Laying Parallel Track

[jeffsmiller]

Is there a trick to creating and lining up parallel track, or is it pretty much lay the first track, then the second and manually line it up? If both could be laid at once that sure would be a timesaver.

Thanks.

 

[Rail4Pete]

There are many ''double track'' spline available. Type ''double track'' in the search box and apply the filter 'category=track'
Rail4Pete

 

[cascaderailroad]

MB_finescale_quad_4m <KUID:35412:38123>

I use this for straight-aways only ... and single tracks for curves (I replace all multi-tracked splines on a finished route).

I like it as it has a close, 4m track spacing (center to center) much like GFisher's PRR Track Guide (which has a 14' track spacing).

 

[Ricke82]

I lay out a single track and then use trainbernd's DFLS Tool's for the second (or more) by placing them on each spline point of the original track and laying the additional track using the guide. That probably isn't clear, but if you download one (DFLS Tool qt350,<kuid:42778:3311> [3 tracks with 5m spacing] or DFLS_Tool_qt345,<kuid:42778:3301> [3 tracks with 4.5m spacing) I think it'll be apparent how it works. There are tools for from 3 to 8 tracks at both 4.5m and 5m. If it's still unclear, let me know and I'll post a screen shots tomorrow.

 

[cascaderailroad]

That DFLS line of tools is pretty neat, as it locks onto one track ... it is a shame that in does not lock onto all 4 tracks (in the DFLS 445 model) and requires manual placment of adjacent spline points. Also a shame that it does not have a DFLS 440 model, as I use 4m, close spacing,

 

[SharkNose]

I'm a fan of bekaember's track spacing tools. Place them, move and rotate if necessary and then track will "snap" to them. Search for "FT 2T" on the DLS. There are many available with different spacing widths and multiple tracks ("FT 3T", etc.). You can even snap them together to get custom widths and track numbers. Once you have all the track attached, delete the spacing tool and join the track together with a small section of track and remove the extra spline point. They're great for making yards and mainlines.

 

[corvanel]

I am sorry to point out the obvious. Look on the DS for 'JK Way gage' ( by Andi06). All problems solved.
Cornelis

 

[cascaderailroad]

JK Way Gauge does not really lock onto all the multitracks, it only locks onto one of them, and it must be custom rotated, which can distort a track curve. Also instead of just one spline point per track ... it has 2 spline points per track (which is a little pointless, why do you need 2 track spline points per track, why not just 1 spline point per track) ? Also it comes in a 1-2-3 track version, but not a 4 track version.

I did convert it into a mosignal which is a trackside (lock on device) but it still is highly un-useful, as it only locks onto only one track

 

[slabay]

Easiest way I've found:

1) Use 2-track tracks to make your line. Spline points will be aligned in the correct angle.
2) Delete section of 2-track between spline points.
3) Lay single track from one end to the other, then back for the other track.
4) Repeat as needed.

Final line is all 1-track laid in opposite directions, with spline points in the correct location.

 

[cascaderailroad]

Ahh ...Forget ... No one will ever invent a 4 trackside asset that locks on to a single track, and automaticly has 4 parallel spline points that will self gauge a multitrack railroad track ... I have talked myself blue in the face, and people keep pointing out some ancient 2004 asset, that has stupid rotating pushpins, and doesn't lock onto a track at all, because it is a static building asset.

Here's one invention of mine using a 45 Degree angle tool that locks on to the #1 track :

Even GFishers "PRR Track Guide" has 8 spline points, instead of a simple 4 spline points ... what is so hard to understand about a 4 track, 4 spline point way gauge, that has 4 track lock on spline points ? ? ? So one can connect 4 tracks parallel to the first of the 4 tracks.

And at a close 4m spacing ... not some stupid 5.575m UK broad gauge spacing, with only 3 tracks, having 6 redundant spline points.

"MB Finescale Quad 4m" needs an independant 4 track spline point trackside way gauge, similar to GFishers "PRR Track Guide" but with only 4 spline points ... not 8 spline points.

You just don't get it ! ... And we probably never will !