Where can one find FREE templates for making easements for laying ho scale track?
I think the NMRA has some. Easements are mentioned in the standards.
nmra.org
It's good to join them too.
Richard
NMRA Data Sheet on construction of easements.
http://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/d3b3.pdf
Data Sheet link page: http://www.nmra.org/members/data-sheets
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
I use track planning software, personally 3rdplanit. I can draw short, medium or large easements to conect curves, and curves and tangents with centerlines. Then I print it out 1:1 and slap it down on the layout. Or if its something that I'll reuse as a template, I glue it on cardboard. With the software I can outline the roadbed or the outside lines of a template.
You have two options when the area is larger than a sheet of paper: 1. lay it out with grid marks using the software and print the pages out and tape them together with the perscribed overlaps and allignment marks by cutting off the top and one side of each page. I've used an office paper cutter for this. 2. save the file as a PDF with a free program to convert the file to a PDF and have you local print shop print it out on large page used for blueprints full size. You can do your entire layout this way or do special sections.
Victor A. Baird
www.erstwhilepublications.com
Get a free yardstick from your building supply company. Draw in the radius of the curve. At the spot where the curve ends (point of tangency, PT), draw the tangent about 1/2 inch outboard of the curve. Go back on the tangent about 1/2 the radius. Hold the yardstick along the tangent track and then curve it to where it meets the curve. Trace around the yardstick.
You can also do it by eye. I use a piece of Atlas flex track to line up the curves smoothly (the Mark I eyeball is a wonderful instrument and entirely prototypical), then trace along the ends of the ties, I glue the ties down between the marks and then handlay rail.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
I made my free templates by drawing (drafting) them on posterboard. I made a few for the different radii I was working with.
I don't use templates but follow the basic rules described by John Armstrong in his Track Planning for Realistic Operation book.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
As mentionned in an answer at your question, use a yardstick, because you can use it for any radius you want to use.
As described a few inches are just enough to create the easement.
Further, the yardstick method help you to make more flowing track and natural connection between curves and block of track.
Good luck
A template is certainly easy enough to make. I used a piece of 1/4th plywood, drew tha radius I decided my curves would be and where the easment was going to be, went from a short straight section through the easement and joined up with the curve. I set the radius 1/2 inch away from the straight, decided how far into the curve the easement should run and used a piece of cork road bed to describe the easement and traces where it layed with a pencil. When I was done drawing this, I cut it out with my band saw, a saber saw; or, scroll saw would work just fine. My radius extended for about 130 degrees of turn, so if I needed this much of a turn, I'd have the ability. Then you flip the template over and have the easement for coming out of the turn. I drew this all up for a right hand turn, as stated, the template can be flipped over for a left. It is easier to make than it is to descibe. I also marked 45 degrees and 90 degrees of turn as reference points.
I used Armstrong's Track Planing for Realistic Operations as a guide. Everyone designing a Model Railroad hould have copy.
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/