Where can I find a templat of Atlas O track?

[MrMikeLx85]

Hello,

I am trying to design a layout.  I have track software.  However, I am one of those people who needs to see it before I can build it.  My problem is that I don't have all the radii of curves I may need on my new layout, and I don't want to invest in track that I may not use.  I have tried looking for a template of various Atlas O track curves, but have been unabe to do so.

Do any of you have an idea where I can find and print such a thing?  I don't mind cutting track out of paper for the purpose of designing my layout.  When I'm satisfied with the design, then I can buy what I need.

Many heartfelt thanks in advance!!

Mike

[gvdobler]

It would be fairly easy geometry to draw an arc on a poster board and using the same point draw inside and outside lines that match the width of your track. All you need to know is what radius to use and the size of the arc ie 30 degrees, 22.5 degrees, etc.

google how to draw an arc if you need more info.

[lionelsoni]

"All you need to know is what radius to use..."

The radius of track may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.  But there is a way to measure the radius using just one section, if you know what the turn angle is for that section.  The turn angle is 360 degrees, divided by the number of sections that it takes to make a complete circle.  For example, it takes 8 sections to make a complete circle with O27 or O31 track; so each section's turn angle is 360/8, or 45, degrees.

To find the radius from one section, measure the straight-line distance between the ends of the center rail, then divide by the magic number from the table below.  When measuring that distance, called the "chord", do not include the track pin, and try to measure as near as possible to the exact center of the end of each center rail.

  Turn angle,  Magic
  degrees      number

     45        .7654
     30        .5177
     22.5      .3902
     A         2*sin(A/2)

Some kinds of track are standardized so that there is no mystery about the radius:  The radius of O27 track is 12.5 inches.  The radius of O31 track is 14.142 inches.  Unlike tubular track, the actual radius of Lionel Fastrack is always half the nominal diameter.  For example, the radius of O36 Fastrack is exactly 18 inches.

[MrMikeLx85]

Thank you both for your replies.  I was looking for a simple solution, so I ended up buying one section of O-45 and O-54, and from there, I can create copies out of paper which will help me.  As I stated, I just cannot visualize my layout on a compute screen.

[lion88roar]

Good luck! I've been using RR-Track and Atlas 21st Century track for 10 years and the plan never translates 100% to a working layout. It is beyond frustrating, and is VERY expensive.

Are you planning to use switches? If so I've not been too impressed with the Atlas switches, they look good, and work fine, the problem I have is the switch mechanism is bulky and takes up a bit or realestate on the layout, and the switch controllers are junk - and I have yet to find a switch controller that doesn't burn out the second I turn on the power!