Copyright © 2018 by Andrew Reid - BendTrack · All Rights reserved · E-Mail: andrew@bendtrack.com
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The BendTrack Manual -- Trackwork Standards
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The actual track connection across the module joints is an Atlas 5" Straight piece,
which actually measures slightly less than 5" overall length. Measure your distance from
the joining surface of the module, and set the mainline tracks back 2-7/16" in from the
end of the module.
After positioning the mainlines, firmly secure in place at least 2" of straight track
before any curvature of track begins. This will allow the track to remain straight, without a
kink, when the joiner tracks are installed between modules. You can use flex track all the
way to the end, though it's been our experience that the best method is to use a short
piece of rigid sectional track before the start of the use of flex track. Also refer to the
"Tips and Techniques" page for the tip on "break away tracks"
Mainline Specifications
The BendTrack minimum curve radius of mainline
one or two shall not be less than 14 1/2" anywhere.
Something to keep in mind is that for outside curves the
minimum radius for Main #1 is 16", and Main #2 is 14
1/2" to keep 1 1/2" track centers, but for inside curves,
Main #2 is now 16" and Main #1 is 14 1/2" to keep 1 1/2"
track centers.
Of course, we do encourage you to keep the
mainline curves as broad a radius as possible. Not only
will your trains run better on broad curves, they'll look
more realistic as well!
All turnouts that are a part of the mainlines or are used to diverge away from the mainlines shall be only Peco, Shinohara, Micro Engineering, or post 1994 Atlas Standard Line or Custom Line turnouts. The diverging route of the turnout should be a nominal #5, #6, or #8 for good rolling stock performance. Note: If a Peco #4 ("sharp") turnout is to be used on the mainline, then only the straight leg is to be on the mainline. Don't use the #4 Peco for crossovers between mainlines. The curved leg, being approximately 8" radius, is too tight to accept some equipment.
All these turnouts are usually readily available. Peco, Micro Engineering, and Atlas Standard Line (with manual or powered switch machine) have points which snap and hold in place, thus reducing the chance of wheels picking the points and derailing. Shinohara and Atlas Custom Line (no switch machine) require the use of a ground throw or some kind of underground switch machine. Peco seem to be the preferred turnouts for most modular systems in N or HO that we have seen.
All these turnouts are usually readily available. Peco, Micro Engineering, and Atlas Standard Line (with manual or powered switch machine) have points which snap and hold in place, thus reducing the chance of wheels picking the points and derailing. Shinohara and Atlas Custom Line (no switch machine) require the use of a ground throw or some kind of underground switch machine. Peco seem to be the preferred turnouts for most modular systems in N or HO that we have seen.
Joiner Tracks
Mainline Curve Radius
Turnouts
Crossings (Diamonds)
Atlas, Peco, or Shinohara crossings may be used. No hand laid Crossings are permitted. Great care should be exercised if installing a diamond on the mainlines, to ensure exceptionally smooth trackwork leading into the crossing.
Crossovers
Crossovers are not required on the mainlines, but we urge you to include at least one on one side of your module for future operational uses. Crossovers can use either a #8 (large) or a #6 or #5 (medium) turnout (all are standard sizes in Peco brand), or equivalent sizes in the other brands. Do not use turnouts sharper than a #5 for crossovers as they may not handle all equipment. After the track has left either main you can use any size radius or brand of turnout that you wish. Turnouts and crossovers on mainlines may be powered if you desire, but it's not required.
Scenery Track Specifications
Crossings (Diamonds)
Scenery tracks are defined as any track other than the mainlines, such as industrial spurs or yards.
Track Code - There is no restriction on code or manufacturer for scenery track...Handlaid is also acceptable for scenery tracks.
Curve Radius - There are no restrictions placed on curve radius for scenery track.
Grades & Inclines - There are no restrictions to the use of elevation, grades & inclines on any scenery track.
Turnouts - Turnouts on scenery track may be of any radius or size desired, and from any commercial manufacturer. Handlaid turnouts are also suitable for use on scenery tracks.
Curve Radius - There are no restrictions placed on curve radius for scenery track.
Grades & Inclines - There are no restrictions to the use of elevation, grades & inclines on any scenery track.
Turnouts - Turnouts on scenery track may be of any radius or size desired, and from any commercial manufacturer. Handlaid turnouts are also suitable for use on scenery tracks.
The Original "N"ovative Modular System
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The actual track connection across the module joints is an Atlas 5" Straight piece, which actually measures slightly less
than 5" overall length. Measure your distance from the joining surface of the module, and set the mainline tracks back 2-7/16" in
from the end of the module.
After positioning the mainlines, firmly secure in place at least 2" of straight track before any curvature of track begins. This
will allow the track to remain straight, without a kink, when the joiner tracks are installed between modules. You can use flex track
all the way to the end, though it's been our experience that the best method is to use a short piece of rigid sectional track before
the start of the use of flex track. Also refer to the "Tips and Techniques" page for the tip on "break away tracks"
The BendTrack minimum curve
radius of mainline one or two shall not be
less than 14 1/2" anywhere. Something to
keep in mind is that for outside curves the
minimum radius for Main #1 is 16", and
Main #2 is 14 1/2" to keep 1 1/2" track
centers, but for inside curves, Main #2 is
now 16" and Main #1 is 14 1/2" to keep 1
1/2" track centers.
Of course, we do encourage you to
keep the mainline curves as broad a radius
as possible. Not only will your trains run
better on broad curves, they'll look more
realistic as well!
All turnouts that are a part of the mainlines or are used to diverge away from the mainlines shall be only Peco, Shinohara, Micro Engineering, or post 1994 Atlas Standard Line or Custom Line turnouts. The diverging route of the turnout should be a nominal #5, #6, or #8 for good rolling stock performance. Note: If a Peco #4 ("sharp") turnout is to be used on the mainline, then only the straight leg is to be on the mainline. Don't use the #4 Peco for crossovers between mainlines. The curved leg, being approximately 8" radius, is too tight to accept some equipment.
All these turnouts are usually readily available. Peco, Micro Engineering, and Atlas Standard Line (with manual or powered switch machine) have points which snap and hold in place, thus reducing the chance of wheels picking the points and derailing. Shinohara and Atlas Custom Line (no switch machine) require the use of a ground throw or some kind of underground switch machine. Peco seem to be the preferred turnouts for most modular systems in N or HO that we have seen.
All these turnouts are usually readily available. Peco, Micro Engineering, and Atlas Standard Line (with manual or powered switch machine) have points which snap and hold in place, thus reducing the chance of wheels picking the points and derailing. Shinohara and Atlas Custom Line (no switch machine) require the use of a ground throw or some kind of underground switch machine. Peco seem to be the preferred turnouts for most modular systems in N or HO that we have seen.
Atlas, Peco, or Shinohara crossings may be used. No hand laid Crossings are permitted. Great care should be exercised if installing a diamond on the mainlines, to ensure exceptionally smooth trackwork leading into the crossing.
Crossovers are not required on the mainlines, but we urge you to include at least one on one side of your module for future operational uses. Crossovers can use either a #8 (large) or a #6 or #5 (medium) turnout (all are standard sizes in Peco brand), or equivalent sizes in the other brands. Do not use turnouts sharper than a #5 for crossovers as they may not handle all equipment. After the track has left either main you can use any size radius or brand of turnout that you wish. Turnouts and crossovers on mainlines may be powered if you desire, but it's not required.
Track Code - There is no restriction on code or manufacturer for scenery track...Handlaid is also acceptable for scenery tracks.
Curve Radius - There are no restrictions placed on curve radius for scenery track.
Grades & Inclines - There are no restrictions to the use of elevation, grades & inclines on any scenery track.
Turnouts - Turnouts on scenery track may be of any radius or size desired, and from any commercial manufacturer. Handlaid turnouts are also suitable for use on scenery tracks.
Curve Radius - There are no restrictions placed on curve radius for scenery track.
Grades & Inclines - There are no restrictions to the use of elevation, grades & inclines on any scenery track.
Turnouts - Turnouts on scenery track may be of any radius or size desired, and from any commercial manufacturer. Handlaid turnouts are also suitable for use on scenery tracks.
The Original "N"ovative
Modular System
Modular System
The actual track connection across
the module joints is an Atlas 5" Straight
piece, which actually measures slightly less
than 5" overall length. Measure your
distance from the joining surface of the
module, and set the mainline tracks back
2-7/16" in from the end of the module.
After positioning the mainlines, firmly
secure in place at least 2" of straight track
before any curvature of track begins. This
will allow the track to remain straight,
without a kink, when the joiner tracks are
installed between modules. You can use
flex track all the way to the end, though it's
been our experience that the best method
is to use a short piece of rigid sectional
track before the start of the use of flex
track. Also refer to the "Tips and
Techniques" page for the tip on "break
away tracks"
All turnouts that are a part of the mainlines or are used to diverge away from the mainlines shall be only Peco, Shinohara, Micro Engineering, or post 1994 Atlas Standard Line or Custom Line turnouts. The diverging route of the turnout should be a nominal #5, #6, or #8 for good rolling stock performance. Note: If a Peco #4 ("sharp") turnout is to be used on the mainline, then only the straight leg is to be on the mainline. Don't use the #4 Peco for crossovers between mainlines. The curved leg, being approximately 8" radius, is too tight to accept some equipment.
All these turnouts are usually readily available. Peco, Micro Engineering, and Atlas Standard Line (with manual or powered switch machine) have points which snap and hold in place, thus reducing the chance of wheels picking the points and derailing. Shinohara and Atlas Custom Line (no switch machine) require the use of a ground throw or some kind of underground switch machine. Peco seem to be the preferred turnouts for most modular systems in N or HO that we have seen.
All these turnouts are usually readily available. Peco, Micro Engineering, and Atlas Standard Line (with manual or powered switch machine) have points which snap and hold in place, thus reducing the chance of wheels picking the points and derailing. Shinohara and Atlas Custom Line (no switch machine) require the use of a ground throw or some kind of underground switch machine. Peco seem to be the preferred turnouts for most modular systems in N or HO that we have seen.
Scenery Track Specifications
Copyright © 2018 by Andrew Reid - BendTrack
All Rights reserved
E-Mail: andrew@bendtrack.com
All Rights reserved
E-Mail: andrew@bendtrack.com
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