Gargraves sectional curves

Gargraves pre-formed curves are "nominal" as opposed to exact like Ross and Atlas. We had that issue with some O-72 sectional. You can tweak them a bit, but not too much.

Well, that explains a few things :-)  I kinda figured that out and started printing layouts at 1:1 because I needed the curves to be exact.  I slightly flexed some of the preformed curves, but mostly I just bend them now by hand.

I recently purchased some Gargraves track and found the quality left a little to be desired. Nothing critical, but my eyebrows did rise.  If I were doing it all over again I would use Ross track exclusively.

David

Even with pre-curved sections, I like to draw the correct track centerline for that diameter on the roadbed first using a big homemade compass. I do this for all track brands to assure that the curves are smooth and consistent.

Jim

Jim,

Curious if you did this with the layout that you used Fastrack?

I've used Anyrail track planning to design my modular Fastrack layout, but didnt' think of drawing the correct centerline before laying track. Benchwork begins soon

-bruce

Bruce,

Fastrack and RealTrax with their plastic roadbed is pretty much right on with radius - not much flexing to throw off the curves. I didn't draw the center line, but I did measure across the assembled half circles to make sure that was accurate before fastening down. They were pretty much dead on, as I remember.

Jim

Jim,

That's a good tip, I'll make sure to measure across the assembled curves before fastening down.

Thanks.

-bruce

On my previous layout I purchased 2 circles of GGs O 42. I noticed they were not very precise in the curvature. If laid in a simple circle they were so inaccurate that the loop was off several inches and could not be closed without kinking the joints. It was almost as if a section was missing. Next layout I used Atlas,no problem at all. 

Dale H