I also use the bent stick method to lay out easements. On a 62" radius curve I use 3/4" offsets with a 30" long easement between the point of curvature and the point of tangency. On wider curves I use longer easements. John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operation provides useful guidelines and methods for laying out easements. My mainline curves are super-elevated with the transition made in the length of the easement.
Ed Rappe
