Understanding that S curves can derail, is this safe ? Coming out of a 054 curve, taking a PW 031 turnout into two 072 curve sections before straightening out. Do I need to insert that section of half track laying there between the turnout and the 072 section ?
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Going into the 072 should not be a problem. I don't think you need the straight section.
That should be fine unless your running at warp speed. It would be a bit smoother with an 072 switch, but that should work as you have it. Maybe test run a loco through there and see if there are any potential issues. I have some mixed radius sections back to back but they are in the same arc not in an S.
Honestly, if you have problems it would be with the 054 down to the 031 in the sense that your 263E for example (being very top heavy) will want to flip when it hits the 031 section if you are going at a high speed from the 054. Point is it could take a higher speed in the 054 than the 031. If your going slow enough to make it through the 031 curve of the switch, the S part after words will not be a problem. My opinion is if you have an 072 switch and room to use it, go that route. This is all also assuming the S part of the track is a main line. If it is just a spur or passenger siding, I would worry even less.
Its a spur but I may use 072 switch instead, didn't think about the 031 switch causing a problem.
That's a mild "S" curve. You should not have any problems.
I had tighter on my old basement layout and was fine as long as I kept it real slow.
IC Gulf posted:Its a spur but I may use 072 switch instead, didn't think about the 031 switch causing a problem.
Another option would be to use a K-Line O gauge O-42 switch. Not as broad as the O-72, but a lot better than the O-31.
raising4daughters posted:I had tighter on my old basement layout and was fine as long as I kept it real slow.
I agree, slow is the way to go, but is you have longer trains being dragged through there, they will have a tendency to pull over easier than in a larger radius switch.
IC Gulf posted:Its a spur but I may use 072 switch instead, didn't think about the 031 switch causing a problem.
Using the biggest switch possible is just like using the biggest curve possible - always a good idea.
Why don't you run a train through it and find out?
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