Curves

One of the biggest challenges when space is constrained, yet you’re wanting a continuous double loop track, is “curvature”. Too much of a curve will cause a few problems including long coaches hitting each other when passing, catching any scenery (in my case the curved viaduct is a big issue) and basically looking like a train set.

I started off by using AnyRail which had 610mm, 761mm and 1219mm set as minimum radii. More than 1219mm being what I aimed for. I couldn’t manage that everywhere and covered most of the visual impacts of the tighter curves. Or a cutting or a tunnel or having them off the scenic section. So I was pretty happy with the AnyRail approach but still wasn’t convinced I wouldn’t have passing coaches hitting each other.

Thanks to a program called TrainPlayer I could import my AnyRail plan and then add simulated LMS trains and see if they hit each other on the curves.

It took me a few iterations. I needed to adjust things in AnyRail then load the new plan each time into TrainPlayer. Eventually I had the adjustments I needed to be confident in the next steps to laying the track. At least from a simulation point of view.

I followed this up by also printing out a full plan on A0 paper. This meant I could ‘run’ coaches along the printout to double check it was all OK. I didn’t find any issues. Hurrah.

This intermediate step with TrainPlayer helped prevent multiple A0 printouts which saved time and moneys me thinks.