Question on which track type to use to connect two tracks

[TrainGuy17]

Hello everyone, I hope everyone is doing well. So, I am having a bit of trouble, trying to figure out which track type that I can use to connect my two tracks that are met at different or each opposite ends so that I can complete my base foundation for my route and be able to move on, because I have been going through like every track type that's under the objects category under the dynamic track setting for the At1 single tracks and for some reason I can't seem to find the right track type. I am thinking I might need some type of slight and straight right curve track or slight and straight left curve track?..I think? I don't know honestly. This has been quite challenging.

Any advice is appreciated. thumbnail_IMG_2302.jpg

[ChandlerBranchRailfan]

It'll take some trial and error. That's just part of route building. You are correct that you need a slight straight slight curve.

My solution is to lay straight rails and curve at different times. Try until they link up.

[dlfrenchmd]

In my novitiate of route building (on my very first route), I would probably use a piece of Dynamic Track. For me, I've stumbled on a few "tricks" to make dynamic track work almost every time.
1. Connect straight to straight by adding at least a 1meter straight track to each curved end. It is easier to see if you make the end you will work toward )The distal end) a little longer straight _say 5 meter), but 1 is OK if connecting curve to curve.
2. Place the dynamic track piece so it fits exactly. I use 500 radius or better if possible. The 3rd straight section of the piece should exactly overlap the rails of the distal piece.
3. Shorten the 3rd straight section till there is the tiniest of tiny gaps between the dynamic piece and the distal straight piece. Then add .1 to the 3rd straight section to get just touching/ no gap.
3. When you click it in place finally and it doesn't work, don't despair. From the track window measurements box on the left of TSRE, write down every measurement there is for the dynamic track piece. Delete the dynamic piece and place a new one. Fill in all the boxes exactly and , for me, it works 90+% of the time.
Dan

[landnrailroader]

This is an issue that all of us face at one time(s) or another. I look at what the track is. If it mainline, then I probably don't want less than a 250 meter radius curve, but I pick and set up what is reasonable and then use difrenchmd's method. But it is mostly trial and error.

Jerry Sullivan

[TrainGuy17]

Ah, okay I see. That all makes sense! Thank you all for the advices ChandlerBranchRailfan dlfrenchmd and landnrailroader truly appreciate it.
Yeah, I am a beginner at this and so I am very much learning slowly of how all of this works but I can tell you guys one thing for sure is that at the end, I cannot wait to take a spin on my custom route. But in the meantime, well I will keep on trying and will take your advices in consideration, cause I've been struggling a bit haha

By the way forgot to mention the types of tracks I have been using but the tracks I have used are these:

A1t45mStr.s
EndPnt10003dRgt
A1t5_4mStrt
A1tPNT10Rgts'EndPnt10Lfts and so on

[ChandlerBranchRailfan]

No problem TrainGuy17

We all look out for each other.
If someone needs help we all just say "the heck with it" and help them!

[eric]

Here's a trick I use....

1. Put down a straight track at one end of the gap long enough to extend past where the other track would cross, e.g. 100M
2. From the other end, start trying curve sections until you find one that looks like it overlays both rails sufficiently. Eyeballing, that looks like it would be either a 01d or 02d curve, so you might need two 01d curves or maybe a 01d + a 0_5d piece to make it work.
3. Delete the straight track, and start trying smaller straight pieces that fill the gap

Or... you could use dynamic track.

Both work. I prefer not to use dynamic track so that my track looks uniform.

[TrainGuy17]

Here's a trick I use....

1. Put down a straight track at one end of the gap long enough to extend past where the other track would cross, e.g. 100M
2. From the other end, start trying curve sections until you find one that looks like it overlays both rails sufficiently. Eyeballing, that looks like it would be either a 01d or 02d curve, so you might need two 01d curves or maybe a 01d + a 0_5d piece to make it work.
3. Delete the straight track, and start trying smaller straight pieces that fill the gap

Or... you could use dynamic track.

Both work. I prefer not to use dynamic track so that my track looks uniform.

Ooh, okay I see. I could probably try that and see what happens. And those tracks are located where? If I were to find them under the objects category since you mentioned that I could or don't have to use dynamic track? or whats the whole track piece called like is it just called 01d or something with A1t01d or something? Just want to make sure cause I'm not sure if I am seeing it under the ref files and stuff

[TrainGuy17]

No problem TrainGuy17

We all look out for each other.
If someone needs help we all just say "the heck with it" and help them!

haha!,aww yeah true!

[landnrailroader]

I prefer not to use dynamic track but I often use it for taking measurements. Look back in one of the other forums where I show the track leads for the service area of Fairbanks, AK. On the near end, I used 150M and 120M curve sections along with the 150m turnouts and I just worked until I had something reasonably correct and the correct number and relative spacing of the parallel tracks. At the far end, If it took a 10 degree curve or a 10degree150r turnout, I would lay approximately enough dynamic track tangent and then place the curve or turnout. Then at the other end of the curve I would use a dynamic piece and I would juggle the lengths of both until I had a fit. Then I would replace each dynamic with a combination of tangent pieces that would duplicate the correct length. After you do it a while you get better at estimating.

Jerry Sullivan

[eric]

is it just called 01d or something with A1t01d or something? Just want to make sure cause I'm not sure if I am seeing it under the ref files and stuff

Track isn't in a ref file. The default tracks and XTracks/Atracks all start "A1T" so just type that or "01d" in the search box, and you should get a list of available pieces.

Be aware that the list will show other track system pieces you likely won't have installed. Stick to the A1T's unless you know you installed one of the other systems like Scalerail (starts with SR_).

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[TrainGuy17]

Track isn't in a ref file. The default tracks and XTracks/Atracks all start "A1T" so just type that or "01d" in the search box, and you should get a list of available pieces.

Be aware that the list will show other track system pieces you likely won't have installed. Stick to the A1T's unless you know you installed one of the other systems like Scalerail (starts with SR_).

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Ahh, okay I see. So that's what they mean. Alrighty will do. Thanks so much!

[TrainGuy17]

I prefer not to use dynamic track but I often use it for taking measurements. Look back in one of the other forums where I show the track leads for the service area of Fairbanks, AK. On the near end, I used 150M and 120M curve sections along with the 150m turnouts and I just worked until I had something reasonably correct and the correct number and relative spacing of the parallel tracks. At the far end, If it took a 10 degree curve or a 10degree150r turnout, I would lay approximately enough dynamic track tangent and then place the curve or turnout. Then at the other end of the curve I would use a dynamic piece and I would juggle the lengths of both until I had a fit. Then I would replace each dynamic with a combination of tangent pieces that would duplicate the correct length. After you do it a while you get better at estimating.

Jerry Sullivan

Ah, okay that's interesting. Well, this is going to take some learning experience as time goes on as I am just starting out but thanks so much for this advice, I will take into consideration and into action.

[joe_star]

My method of bridging such gaps is to use Michael Vone's Object Rotator - Curved Joint spread sheet. When selecting the radius of curvature I specify one available in the list of fixed tracks. This then calculates the exact length of straights needed at both ends of the curve to complete the joint. I set the dynamic track straight then to match the calculation and lay my curve. Then I delete the dynamic track straight and replace it with static pieces of almost the same length to complete the curved joint.