I purchased some K-Line track with black ties 042 curves. I put 3 peices together to make a 90 degree curve but what I got ended up being less than 90 degrees. I had to add a half of a curve to complete the curve. Is this normal for this type of track? I have had 042 track before and I am sure this never happened. Does anyone know if I am losing my mind.
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RRaddict2,
If it's comforting to hear? You are not alone . No, you are not losing your mind. No, it's not a normal problem either . All you can do is recheck each section of track. I have had the same happen a few times over the years.
I've had the same thing happen to me in the past, and found that it is due to the angle of the joints of the sections of track. In another words, if you slightly "over bend" or "under bend" the half circle assembly causing the joints to flex slightly, will that end up making the curve fit?
Another way to check and see if that is the culprit is to measure from the tip of the center rail of one end to the tip of the center rail of the other end, and see if it actually would make a true half circle of an 0-42 curve. With your add-on piece in the assembly, does the distance from one center rail end to the other center rail end actually measure 42", or is it now larger? If it is larger, take out your added piece and see if you can flex the half curve to end up being 42" from center rail tip to center rail tip.
I have had that happen once or twice and had to add a small section of a curve to make a full quarter circle or half circle.
Another thing to be aware of is that the number of ties doesn't always let you know what the curve size is. Lionel started to use 3 ties to a curve section for both 031 and 042 curves. Williams uses 4 or 5 ties per section of curve track.
Be careful of your curve track size when buying track either new or used.
Lee Fritz
This is the K-Line track with several small black ties like the snap track. I did add a section of a curve and it worked fine. I am glad I am not losing my mind. My math is bad but not that bad.