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Track Geometry for HornbyTT


Tom-358478

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Is there a website or resource where I can download a comprehensive guide for Hornby TT track dimensions? I'm currently undertaking a new project and I've been struggling to find the necessary information regarding sizes, radius, and other specifications.


I'm hoping to find a guide similar to this one I came across for Kato Unitrack: https://www.unitrack-kato.com/


Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

- TS

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With these, they have limitations in the number of track pieces you can use. You can make layouts beyond these limitations by designing your layout in sections.

If you are intending to use flexi track, you can also load the Tillig library as it contains such track.

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Below is the info I used for creating the parameter file for XtrkCAD.


This info was obtain from the Hornby website and catalogs


All lengths in mm

TT8001 Power Straight         166

TT8002 Straight                166

TT8003 1Radius Curve         267R 30d

TT8004 2Radius Curve         310R 30d

TT8005 3Radius Curve         353R 30d

TT8006 4Radius Curve         396R 30d

TT8007 6Radius Curve         640R 15d

TT8008 Left hand Point         166 15d(14.522476) 631R

TT8009 Right hand Point       166 15d(14.522476) 631R

TT8010 Buffer Stop             Snap on

TT8011 Quarter Straight        41.5

TT8012 Half Straight          83

TT8013 Uncoupler Ramp      166

TT8014 1Radius Qtr Curve      267R 7.5d

TT8015 2Radius Half Curve      310R 15d

TT8016 3Radius Half Curve      353R 15d

TT8017 4Radius Half Curve      396R 15d

TT8018 Diamond Crossing RH      166 15d

TT8019 Diamond Crossing LH      166 15d

TT8020 1Radius Half Curve      267R 15d


TT8029 Digital Power Straight   166


TT8037 Extended Half Straight   92


Coming Phase 2 & 3

TT80xx 2Radius Qtr Curve      310R 7.5d

TT80xx 3Radius Qtr Curve      353R 7.5d

TT80xx 4Radius Qtr Curve      396R 7.5d

TT80xx Y Point               

TT80xx Long Straight       


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@Dwayne,

Another correction on your listing - extended half straight length is 92.2mm, not 9.2cm as shown for the item in the Shop.

This is symptomatic of a lack of attention to detail when specifying dimensions in the shop and elsewhere on the website. There are many mistakes in the track and other dimensions quoted. Examples include:

  • full straight - 16.5cm
  • quarter straight - 4cm

Don't get me started on using cm not mm.

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I am certainly not wedded to emperors/empresses but, as well as being able to think and operate all manner of measurements in the SI, I can still understand Roman body parts.

If only I had turned my attention to languages instead of measurements.

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@Dwayne,
Another correction on your listing - extended half straight length is 92.2mm, not 9.2cm as shown for the item in the Shop.
This is symptomatic of a lack of attention to detail when specifying dimensions in the shop and elsewhere on the website. There are many mistakes in the track and other dimensions quoted. Examples include:
  • full straight - 16.5cm
  • quarter straight - 4cm
Don't get me started on using cm not mm.

@ Fishmanoz

 

 

Thanks for the data.

 

 

This is a issue I run into with all mfg. web/catalog data vs actual, went creating track libraries for XtrkCAD. All I can do is use what I find and adjust dims, if/when I receive better data from folks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Seriously, Hornby? It's beyond frustrating that they expect us to do the detective work to find basic product information! We deserve better from a company that wants our money.

How can they expect us to use TT tracks when they can't even bother to give us the necessary details? It's a complete letdown and a disservice to their customers.

Sorry for the rant, but I had to get it out.. and let's hope Hornby gets their act together (soon).

- TS

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Not just the catalogue, click on any track piece in the shop and all is revealed too.

Or click on a track pack and the whole of the layout is revealed incl what the packs add.

Yes, a geometry diagram like for OO would add a little, but not hard to find all the info you need right now remembering it’s simplified v OO as well.

And just to add - too simple you say, what about curved or Y points or double slips? Do you realise you can drop in Tillig track for those, geometry is the same.

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I sympathise Tom. I'm a complete beginner and the relevance of the various radii, relation to points, etc. were not immediately obvious at the outset. For example, the R6 curve brings the point curve back to parallel. That information is there but not something I would have spotted or even thought about. Track centres are 43mm apart, again easy to deduce by subtracting the radii but not obvious with no previous experience. Everything is written down somewhere but poorly collated and the forum search engine is pretty hopeless.

I agree it would be helpful to have a comprehensive online description of the track functions or perhaps an article in the magazine and, not least, a track plan publication.

One thing I have found invaluable is keeping a notebook as I keep forgetting or losing information sources. The pages I've devoted to accounts are a bit sobering, however.

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The hobby has always been quite ‘technical’ it relies on the participants learning things like geometry, electronics, carpentry and many other skills. I think the reason why the hobby has been so long lived is because it’s so involving. I was lucky being educated by the state in the 70’s when stuff like this was considered important (plus I wanted to run my trains so had the basic grasp of most things by age of 10) I would never want to put off newcomers to the hobby but these things are well worth learning, stuff like apps and playbox games are no substitute for the real thing. 😁

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Model Railroading never was a hobby where everything you need comes ready-made. The items offered by the manufacturers are a basis where to build on, and in order to put your ideas into reality you have to gather all information you can get about them, but don't expect to have everything been digested for you. For me the hobby retains its fascination by urging you to use your wits and fantasy.

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To an extent that’s all true, but of course you can get started in the hobby with a simple train set and take it as far as you want.

HM 7000 etc has the potential to take some of the mystique out of the hobby.

There is a danger of scaring new entrants off the hobby if they feel that they have to get deeply involved in electronics or wield a soldering iron. Not doing so might limit the boundaries somewhat but does not preclude enjoyment.

I'm not suggesting that this thread is scaring others off, but I think there are some in the hobby who can be a bit dismissive of those who just want to set up a starter oval on a trackmat & are happy doing so.

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  • 4 weeks later...

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