advice on "best practices" for track on a layout

[nik_n_dad]

Hello.

 

We're trying to get our new layout going over the holidays.  It's an around the walls n-scale layout with a duck-under using kato unitrack.

 

What are some recommended "best practices"......

 

1) how long of a straight should one have on either side of a plate girder or truss bridge before a curve?

 

2) how long of a straight should one have before entering a curve from a turnout (the main route, not the diverging route)

 

3) how long of a straight should one have in an s-curve (the length of the straight between the change in direction of the curve?

 

Thanks

 

Mike

[Mudkip Orange]

Obviously it depends on what kind of equipment you're going to run. Since this is JNS forum I assume some mixture of Shinkansen and 1:150 commuter trains.

 

Bridges - 62mm should be fine in most applications, but you if you want to be safe you can go with 124mm.

 

Turnout - Depends. With most stock you don't need anything. At most 186mm should solve your problems with all but the most finicky equipment.

 

S-curve - Either no straight at all or 124mm and longer. DO NOT PUT A 62MM STRAIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A TIGHT S-CURVE. I haven't had any problems with Japanese trains, but a 62mm straight in an S-curve KILLS north American passenger stock. And who knows, you might want to run an SP Daylight sometime.

 

From an aesthetic perspective S-curves look better if you can put at least a 248mm straight in between, but this is strictly for appearances...

[CaptOblivious]

for 1)

 

I have no problems with curves that lead directly into truss bridges, except with my Kato E4. The instruction sheet for the E4 says that coming out of a 282mm curve, you must add at least a 62mm straight before the truss bridge—and they aren't kidding! But that's the only bit of rolling stock that I own that needs the clearance.

 

I don't know if Tomix is good about listing these requirements, but Kato certainly is, so you could check your instruction sheets for hints on these issues. Otherwise, Mudkip's advice is sound.

[bill937ca]

Generally for S curves you want a straight as long as your longest piece of rolling stock.  Same would apply for curves near switches. Most Japanese passenger cars are 20m or shorter (about 140mm).