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It's called "superelevation" and, as with highway construction, is used to permit higher speeds on curves. Superelevation is only needed on model curves for sake of appearance. Particularly in the larger scales, trains look impressive as they bank around curves. However, superelevation can create lots of headaches (read "derailments") if it isn't done very, very carefully. We superelevated the curves on my club's large HO scale layout. We wish we hadn't, and we are relaying all of the mainline curves (minimum radius 42'), beginning with those most prone to causing derailments. Raising and lowering the elevation of the outside rail at the entrance to and exit from a curve needs to be done gradually and evenly--and this isn't as easy as it seems in theory. What may appear to be an insignificant dip can can lead to grief in operation. Also, we used "pre-superelevated" flex track for the main portion of our mainline curves. Unfortunately, most of it too wide in gauge, and wheels with narrow treads have fallen between the rails. --John
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