|
|
 Posted - December 30 2012 : 10:14:12 PM
|
Is it really practical to shorten Atlas "snap-switches"? I figure the shorter, longer yard tracks can be had. Am I correct?
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
|
Country:  USA ~
Posts: 3147 ~
Member Since: May 07 2007 ~
Last Visit: February 09 2026
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - December 30 2012 : 10:27:16 PM
|
Never tried it, just a guess.... for the amount of work it would take, you wouldn't get much gain.
Atlas makes a relatively small snap switch. I would use that for a yard. Obviously, the design of the yard can help. A ladder style (lead in tracks, at the ends of the yard, are angled toward each other) yard runs out of room quickly. A way to get more room is have the lead in tracks parallel to each other. That probably didn't make much sense. I'll try and get a picture.
There are tracking planning books and software, plus the good ol' fashioned method with a template and pencil
Unspoken expectations are premeditated failures.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 825 ~
Member Since: December 22 2008 ~
Last Visit: March 16 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - December 30 2012 : 11:28:30 PM
|
Here is what NCS is talking about:
Here are two other tricks for lengthening yard tracks:
A curved, or pinwheel, ladder:
 (Kenneth L. Anthony)
A compound ladder:
Like NCS said, there are track planning aids available. For yards, I like "The Model Railroader's Guide to Freight Yards" by Andy Sperandeo.
Hope this helps!
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
Edited by - gmoney on January 11 2013 1:08:58 PM
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1675 ~
Member Since: December 13 2008 ~
Last Visit: February 28 2026
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - December 31 2012 : 11:45:51 AM
|
The tracks will dead end. I'll be using the compound ladder arrangement.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 3147 ~
Member Since: May 07 2007 ~
Last Visit: February 09 2026
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - December 31 2012 : 3:06:18 PM
|
Thanks, Glenn, for chipping in with the drawings.
Which software do you draw those with?
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 825 ~
Member Since: December 22 2008 ~
Last Visit: March 16 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - January 01 2013 : 12:15:00 AM
|
I must confess I "borrowed" them. I should have given credit but I was short on time; will do my best to rectify that!
Edit: I did my best to give credit where credit is due, but could only find one of the drawings.:( If anyone knows who deserves credit for the others, let me know.
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
Edited by - gmoney on January 11 2013 1:14:52 PM
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1675 ~
Member Since: December 13 2008 ~
Last Visit: February 28 2026
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
Home
Forums
Events Calendar
Forum Admins & Mods
Register
