Lets see if I remember my geometry. First you said you were making
two 2x4 ends but in the reply is sounds like you also are making a 3'
straight section.
You got that math correct, 3'x2 tracks per side, 2 sides = 6'+6'=12'.
For the ends, the outer Z-Bend Track (ZBT) is 10". Circumference of
a circle is 2(pi)r so 2*3.14*10=62.8" or another 5'. ZBT track has 2-
1/8" setbacks at the module ends (track starts), or 4x that for each
entire outer track circle: 4*2.125=8.5" So 62.8"-8.5"=54.3". The
inner track is 9" radius so 2(pi)9"= 56.52" less the 4 ZBT module
interface setbacks = 48". So 5'+4' or 9' more for BOTH end mdoules.
You should be squeaky close to 2 pkgs total.
Now, most of us don't do the 9" & 10" on the ends. Most make a
balloon end module using 10" & 11" tracks. S bend them to get to the
1" larger radius and it will look a lot nicer. Easily fits on the
same 2'x2' module. Draw the 11" radius to 1" from the absolute end of
the module (the mid point of the arc). Make another 10" one inside of
that. Use a French Curve or the flex track to make a transision from
the smaller to the the large. You should try and preserve the ZBT's
2-7/8 straight setback from the start of the track but as long as the
last 1" is straigh is good enough for me.
Jeff
--- In Z-Bend_Track@..., Craig Williamson <craig@...>
wrote:
OK I was thinking I needed closer to 2 packs of track. Isn't MTL
track
only 12" long? That would mean I need for 3' of straight that is
12' +
the curve around 6' so at least 16' of track? So I am needing 2
packs
of MTL track per module, or am I missing something? I wasn't
seeing the
discount on the track a few months ago that I am seeing now. That
is
why I was asking. I haven't started on these as the track was
looking
at costing too much. On top of that I need the cork as well.
We are building this for us and our club. We will be making a
stand
alone layout with 2 corner modules of 2'x4' that the n-scale club
was
able to donate to us. We will then add a corner module to that.
So the
2 modules will make a complete loop. The idea to put switches in
the
outer tracks will let us join a show setup with the inner tracks
allowing for a turnaround and the outer tracks continuing.
sjbazman49@... wrote:
Make sure you are getting a common 25-30% discount. You'll need
one pkg of MTL flex. The turnouts will cost a bit more and the wood
frame will cost at least half of that. Skip 10 latte's or 22 days of
coffee :)
M?rklin or Peco flex (Euro tie spacing and visibly larger rail)
will be about the same as MTL.
Build one module and be a part of the coop. You'll be inspired
to add more detail, etc. You don't need a lot of modules (unless you
need to run at home).
Jeff
SF Bay Area Z
------Original Message------
From: Craig Stuart
Sender: Z-Bend_Track@...
To: Z-Bend_Track@...
ReplyTo: Z-Bend_Track@...
Sent: Nov 11, 2008 8:41 PM
Subject: [Z-Bend_Track] where do you get your track?
I am looking at putting together 2 2'x4' end modules and am
surprised
at the cost of track. It is going to cost far too much for the
track
to put on these to make it worth while. What options do I have
for
track? I was looking at putting in 2 switches on the corner end
to
allow the outside track to continue. z-scale flex track is too
expensive for this, and microtrains track may be too. How do you
guys
afford to build modules?
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Craig Williamson
craig@... - 405-610-2171
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