I first wrote on this subject above hoping that someone might tell me a better way or that my plan had an issue. I hope I haven't hijacked the thread; I hope to be at this point of construction in the next 2 months at that time I will post pictures.
Hoping to make a few things a little clearer. When you bend a long thin strip of wood the point in the middle between the two fixed ends is where the radius will be smallest and tightest and as you go from that center point to the fixed point the radius increases So in my plan above, I trap the thin strip of wood on edge between brads partially nailed in either side of my parallel lines representing where the track is straight.
My 4 curves are roughly 128 Diameter to 96" Diameter and will be separated by approximately 4-5" to 5-5" my parallels are 4.5" centerline to centerline.
By doing this with all four tracks I can visually find symmetry and clearance distance between as well as having the same easement as real railroads on entry and exit from the curve. I can tweak each strip by changing the start and stop points of the bend and changing the length of wood strip between the two fixed points. Of course, when satisfied I will trace with a marker and proceed with roadbed and track laying.
On these pages I have seen some beautiful track work and have been very impressed with the flex bent parallel and with easement. If anyone has dealt with similar, please post or message me, thank you,
kevin
