Pre-made templates?

Sure. It would help to have drawings done in CAD or another system to take to them. It would probably cost you less then having them make the drawing in CAD.  We have a Cnc in our shop but I haven't had the time to layout my stuff.

Are you talking about a template to layout your ties for hand laying track?

Ralph

Good question Ralph. It's a template for the curves when drawing the lines for where the track will eventually go. I've done things like strings and pencils along with carving ones out of plywood.

 

But for this next layout I'd like a nice big plastic template perhaps with the parallel track also a part of it. Just slap it down and draw the lines.

 

It would be nice to have them in various radii. Maybe there is a company that has done this? I'll have to research this.

 

Thanks!

 

Chuck

Try Fast Tracks:

 

http://www.handlaidtrack.com/o-scale-a/175.htm

 

ChipR

Before starting my layout I went to a sign shop and had templates made from 1/4 inch composite for three radii; 36, 40, and 44 inches. The roadbed was 3" wide, and was one quarter of a circle. I then bought a four foot wide roll of cork, twenty feet long, and 1/4" thick. This has saved significant time and money, and along with straight templates of 12, 24, and 36" has made track laying (Gargraves flex) according to my track plan a lot less stressful. Hope this helps you. Mike

Good ideas both of you. I just e-mailed handlaidtrrack.com and will also visit a local sign shop.

 

Will also get templates made for easements.

 

Thanks!

 

Chuck

 

This was great advice Chip. They have something called "Sweep Sticks" for a whole variety of "O" radius curves. They are perfect for laying out flex track and seeing how a curve will look on a layout.

 

Thanks!

 

Chuck