Ensuring correct sleeper spacings/joint positions; also a turnouts question

[polybear]

Hi Martin,

I'm starting with a straight Plain length of track (say 1000mm long) and converting it to a Turnout, positioned at one end; I'm then adding a return curve of known spacing. I then want to extend that return curve, but with the extension being straight so it's parallel to the first (1000mm) length of track. Dead easy.
But....the method I'm using is to use "make mirror on peg" on the return curve at the free end (is this right?); I'm then converting that new template to straight track. Seems to work fine, but I'm often not getting correct track panel joint positions (and sleeper spacing at the joint between the two templates) - especially when I adjust the length of this straight template using the F3/F4 function.
What am I doing wrong please?

Also, now that the turnout has both a plain track (main road exit) and return curve (branch track) templates attached, am I safe in subsequently adjusting the radius of the turnout (with the Peg at the CTRL+9 Position) - or will this affect the joint alignment with the plain track template and also the return curve?

Many thanks
Brian

 

[Martin Wynne]

@polybear

Hi Brian,

I suggest you don't use the old return curve function on curved tracks.

1. curve the turnout template first.

2. use make simple link to create the return curve.

Typing is too painful today -- I have made you a very scruffy video clip showing the above. See:

https://flashbackconnect.com/Default.aspx?id=_KIBDL-mbQgErokLGXVrBg2

Martin.

 

[polybear]

Many thanks Martin; please take it easy......