The Dover Branch HO Scale Track Plan fits a 4’x8’ area
Dover Branch Dimensions SCALE PROPORTION TRACK GAUGE
AREA N
HO S
O Large
1:160 1:87 1:64 1:48
1:22.5 - 1:29 9mm
16.5mm /.625” .875”
32mm/1.25” 45mm/1.75”
2’ 6” x 5’ 4’x 8’ 5’ x 9’
5’ x 9’ (Note 1) 6’ x 10’ (Note 2)
Note 1: Uses Lionel 0-31 Fast Track (3-Rail AC) Note 2: Represents a smaller “narrow gauge” railroad
replicating the track plan. Bachmann Large Scale sectional track and LGB G scale (1:25) track will allow large scale modelers to use the Dover Branch plan as well. Which ever scale you are working in, the track plan uses radiused turnouts.
Radius versus Numbered Turnouts Model railroad turnouts are designated two ways. The
first is by the radius of the diverging route; in HO scale a common example would use 18-inch radius. These turnouts are also a direct replacement for a piece of sec- tional track. In HO scale this is 9 inches in length for the tangent (straight) route with the diverging (curved) route being a direct replacement for a section of 30° (12 sections to a circle) 18-inch radius track. Using these turnouts and track geometry a half-circle of track with turnouts would use two turnouts and four sections of track.
Radius vs. Numbered: What’s the difference? Numbered turnouts are designated by the ratio of the
measure of one unit of width of the diverging route by the number of units of measure from the point where the routes separate. Therefore a No. 4 turnout is 4 units from the end of the frog to one unit of width between the two routes. The greater the number assigned to the turnout, the longer the turnout and greater the radius of diverging route’s curve. These turnouts have a more gradual curve than radius turnouts making them more reliable especially with larger equipment. They are favored by experienced modelers and more frequently used on larger layouts. Due to the confined space of the Dover Branch radius
turnouts are used exclusively for the track plan. This lim- its recommended equipment to shorter diesel locomo- tives, smaller forty-foot freight cars and shorter passenger cars for reliable running. Using this shorter equipment does not detract from the fun and enjoyment of operating this model railroad, however!
Converting the Track Plan to Your Scale There are two main variables that affect building a lay- .75” DIFFERENCE 18” radius No. 4
out from a published track plan using sectional track. The first is the geometry of the track used. The number of curved sections needed to make up a circle is as impor- tant in laying out the track as the second variable of the radius of the curves. Also the standard length of straight sections will need to be taken into account. These factors will determine the final amount of space required for the layout and directly affects the dimensions of the bench work. Sharper curves will allow the layout to be con- structed in a smaller space however; these tight radii will restrict the type of rolling stock that can be used on the layout. Broader curves will allow larger equipment to be used and as a rule will provide more reliable operation. The final choice is up to the builder. To convert the plan for the Dover Branch layout to your
scale and track type, begin by breaking to layout into its elements. The main line consists of two half circles of track with a straight in the middle, two half circles with a straight in the middle and a turnout on either end of the curve and two runs consisting of three straight sections. This will determine the over all dimensions needed for the bench work. The yard and industrial spur are fitted in once the main line has been laid out. See the chart at the top of this page for more details.
S8 2013 TRAIN SET GAZETTE • SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN MAGAZINE
H.O. SCALE TURNOUT IS 9” LONG
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