TEMPLATES FOR CURVES???

you could always use track for a template

I've done that but I thought it would be more precise using a template.

Hi

We made all our templets out of card board from old boxes. thy work great.

You can make one easily by nailing a brad to a flat surface, measure a string for the radius with some slack and attach to the brad. Put a pencil on the end of the string and mark.

Paul, Ross Custom Switches has templates for all their switches and roundhouse.  Since they have recently been selling curves it would be a good idea to call Steve to see if curved templates are now available.

Jack

All great ideas - thanx, Dr. Jack, electroliner and Harry!

Make yourself a big compass to lay out curves. You should really draw a track centerline even when using pre-curved track to be sure you avoid areas of reduced radius.

This is a smaller one I used for tight curves, but I also made one 4' long for all but the very widest curves.

Jim

I use a metal meter stick--has metric measurements on one side, english on the other. since a meter is 39.37 inches, it was easy to drill a hole at one inch from the end, then drill holes for a sharpie marker at appropriate radii for the popular track systems. each hole is labeled by brand of track. If I ever use track larger than O-72, I'll just screw on an extension---

I use an old construction steel tape with a hole on the 1"' mark for the pivot point and holes on the applicable radi points, for example 37" for 072 centerline, 43" for 084, etc,etc.

Photo shows marking the grid edges for wiring apps and 072/084 end curves at proposed hinged Drop Section entry point.

If you have RR-Track, you can print 1:1 templates. We used one to lay out the engine facility at the club.