Re: New Corners

[Edward Weltens <ed.weltens@sbcglobal.net>]

Scott,

 

I think We should build new corners from scratch.  I will donate the lumber and may be able to build (at least start them) them next weekend.

 

If we modify the ones we have they will be heavier and probably not as strong.

 

Anyone else have ideas?

Scott A Smiley <sc.smiley@juno.com> wrote:

> Yesterday Ed and I started on laying out the new track on to the new
> corner modules. Some interesting things came up.
>
> 1. We discovered that the wood frame and size is not the same as the
> other new corners. Some things just happen.
> 2. The units are essentially 2.5" short on both ends. 5" on one end may
> be able to accomplish the same effect but they would not be symmetrical.
> 3. The radii of the tracks would have to be shorter on all tracks
>  to fit
> this shorter arc length available. The track in the D position for track
> 4 would not be 72". Track 1 would be less than 96". With the D position
> at 72", the rest of the diameters would be 80.5", 89", and 97.5". We
> only have the standard dia. of track to work with so compound curves were
> used on the previous new corners.
> 4. These modules as built will not nest with the others and be a 3rd
> size. This will create issues for transport in the trailer. The tracks
> can be damaged as we have seen with the old and new corners now if not
> precisely positioned and secured.
> 5. These corners will have to be placed across from each other in set up
> or the layout would not be square, and there would therefore be some
> points of intersection without a curve in the layout if they were not
> positioned correctly opposite each other.
> 6. The clearance between the tracks around the curves would be less than
> 4.25" in order to achieve the largest radii for
>  each track and to use
> standard curve sections. The track is laid out on one new corner for all
> to see.
>
>
> Considering all of these factors, it is my recommendation that we modify
> the wood work of these new corners to extend each end by 2.5 ". This
> would be done by removing some of the facials and a portion of the deck
> and extend with new facias and deck. This would keep the center section
> of each corner as is. The deck would be in 3 pieces as in the other
> corners but with the bracing already installed, this will not be a
> problem. The width of the unit will be slightly less than the others but
> upon inspection of the others you can see that the width can be reduced
> and still accommodate the track plan and outside dimensions. As long as
> the corners are not transported on this one side, they will nest with the
> others.
>
> This really is a matter for the board to decide but since it has
> operational concerns that would impact all, I
>  decided to write this to
> the entire membership so the board could hear input from the membership.
>
> Scott
> ------
> TTAT members reflector.



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