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Cut angles for raised wood roadbed.

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  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 posts
Posted by Captkarl47 on Monday, January 18, 2010 9:46 AM

Hi All,

Thank you all for your advice, suggestions and information. It will be very helpful.

My plan is to use 2 X 6 (1 1/2" X 5 1/2") cedar decking for the elevated road bed. The ground level road bed will be crushed stone in a 2" X 8" trench.

Thanks again

Karl

 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: North Coastal San Diego
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Posted by Greg Elmassian on Sunday, January 17, 2010 11:32 PM

 Remember that the synthetic wood needs supports basically twice as often as wood, it sags. (Info from the manufacturer on using it on decks)

 Regards, Greg

Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.

 Click here for Greg's web site

 

  • Member since
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  • From: N. California & Nevada
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Posted by g. gage on Sunday, January 17, 2010 7:48 PM

Howdy Karl welcome aboard; Have you considered the “plastic” wood products now on the market? Some garden railroaders have used it what they call “ladder” construction. I used it on a ten foot long curved trestle. It comes in 8’ lengths and easily bends, can be worked like wood (I cut it on a table saw), it won’t rot and can be nailed, screwed and glued.

 

Good luck, Rob

 

  • Member since
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  • From: North Coastal San Diego
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Posted by Greg Elmassian on Saturday, January 16, 2010 11:59 PM

 If you are using wood like 2 x 6, be sure to turn the wood so that it will crown, not cup...

 Looking at the end of a plank, you want the rings to curve like a frown not a smile.

When the wood warps (and it will) you want it to crown, like a road, in the center.

Regards, Greg

Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.

 Click here for Greg's web site

 

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  • From: Oakley Ca
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Posted by dwbeckett on Saturday, January 16, 2010 1:12 PM

 

NEVER PUT A CUT UNDER THE JOINTERS AND REINFORCE YOUR CUTS.

Dave

The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.

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Posted by Captkarl47 on Saturday, January 16, 2010 12:47 PM

Hi Ralph,

 Thanks for the information should be very helpful.

Karl

  • Member since
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  • From: Peak District UK
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Posted by cabbage on Sunday, January 3, 2010 1:29 AM

 For a standard 24 sided polygon the angle is 15 degrees -regardless of the radius of the circle.

 regards

ralph

The Home of Articulated Ugliness

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 posts
Cut angles for raised wood roadbed.
Posted by Captkarl47 on Saturday, January 2, 2010 3:45 PM

Hi, I'm new to Garden railroading. I will be starting track work when the weather cooperates. I will be using a raised wood roadbed for part of the layout. The curve diameters will be 8' (4' radius) and 5' (2.5' radius). Can someone tell me what angles I need to cut my planks for the curves I am using. 

Thanks for your Help

Karl

 

 

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