Using Ross Track: How do I do this?

Just use gargraves flex track it pretty much looks the same as ross eh

 

Either that or cut arcs out of existing Ross precurved track sections.  Either RRTrack or SCARM can model this for you.  Using GG flex will give you more design flexibility, though (no pun intended).

 

For instance, if you cut 2 pcs of Ross O72 standard curve 11.4 degrees or 7.16 inches long for each leg of your switches, then insert a GG flex straight pc cut 34.2 inches, you'd close your siding.  This assumes your straight pc was a Ross 14.5 in straight.  Also, the switches in RRTrack 5.2 are listed as 231 and 232, not 230 and 231, but they are #6 curved.

I use this to cut track. For 10 bucks it works great.

 

On a now modest sized Gargraves flex/Ross switches layout, I used O scale rail spikes in the areas where the GG flex track was visible and made a good approximation of the Ross staples/spikes.  At the time, the GG and Ross cross-ties were a close match.

You may have to use a custom cut piece. I don't know if this can be done in Anyrail? You can do it RR-track. RR-Track will measure it for you and tell you how long it needs to be. I think SCARM may also do this, but I haven't used SCARM. 

I may be wrong, but I bet a half 072 curve would line them up close.  Then cut it to fit.  What the heck do you need a software program to figure that out?  Get the track, lay it down and make it work.  You will most likely have to cut a straight piece to fit as well.  If you are cutting a lot of track, a Dremel with a cutoff wheel you can get from Ross for cheap works the best and will last a whole layout worth of cutting.  Good luck.

Thanks all. I guess I thought I must be missing something obvious.

1/2 pc of O72 is indeed what fits - 11.4 deg squares off the end perfectly for a straight connect to the other side.

The issue you are having with completing curves using Ross track is one reason that I went with Atlas for most of my layout.  I still need to use Ross #6 curved switches in my staging tracks and to cut curves to complete the 90 degree change in direction at each end.  Why Ross couldn't use standardized it's degrees of curvature is a mystery.

 

I've read that Ross will do custom work.  I don't know what it would cost but it might be worth taking them up on it in the future.

 

Jan

 

Hi Terry,

The 096\072 curved switch is 33.6° arc for the 096 and a 22.5° arc for the turn-out. Subtracting the turn-out from the turn arc is 11.1° ~11°. This is what you need to match the arc of the 096.

 

The Ross TR## (transition)pieces are designed for this. The one that fits is a TR35. it is an 11° arc that is 14.54 " long and fits in your configuration to provide ~ 4" center rail to center rail spacing. They can also be used to curve in for tight yard track spacing or parallel a straight.

 

That is the correct location for the switch. Further away from the apex creates too tight of a rail spacing.

 

You'll have to work out the siding length and straight length to suit.

 

I hope that helps.

 

See photo attached.

 

SCARM has the complete RCS library (most others)and is free.

Carl,

 

I have several Ross #6 curved switches (O96/O72) in my plan, and I did not know that the TR sections could be used like this.  Thanks.

I used to use Anyrail, very intuitive.

I have found SCARM to be much more fun to mess with. Worth the learning curve.

Its for Windows only, and be careful not to download an ad by accident while at SCARM. (they are Google ads, not SCARMs)

The program author, mixey, posts here, answers questions, etc.. Creating programs is his hobby.

The best part is the 3d viewer!

 

  

 This is just a "sketch"(unfinished) It gets much better!

You are welcome. The TR35,40 & 45 will work with those switches depending on the length that you need. They all complete the 90° turn in this configuration.

Many thanks Carl. It seems the TR35 is not available in the Anyrail Ross track library! The TR435, TR440 and TR445 are the only transitional pieces listed. So, no wonder I was unable to complete this rather basic task. I will have to take this omission up in the Anyrail forum.

how are you with a dremel drill and cut off wheel?

Just wanted to point out that using 1/2 pcs (11.4 degrees) of O72 instead of TR35 will give you a CTC spacing of approx 4.75 inches and a longer straight section.  Your choice as to what works best.

 

RRTrack also has all the TR sections modeled.

 

Tom

Before someone else points out my stupidity, I thought it best to own up to it myself.

 

TR35, 40 and 45 ARE in the Anyrail Ross track library. Just not where I expected to see 'em!

 

This was pointed out to me when I made a fool of myself in the Anyrails forum.

Confession is good for the soul.

Thanks, Tom. That works nicely.