Vee rail length

[Roger Bristow]

Hi Martin,

Can I assume there is always a standard length for the vee rails for any given turnout? I'm building B6 turnouts and want to know if I should always cut the vee rail as indicated on the Templot plan to be correct to prototype?

Many thanks

Roger

 

[Martin Wynne]

Can I assume there is always a standard length for the vee rails for any given turnout? I'm building B6 turnouts and want to know if I should always cut the vee rail as indicated on the Templot plan to be correct to prototype?

@Roger Bristow

Hi Roger,

You should never assume always anything about track.

The default vee rails are shown at the standard length for the REA bullhead designs (but not GWR, and some LNER/NER drawings).

But that assumes the relaying gang didn't cut them shorter, or have some special longer ones made, or were re-using serviceable second-hand material which was different.

The only way to be sure is to have a photo of the actual prototype turnout which you are modelling.

If you are modelling REA bullhead, you can assume the standard vee lengths are likely, unless there is some obvious reason in the track layout for the lengths to be different.

For GWR the vee lengths and timber spacings need to be modified, details in David Smith's book. The settings are at real > V-crossing options > customize V-crossing > menu items. Always start by setting the blunt nose dimensions (for GWR it is 11/16").

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Roger Bristow]

@Roger Bristow

Hi Roger,

You should never assume always anything about track.

The default vee rails are shown at the standard length for the REA bullhead designs (but not GWR, and some LNER/NER drawings).

But that assumes the relaying gang didn't cut them shorter, or have some special longer ones made, or were re-using serviceable second-hand material which was different.

The only way to be sure is to have a photo of the actual prototype turnout which you are modelling.

If you are modelling REA bullhead, you can assume the standard vee lengths are likely, unless there is some obvious reason in the track layout for the lengths to be different.

For GWR the vee lengths and timber spacings need to be modified, details in David Smith's book. The settings are at real > V-crossing options > customize V-crossing > menu items. Always start by setting the blunt nose dimensions (for GWR it is 11/16").

cheers,

Martin.

Hi Martin,

Thanks for your prompt reply and advice.

I knew as soon as I hit post I should not have said always

I am using REA standards but the placement of rail joiners appear to conflict with the timbering as shown on the bottom turnout (see photo). Its not a problem and I shall go ahead and fit the rail to suit the plan.

Cheers

Roger