screw down the rail with #8x1" zinc plated slotted hex head washer piercing screws from FMW.
https://www.fmwfasteners.com/collections/slotted-hex-washer-self-piercing-screws-zinc-plated/products/8-x-1-slotted-hex-washer-self-piercing-screw-zinc-plated
I use 2 screw per ties per rail or 4 screws per tie for both rails. I use a staggered pattern. On the first tie the screw on the left goes outside the rail and the screw on the right goes on the inside for the rail. The next tie the I do the opposite and put the screw on the left on the inside and then the screw on the right on the outside and then repeating the process.
I have made up track gauges out of 1x2 clear pine. I space the curved track at a 7 5/8", as per the IBLS standards. I made up three of them to be able to work along and hold the gauge.
I screw down the rail with #8x1" zinc plated slotted hex head washer piercing screws from FMW.
https://www.fmwfasteners.com/collections/slotted-hex-washer-self-piercing-screws-zinc-plated/products/8-x-1-slotted-hex-washer-self-piercing-screw-zinc-plated
I use 2 screw per ties per rail or 4 screws per tie for both rails. I use a staggered pattern. On the first tie the screw on the left goes outside the rail and the screw on the right goes on the inside for the rail. The next tie the I do the opposite and put the screw on the left on the inside and then the screw on the right on the outside and then repeating the process.
Oct, 2013. Here are some of the tangent and curved track panels. Oh and one being built.
Sept, 2014. Building some more. I think these are for the north loop?