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In lugnet.trains, Gary Quinlan wrote:
> Fellow Lego Train Enthusiasts
>
> Check out the link to see ideas for a new geometry of Lego Tracks,
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=28054
>
> Maybe with enough chatter on Lugnet and other sites Lego might decide to
> investigate the possibilities! Can't hurt to try.
>
> Gary
> BLTG
> Brisbane Lego Train Group
I agree that express switches are a good idea - no need to slow down too much to
switch tracks. The important thing is that it should be easy enough to make a
crossover. I see that your plan allows this by having 40 studs length and 8
studs width offset in the curved track centre, so that two straights added to
each switch will allow two parallel tracks 16 studs apart to have a crossover.
Once they're approved, the next step is to have a diamond crossing and possibly
a double slip that are compatible with the new switch shape.
I'm not so sure about the curve radii. The important thing here is that any new
curves have the same tricks available as the existing curves:
Four curves make a quarter circle.
Two curves and two reversed make a double bend that lines up length and width to
a multiple of 8 studs.
If two existing 40-stud radius curves are superimposed on a straight with the
one curve on each end sleeper of the straight, bending outwards in opposite
sides, a straight superimposed diagonally will line up perfectly with the free
ends of the curves. This should be true for new curves, with a number of
straights, which may be 1.25 or 1.5 if quarter and half straights are made
(please TLC!).
A new curve should turn an express switch curved track onto a parallel straight
in the same ay that the existing curve does for the existing switch.
You have to consider that most people don't have a lot of space. In the UK we
have to convert our attics as we don't have basements. The majority of Lego
train customers will use their trains on the living room floor or on a table, so
larger radii are only for AFOLs, giving a smaller market and hence greater cost.
I've made the best of it by spacing out to 80 or 120 studs radius with
straights. 80 studs requires 8ft x 6ft for a layout and 120 studs requires 16ft
x 12ft for a layout. The reduced market affects shorter straights too. These
would otherwise allow radii of any multiple of 10 studs to be constructed, but
lining up with each multiple of 8 studs sideways after a quarter circle. (4
curves + a half straight between each = 40 + 16.11 = 56.11 studs, with the 0.11
being taken up in the tlerance at that distance).
I suggest that a pack of half straights (8 per pack?) is the option with the
greatest potential market, since they are useful for other things than just
producing 56 stud radii:
Half straights would be useful in yards, allowing switches to be placed closer
together when making a fan of sidings (with a pack of two switches, try putting
one on the curved end of the other - the lever frame overlaps the straight
track; a half straight alleviates this).
Half straights would also make for tidier conventional layouts, allowing those
who run tracks 8 studs apart to line up their quarter circle curves precisely
(half straight at each end).
Half straights would also allow more double bend schemes to be used, bringing
them into line with multiples of 16 studs.
If any wider radius curve is ever approved and produced, it must not be dark
bley. I don't want metallic sleepers! Light bley would be better as that's
like concrete. I might bury the sleepers anyway because landscaped track beds
are evolving.
Mark
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | New Lego Track!
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| Fellow Lego Train Enthusiasts Check out the link to see ideas for a new geometry of Lego Tracks, (URL) with enough chatter on Lugnet and other sites Lego might decide to investigate the possibilities! Can't hurt to try. Gary BLTG Brisbane Lego Train (...) (19 years ago, 15-May-05, to lugnet.trains, lugnet.loc.au)
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