Transition to/from level track to rack track

[Ralphmp]

Quick question for you rack railway folks out there.

Are there any tips about how to achieve a smooth transition between the level track and the first rack track? e.g using 2 or 3 short pieces of track, bending the end of the first rack track section, using rail clamps instead of fishplates

I'm planning my rack section at the moment and I'd like to avoid drawing up something that's unworkable or that is likely to cause me problems during operation.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Frank Gallagher]

I got a double track length, placed heavy weights to start a bend (it took about 10 days and only bent a little) But then was easy to band a little more

 

[Frank Gallagher]

Like this

 

[Frank Gallagher]

AND chamfer the ends of the rack gives a smoother take up as the cog engages

 

[playmofire]

Did you say chamfer the ends of the rack gives a smoother take up as the cog engages?

 

[Ralphmp]

That's helpful info Frank; thanks.

 

[Gavin Sowry]

Did you say chamfer the ends of the rack gives a smoother take up as the cog engages?

I think so, I think so, I think so, I think so..............

 

[Pminot]

Quick question for you rack railway folks out there.

Are there any tips about how to achieve a smooth transition between the level track and the first rack track? e.g using 2 or 3 short pieces of track, bending the end of the first rack track section, using rail clamps instead of fishplates

I'm planning my rack section at the moment and I'd like to avoid drawing up something that's unworkable or that is likely to cause me problems during operation.

Thanks in advance!

I have just started to make a test section of rack rail with a lower and upper transition piece. I used a rail bender and took the track rails out of the ties. It only took a slight bend to get a nice transition. I will post a picture if needed.
Paul

 

[Pminot]

 

[trammayo]

View attachment 221705 View attachment 221703

I should imagine that you have to make sure it's a gentle transition from the flat to, or from, the gradient - or is the rack cog axle mounted?

 

[dunnyrail]

I should imagine that you have to make sure it's a gentle transition from the flat to, or from, the gradient - or is the rack cog axle mounted?

Underside of an LGB Rack Electric. Puffer is similar. Just happened to have on waiting to go up to the loft for storage having not been sold at last years GRail.

Thie was the Rack Loco that Andy Rush got for his Rack Line on the Ruschbahn that never got finished by the time he passed away. In the meantime we used my one, but Andy was never very impressed with the downhill running that was very jerky. Perhaps I made the Gradiend too steep. Also couplings tended to overide each other, particulalrly on his Newquid Chassied 4 Wheel Coaches. We just never got round to pefrecting that bit of the line. Sure it would have been sorted given time.
JonD

 

[playmofire]

Wouldn't the LGB piers sets, 50612, 50613 and 50614, be useful for at least starting off/finishing off the rack section, even if other means might be used in between?

 

[Pminot]

Here is the other transition piece. And some of the test track. I will post more pictures as I get some things moved around.

 

[PhilP]

Clever use of angle and slabs there..
Similar to a 'block and beam' floor...