Camber and level changes
- Thread starter Lodgie_
- Start date
Wow there is always an app these days. I do have the woodwork app that does each of the checks on their own, but this is a revaluation! Must must have the app.
Hutch
G Gauge, Raising Peaches, Apricots
My Grandfather used a half empty scotch bottle to check for level. Worked for him!
---Hutch
Lodgie_
Registered
Strange you should mention this but I did see an app that used laser for levelling, probably wont be able to find it but I will have a lookGreat re-purposing..
Now.......... Is there an 'App' to use the torch LED, as a laser-level?
Gavin Sowry
Garden Railroader and Raconteur
Of course, Aristocraft make/made a standards gauge that had the two bubbles.... as well as nicks and crannies for checking gauge, points spread, flangeways, and back to backs.
Best investment I ever made. I also have a small spirit level, set in hardwood, that I use when physically tamping track.
Best investment I ever made. I also have a small spirit level, set in hardwood, that I use when physically tamping track.
That's exactly what I meant Jon. I wouldn't dare use one on my line, it'd be too worrying
Paradise
Registered
Can your bogie axles go up and down (twist) independently? On a real bogie each axle box is sprung independently so a single wheel won't lift off the rail but many models don't do that instead one side frame can twist from the bolster spreader like on LGB bogies. Think of a 4 legged table on an uneven floor. Undulating track and stiff bogies can cause derailments.
When I built my last Railcar I made the made one bogie so that it could twist forward and aft, the other port and starboard. This tends to account for many ills and I think that LGB Bogies and the 4 wheel vehicle ones may allow for this as well otherwise they would all flop to one side.
Paradise
Registered
Yeah, Some LGB ones are made on one side so when the screw that holds the side frame is done up tight, it will still twist because of a rounded seat there. Some AristoCraft ones are sprung where the spreader joins the side frames. I've seen some that have been glued so they don't twist. Sloppy axle holes and slightly loose side frames will let the axles move so all wheels remain on the rail. Just something to look out for because some bogies can be problematic on undulating track and some others will do it just fine.
Forward and aft, port and starboard. Sloppy as she goes captain. Arrgh!
Woodwork app? I could havedone with one of those last week, it could have cut that bit of wood square for me
Hi, I hope you don’t mind my joining in this discussion – I am new to G scale, only started my first railway this January, and I suspect I have reinvented the wheel several times, but maybe my experiences will be of use to someone.
My railway started in a raised flower bed that was once a pond (filled in because my grand-daughter showed an alarming climbing skill at an early age), and as these things go I decided I needed a bigger area and broke out onto the rockery using a raised bed supported on 4”x4” pillars, with the road bed for the track being decking boards. No matter how much care I took I found it impossible to get the decking boards level in all directions, but I thought a few mm either way was OK….until I sent around the Bachmann Big Hauler, which derailed every few feet, particularly going over points. I then spent several weeks carefully leveling the track using screws spacers and wedges. Great fun really, until of course the weather got hotter, track expanded and buckled because the screws did not allow for movement. So back to the drawing board – during this time the track in the flower bed (on a bed of fine gravel – horticultural grit) worked fine through all weathers. So I decided to do away with the screws spacers and wedges and put the track onto a plastic bed (made from 10cm x 10cm electrical ducting) on top of the decking boards , then gravel on top of that – it is early days but so far no derailments and a much smoother ride. It would seem that the old ways are the best.
My railway started in a raised flower bed that was once a pond (filled in because my grand-daughter showed an alarming climbing skill at an early age), and as these things go I decided I needed a bigger area and broke out onto the rockery using a raised bed supported on 4”x4” pillars, with the road bed for the track being decking boards. No matter how much care I took I found it impossible to get the decking boards level in all directions, but I thought a few mm either way was OK….until I sent around the Bachmann Big Hauler, which derailed every few feet, particularly going over points. I then spent several weeks carefully leveling the track using screws spacers and wedges. Great fun really, until of course the weather got hotter, track expanded and buckled because the screws did not allow for movement. So back to the drawing board – during this time the track in the flower bed (on a bed of fine gravel – horticultural grit) worked fine through all weathers. So I decided to do away with the screws spacers and wedges and put the track onto a plastic bed (made from 10cm x 10cm electrical ducting) on top of the decking boards , then gravel on top of that – it is early days but so far no derailments and a much smoother ride. It would seem that the old ways are the best.
PhilP
G Scale, 7/8th's, Electronics
Welcome to the Forum!
Look's like your railway is 'softening' with the planting? - Long-ago, I also had a Daughter who was a 'climber!'.. First discovered when 'something' tugged at my trouser bottom's, when up the ladder.. Hannah, pink, fluffy romper-suit, and dummy in her mouth!
- At that time, she could climb-up, but not back down 
which made getting down the ladder 'interesting'!
Look's like your railway is 'softening' with the planting? - Long-ago, I also had a Daughter who was a 'climber!'.. First discovered when 'something' tugged at my trouser bottom's, when up the ladder.. Hannah, pink, fluffy romper-suit, and dummy in her mouth!
- At that time, she could climb-up, but not back down which made getting down the ladder 'interesting'!If only we could train them to clean tracks, lay down ballast (and make a cup of tea) - unfortunately when they get to the age when they are capable they just don't want to knowWelcome to the Forum!
Look's like your railway is 'softening' with the planting? - Long-ago, I also had a Daughter who was a 'climber!'.. First discovered when 'something' tugged at my trouser bottom's, when up the ladder.. Hannah, pink, fluffy romper-suit, and dummy in her mouth!
PhilP
G Scale, 7/8th's, Electronics
If only we could train them to clean tracks, lay down ballast (and make a cup of tea) - unfortunately when they get to the age when they are capable they just don't want to know
Not so sure with Hannah..
At five, SW had to make a 'City of Truro' birthday cake, and she declared she wanted to drive it when she grew-up!
adverse camber
Registered
its not the adverse camber that cases the problems (though you are better off without it if it can be avoided), it is any sudden change in gradient or slope on the track. Discovered this when I suddenly developed a derailing problem on a previously OK bit of track. A spirit level on wheels showed there to be a very sudden change in the track and when I took it up it was clear someone had trodden on it hard and it had a dip. Not noticeable by eye till I had the rail lying on a flat surface out of the sleepers. A gentle gradual adverse camber is fine, I have several and they don't cause problems as long as they are only a degree or two.
AC
AC
Greg Elmassian
Guest
Funny, by definition adverse camber is harmful, unfavorable.... some day please tell the story.
In terms of track "warp" as we call it in the states, the equalization of our locos and rolling stock does not match the capabilities of the real thing, so our models are more sensitive, and as AC has pointed out, ANY sudden change in warp, grade, etc. is adverse.
Regards, Greg
In terms of track "warp" as we call it in the states, the equalization of our locos and rolling stock does not match the capabilities of the real thing, so our models are more sensitive, and as AC has pointed out, ANY sudden change in warp, grade, etc. is adverse.
Regards, Greg
The engines canna take it Jim
