How should I double track a curve?

[CandCRR]

I am adding to my current layout.  The new section (loop) has a minimum 20 foot diameter curves, so the longer cars do not have any problems.  My question is how best to double track one of the curves?  I have enough 20 foot diameter curved track for the section I want double tracked (and a bunch of straight).  I do not want to have to buy more track (a wider radius) or a rail bender so the only thing I can think of is cutting short pieces of straight track and putting them between each curved track piece so it will fit around the other track.  This will allow the new track to go around the outside other track but I do not know if it would look good or cause other problems not being a constant radius.

 

Also, how far apart should the two tracks be on the curve?  The longest cars I plan on running are AristoCraft and USA Trains passenger cars.

 

Thank you,

Jaime

[rpc7271]

If you do it that way it will look very, very funny and be prone to derailments. I would break down and buy a rail bender if you can't find one to borrow or sell the track you have and buy new rail & tie strips and a rail bender, get it over with and do it right. A minimum of 6 inches between track. If you are using long cars more like 8".

[Mike Dorsch CJ&M r.r.]

I double tracked a curve on our railroad using 20' sectional track . All you have to do is make the outside strait track leading into the curve longer .

[CandCRR]

Mike,

Where I am doing this is a half circle (around some trees) so I assume I would also need to add a short straight piece about half way (1/4 of the full circle) as well?  I will give it a try.  If it comes out good I'll post a photo.

Thanks,

Jaime

 

[Mike Dorsch CJ&M r.r.]

No you shouldn't need any strait to complete the curve and maintain the distance between the tracks . However that being said I don't know your track plan and distances from fixed objects that you might be working around . I took my track out and laid it out first on the ground to get a idea of what I had to do first before cutting any track . I would try to avoid small sections of strait track in the curve . That would reduce the possibilty of derailments .

[Marty Cozad]

When I double tracked my 20' dia curves, I placed the outer one first. The when I installed my inner one, I lightly bent them a little tighter and ended up cutting off about 1/3 of the last section.
 No big deal. looks fine. It made the inner one about 18' dia.