Minimum radius warnings

[Bob Bryce]

I was having a lot of trouble fitting a 180 degree curve, 18" radius, as no matter what I did, the warnings showed on the tracks in at least 3 locations.  The issue is, I know a 36" diameter track set will work where I was placing it.

I created a 180 curve using 18" fix radius sectional track and superimposed 2 pieces of flex exactly over the fixed track, and the same issue occurred.  The diameter of the flex track was well over 36" before the minimum radius warnings turned off.  I measured the curve and the flex track came out to be a 20" radius before the minimum radius warnings were all off.    Confused.

[David]

To determine the radius, the flex track is subdivided in small straight segments to approximate it. From this approximation the (virtual) radius is determined for each segment.
For that reason, it's extremely sensitive. When the area turns red, it might be that the calculated radius is only 0.000001cm too tight.

You can use the 'Curve flex' function to create the best possible approximation.

[Bob Bryce]

I can follow that, although it seems odd a .000001 cm tolerance would generate a 2" error, but at least the error was in the conservative direction.

I have never used the Curve Flex feature, as when I have tried to use it on an existing curved piece of flex track, it was greyed out and not accessible.

This morning I used it successfully on an new piece of flex, and it worked great. 

The only part I am not excited about is the need to input the angle of the curve.  What if you don't know the exact angle you need to use.  It's great if you know the exact angle, for say 30, 45, 57, 90 or 180 degrees, but if you don't know the needed angle, can you just enter an angle and then extend or retract the degrees of the curve after it has been created without changing the radius? 

I will try this evening, as I said I have never used this feature before.