Queston: When is a 1/2 curve not half of a curve?

Ed

Its this way with tubular track both straights and curves. A half section is always longer than an actual half. I believe it had to do with having three ties joining the rails so Lionel and etc would "cut" them after the second tie. It seems this was carried over into the K-Line SuperSnap by tradition.

Scotie

When it is either MORE or LESS than a 1/2 curve.  In your case, MORE.

MORE is always better...right?????

 

Rick

With tubular track that is the way most companies sell it, just a bit longer(maybe a half inch more) then the actual half curve or half straight would be if you were to cut it in half yourself. Try to put two Lionel half straight tracks together in tubular and then compare them to a regular section of tubular straight track, you get over a half inch more.

So when using half sections of track you must take that into consideration, but tubular track is more flexible then solid based plastic roadbed track.

 

Lee Fritz

The larger size is essential to the utility of the overall tubular track system. One straight plus a half straight is equal to an "0-72 straight" (seen on a 0-72 switch) and three 1/2 curves equal two full curves so that it is possible to make special geometries (such as a 30 or 60 degree turn instead of 45 or 90). This relationship also permits reconciliation between the "8 per circle" and "12 per circle" diameters. 

We have a bridge system that has the smallest curve at 22.5degrees
So a different curve can be made from that to 45, 67.5 to 90 degrees

We offer various diameters too from 31" to 100"

Does it have anything to do with a K-Line 042 switch to return the diverging leg to parallel?