OO grade crossings on curved radii

[Chops]

OK, a while back in the prior edition of this forum, someone suggested the use of Balsa. I'll have to add that to my failed experiments with modeling clay (horrible, looked like something out of the Flintstones), card stock (looked like paper), and plaster (looked like melted chocolate). Thus far, my attempts have worked really, really well at derailing rolling stock, and little else.

I give up. Does Hornby, or anybody, manufacture a curved grade crossing that would fit right in? Or is there a relatively simple (no laser cutter suggestions please) means to create both template and a reasonably appearing grade crossing? I only see straight crossings available. Probably should be putting in an order at Hatton's now. And the postage will cost double the item.

Henley is based on a 1920's theme (largely because such an interesting array of steam could be found in such a time, and partly because of Bill Bryson's fabulous "Summer: 1927). As such, would brick or plank have been the standard?

No kidding, this simple problem has me completely over matched. This is what the modeling clay crossings looked like: absolutely rotten. Speaking of templates, Monty Python's skits always had me laughing until tears, so no offense whatsoever is intended here:

https://youtu.be/1xyt7Hie0qw

[Mountain Goat]

I believe Peco do curved crossings in their settrack range.

[Walkingthedog]

MG is correct.

[Brian]

In the Setrack range they are available in Rad 1 to Rad 4 - ST-266 (1), ST-261 (2), ST-263 (3) & ST-267 (4) (bracketed numbers are the radius they fit)
Also available is the ST-269 add on curved module https://peco-uk.com/products/curved-lev ... dd-on-unit

[twalton1145]

I believe Peco do curved crossings in their settrack range.

These are a great simple solution to getting the geometry right. Not particularly realistic but probably could be painted/ blended in.
Good luck Chops!!
Ted

[Chops]

This should do it. I am tired of trying, a failing badly, at scratch building a level crossing. Next question, and remember I am a stranger in these lands, radius 1, 2, 3, 4 correspond to the radius, 1 being the tightest and 4 being the broadest?

Would Peco correspond exactly to the Hornby radii?

Is the radius imprinted on the bottom of the ties? How will I know which is a one versus a two? I don't recall seeing a rating on the back of the track, either I am just going blind.

This will cost a King's ransom, but I'll just put in some overtime. Time enough to rest after you're dead, as my drill sergeant used to say. I have three different jobs, one full, two part time. When not sleeping, I think about British model rail.

One more thing: the Peco Set track pictured shows the red circle with a vertical white stripe. When did road gated crossings come into effect on British railways? What did they look like? Did they have this vertical white stripe, or where they completely red? Any links on the subject would be most appreciate.

Occasionally, I actually do something.

[twalton1145]

Hi Chops,

Peco Code 100 setrack and Hornby "OO" totally interchangeable. Hornby track geometry here Showing radii etc.
https://www.hornby.com/media/pdf/Track-Geometry-PDF.pdf

According to the Hornby Website 3rd radius is 505 mm; 4th radius is 572 mm. I believe that these figures relate to the centre-line of the track.

Hundreds pics here if you google:

"UK level Crossing gates."

Good luck!
Ted

[Rog (RJ)]

The vertical white stripe is not a stripe. What you are seeing is the gap between the two halves of the gates revealing the white on the edges of the gate.

[Brian]

This should do it. I am tired of trying, a failing badly, at scratch building a level crossing. Next question, and remember I am a stranger in these lands, radius 1, 2, 3, 4 correspond to the radius, 1 being the tightest and 4 being the broadest? Yes that is correct

Would Peco correspond exactly to the Hornby radii? Yes they are the same

Is the radius imprinted on the bottom of the ties? How will I know which is a one versus a two? I don't recall seeing a rating on the back of the track, either I am just going blind. No the radius isn't but the art number usually is printed/embossed

This will cost a King's ransom, but I'll just put in some overtime. Time enough to rest after you're dead, as my drill sergeant used to say. I have three different jobs, one full, two part time. When not sleeping, I think about British model rail. Time to move to the UK then

One more thing: the Peco Set track pictured shows the red circle with a vertical white stripe. When did road gated crossings come into effect on British railways? What did they look like? Did they have this vertical white stripe, or where they completely red? Any links on the subject would be most appreciate. Answered by Rog (RJ)

Occasionally, I actually do something.

Sorry for the way I've replied, it was easier!

[IanS]

This link:

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-ar ... crossings/

will give some info on road crossings (or level-crossings).
There is also a wikipedia article which gives a wider view than the UK. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Level_crossing