Track Banking

[tomikawaTT]

Superelevation of model curves is strictly cosmetic - but it sure makes things look good if done right.  If you can't see the track, don't bother.

I use transitions on all my curves, and begin to elevate the outside rail at the point where it departs from dead straight.  Halfway through the transition the rail is at half the intended superelevation, reaching full height where the true curve begins.  The key word is, 'gradual change.'  Also, don't overdo the superelevation.  One millimeter (in HO or HOj) is plenty for the purpose unless you're modeling Acela.  (The Shinkansen uses 2 kilometer curve radii on full speed trackage, so its superelevation isn't all that much.)

OTOH, adding superelevation is one more PITA if tracklaying is a technological challenge.  It certainly isn't necessary.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[ngartshore350]

Hi yougottawanta, 

I use it on sharp corners to help with derailments, preventing them not increasing them. I use thin plastic strips made by evergreen, I have only used super-elevation on a couple of corners so they worked well, it might get expensive if you have a large amount of corners to super-elevate.

 Regards,

 Nigel

[dehusman]

Superelevation was much more common on the prototypes when they ran rather high speed passenger trains.  It doesn't take much to be counterproductive to long heavy freights.  Since the demise of the passenger trains, its use has diminished greatly.

No.  Superelevation is based on speed and sharpness of the curve.  Since passenger train operate at a higher speed they need more superelevation.  Since freight trains operate at a lower speed they don't need as much.  Its not that more superelevation becomes "counterproductive" its just unnecessary to main tain.  the only time it would be 'counterproductive would be if there was enough that it would unbalance a standing freight train and that would take LOT of superelevation.

Superelevation is VERY common, its on every mainline curve with a speed over 25 mph.

Dave H.

[Virginian]

Superelevation was much more common on the prototypes when they ran rather high speed passenger trains.  It doesn't take much to be counterproductive to long heavy freights.  Since the demise of the passenger trains, its use has diminished greatly.

[tatans]

Great question and great response, I wondered the same thing.

[selector]

Hi.  Yes, many of us do try for the real railroad look that way.  The term, if you won't mind my saying so, is "superelevation."  It can be overdone, though, and should only be added so that you and guests get a thrill out of the look.  It is completely unnecessary in our scale...the weights and forces involved almost never come to the point where superelevation would be useful.

A couple of things if you'd like to try it some time.  Start before, and end after, the curve proper.  You can use staggered layers of masking tape or cardstock.  Some guys sand or plane their roadbed to get the desired effect.  Again, it only takes a couple of degrees at most.

Here is what I mean.  This comes to nearly 2 degrees.

[yougottawanta]

Recently while waiting at a construction site in Alexandria Va across from Camden Yard and the CSX line. I watched an incoming diesal pulling a string of freight. Thats not so unusal in fact it is a very common occurance here. But what surprised me more than anything is the fact that in the curve the track is "banked", much like a nascar race track. It seems to be a common sense thing to do. But I cannot recall seeing the curves banked in Model Railroading. Does any one do this ? If so how ? And does it help to keep the train on the track any better ?