Track pieces/configuration around platform

[Snooker147]

Can somebody tell me what Hornsby track is needed to split a single track approaching a platform ramp to be able to send a train either side of the platform (assuming a straight platform 3’ in length)? Thanks

[Chrissaf]

The number of track pieces that Hornby produce is rather limited compared to other track brands. All the currently available track pieces and their geometry are detailed on this Hornby page.

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https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/hornby-track-planner

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If you are using bog standard current Hornby plastic platforms. Then these typically are 68mm wide platform edge to platform edge. Standard Hornby track spacing from track centre to track centre is 67mm, which gives a gap typically of 40mm from sleeper edge to sleeper edge.

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If you look at the 'track planner' link provided above you can see that all the point geometry is designed to create the standard 67mm spacing between 'track centres'. Thus there is no standard Hornby track part that automatically creates the gap needed for a platform (typically about 80mm track sleeper edge to track sleeper edge).

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To work around this limitation you will need to place the point that divides the single track route into two, further back from the platform ramp so that you can include either some straights or additional curves to create the required track spacing gap. So the amount of track space on your baseboard needed to accommodate a 3 foot long platform will be significantly longer.

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Image below just gives an in-principle indication of what my text is trying to describe.

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PS - A standard Hornby straight is 168mm long

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TIP: As this is your very first post, just be aware that the 'Blue Button with the White Arrow' is not a 'Reply to this post' button. If you want to reply to any of the posts, scroll down and write your reply in the reply text box at the bottom of the page and click the Green 'Reply' button.

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Particularly as my reply includes an image. If you use the blue button, any reply you write, may be held back for image approval. Even though it is already a previously published image.

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See also – further TIPs on how to get the best user experience from this forum.

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/tips-on-using-the-forum/

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[walkingthedog]

To add to Chris's excellent reply, a lot will also depend on what locos and rolling stock you are running. Longer products will tend to cut the corner and hit the plaform.

[ModelerXYZ]

Hornby points don't let you do that easily. To put the train on either side of the platform, you must use straights before the curve. This creates its own problems with track geometry on right and left hand points. Longer locomotives and rolling stock tend to cut the corners, just as they would in real life, so having the correct loading gauge is essential.