Looking for dual-gauge track (SG and 3ftNG)

[RJPugh]

This is one of three questions I'm posting today. I have several things I want to include in my "layout," and I'm doing the preliminary research. That being said...

Are there anyone assets for dual-gauge track? Specifically, standard gauge and 3-foot narrow gauge. My overall layout has a 3ft NG line servicing some of the isolated pockets. I know that historically, towns that had both gauges servicing them usually had combined engine and repair facilities for both gauges. Dual gauge tracks (3 rails) were the usual way to achieve this. This is what I want to do in my simulation.

Granted, a 3ft NG train, even a small one, is a massive anachronism on a modern rail line, but that's my problem. This is a fictional world; I'll find a way to justify it in the back story.



If it matters, I'm using TS2010. The option of upgrading to TS2012 is still open.

Thanks in advance, and keep on 'tracking!

 

[bendorsey]

Do a search for MAN6 track components. You can make any dual gauge configuration using them including a swish (where the common rail changes sides). The set includes a ground texture to match the ballast.

Ben

 

[oknotsen]

Based on how trainz works, the wheels of one of the two gauges will not touch the rails. Both the narrow and wide train vehicles will stay in the middle of the "leading" track, which results in the narrow one flying a bit to the side of his rails or the wide flying half outside of the rails.
Just something to keep in mind in case you wonder why it works yet looks weird .

 

[Shortline2]

As Ben said, check out the MAN6 tracks on the DLS. They are old, back to at least TRS2004 days, but so far I know about no other tracks allowing for dual gauge tracks where you don't see what oknotsen wrote above if I read him correct.

The MAN6 system used a early Trainz trick where one could make several parallel tracks into one spline, it was of the Kind Bridge in Trainz terminology, and that meant it would not work in like normal spline in the sense that the straighten track button don't work on it, and, to create a turnout one had to add another component of the system.

But, the narrow gauge trains would ride on the narrow gauge track if put there, and the standard gauge track would ride on the standard gauge track if put there. So, it would look right, until you send two trains down the same dual track, then they will pass straight through each other not knowing the other train is there...

Hence, it is impossible to make a car on one gauge connect to a car on the other gauge.

And, speaking about gauge, for Trainz gauge means nothing, all gauges of trains can ride on all gauges of track, as for Trainz it is really about the middle part of the spline that counts, like an invisible middle track only system sort of.

In TS12 there seems to be a way to make a more modern Track again act like a dual gauge system, but I have not played around with it, so I let other talk about that, my knowledge is more in the old type of Trainz track system parts.

In the MAN6 track systems, there is a ReadMe file, fastest way to find that is find a MAN6 track after installing it in CM (Content Manager) and right click it and choose the Edit in Explorer option as that will open a window with the files visible, then click the ReadMe file and see how Max/Elvenor, the creator, explains the system.

Best of luck, and have fun!

Linda

 

[KingConrail76]

A method not mentioned so far, of getting dual gauge, of any two or more, gauges, is to first lay the widest gauge track of your choice, then use a "rail only" version of your second, or third, gauge.
-You'll need to place the second "rail only" gauge along side the original first, then change to "move" mode and align either centered, left or right common rail (you just kinda hide the one narrow gauge rail inside the standard gauge rail). You might need to adjust the sline height a bit too, depending on your choice of rail.

I've used this method several times in TS10 to have a narrow gauge system share a bridge with a standard gauge system.

 

[steveflanders]

I've experimented with making mixed-gauge track for GWR (UK) 7ft broad gauge and 4ft 8.5in; also 5ft 3in (Ireland standard gauge) with 3ft (Ireland narrow gauge). My solution - or rather that of fellow Trainzer teddytoot - is to have a mesh of the dual-gauge track with a second invisible track built in, rather like two lengths of fixed track on top of each other. This allows for the correct positioning of trains although it does not stop the possibility mentioned above of two trains passing through each other.

Pointwork (switches) is a challenge but not impossible, and I have made a few mixed-gauge points which are also animated. They act like two points one on top of the other so it is necessary to link them together. That's as far as I got when I hit the problem of signalling.

Theoretically, if I use a conventional signal for one track and an invisible signal for the other, and link them together, then this will discourage, but not stop, two trains on the same track. I am no scripter and I haven't found any way of linking them together. I have tried all available options on the DLS and these link the signals so that one is a repeater of the other. That doesn't do the job. I need something whereby each signal affects the other, not just one acting as a repeater (slave).

Signalling problems apart, if you are careful running your trains on MG track it looks very nifty!

Steve

 

[camelbacklao]

@KingConrail76

Hi, I tried Your method and it works fine. Having choosen the way of placing the NG track centered. Have not tried yet the method of using a common rail either left or right, but it should also perfectly work, since the NG train has his proper tracks. No problems at all, when the SG track is straight. Derail out of the SG with the NG track also looks pretty nice. Immediately outside of the SG, I connect the blank rails with a normal NG track with ballast and ties. I manged to have the best result by using as SG-track the HOTT Track 2010 concrete gray, (It's really written like that!!) as NG track I use therfore MB NG Track 3 new.

 

[steveflanders]

Hi, Things have moved on a bit since I last posted, mainly because of T:ANE and also the persistent problem of getting signalling to work correctly. I haven't done anything in this area for a long while but mixed-gauge track for the GWR in Britain keeps tempting me! As they say over here: 'It's on the long finger......'