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Author Topic: Incorrect Switch Sizing?  (Read 230 times)
MPAzevedo
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« on: June 22, 2008, 12:40:12 AM »

Hello, I really enjoy your program.  I do have one problem.  I’m working with Bachmann HO scale E-Z Track system.  I thought it was me when I did my first layout.  I did another layout without the use of 2 switches.  It seems that if you use more than 2 the length of one of the tracks is a bit short.  I finally did the exact same layout from “Your First Railroad Track Pack” from Bachmann and I can’t get one track linked.  I’m 1 1/8” short and there are no tracks they make that can fix this.  Thank you for your time.

* First Track 1.any (19.21 KB - downloaded 4 times.)
* First Track 2.any (21.04 KB - downloaded 3 times.)
* YFRRTP.any (18.08 KB - downloaded 3 times.)
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David
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« Reply #1 on: June 22, 2008, 01:04:28 PM »

In both cases, the misfit is caused by the geometry of E-Z track. Unfortunately, it's not easy to make a perfect fit due to the lack of filler track.

In the first example that you attached, the gap appears because the crossovers are 21 1/4 inch long. I've one of them lying here in front of me, and remeasuring it still leaves it at that length!
So, 2 x 21 1/4 = 42 1/2 inches for one side, against 5 x 9 = 45 inches at the other side.
The gap is 2 1/2 inches. Best fit would be the 44513 with a length of 2 1/4. Indeed, it's not perfect.

The second one fits.

The third example cannot fit perfectly either. In principle, a slightly wider curve is required to make it fit 100%. The best thing here is probably to just make use of the natural flexibility of a longer stretch of track and just force it in. In reality, you probably wouldn't even notice the fact that it's not a perfect fit.

To do these things in AnyRail, you need to switch the 'snap dropped parts' option off (Tools/Options/Behavior).
Next, disconnect the track in a couple of places, rotate or shift it just slightly, and drop it into place.
If necessary, set the tolerances slight higher (Tools/Options/Tolerances).

David.
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David Hoogvorst
Founder and Owner of DRail Modelspoor Software
Creator of AnyRail
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