1. Session #: 18 Design Study: New Track Geometry 2003 BricksWest Carlsbad, California Session #: 18 Presenter: Ben Fleskes Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003 @ 9AM

2. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Overview Wish List 9v LEGO train track mods Final suggestions

3. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry New Track Geometry Wish List Flexible track length Improved switch geometry More radius options Different crossings

4. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Criteria Compatible with existing track –Maintain tie spacing ~ two studs between ties –16 stud offset Durable Play well together – with other pieces

5. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry One Possible Answer: Track Mods 40S R 22.5 deg curve40S R 11.25 deg curve

6. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Or: 16S straight4.35S straight

7. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Why 4.35? 4.35S straight 40S R 11.25 deg curve 40S R 33.75 deg curve + +

8. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Pretty darn close 15.9 S <0.1 S

9. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Making it happen….080” x 080” polystyrene Soldering iron Solder MEK (glue) Hack saw Exacto knife Needle files Flat file What you need:

10. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Step 1: Start with a regular curve track

11. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Step 2: Cut it apart Hint: A Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel works really well.

12. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Step 3: Trim inside flanges

13. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Step 4: Stage for assembly Note: the track with yellow bricks provides alignment 0.080” x 0.080” Polystyrene

14. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Step 5: Begin Assembly

15. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Step 6: Final assembly Hint: use a small blunt object to press the polystyrene firmly in place

16. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Step 7: Glue Danger! MEK fumes are harmful! Follow all recommended precautions! MEK: Methyl Ethyl Ketone

17. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Step 8: Solder Hint: solder top and sides of each rail

18. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Step 9: File File the excess solder away

19. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Step 10: Done

20. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Something a little more Complicated

21. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Switch Mod 1: Cut the track

22. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Switch Mod 2: Prep for assembly Hint: the remnant from a switch left can be used to modify a switch right. End of a curve track

23. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Switch Mod 3: Reinforce and glue Hint: Use extra curve tracks to keep pieces aligned. Hint: Be careful not to glue the tracks together

24. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Switch Mod 4: Solder and File Hint: Be careful not to dislodge metal rail when soldering

25. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry A sample layout

26. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Another option

27. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Or a real layout

28. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry What about curves? 40S R 22.5 deg curve56S R 22.5 deg curve72S R 15 deg curve88S R 15 deg curve 104S R 11.25 deg curve 120S R 11.25 deg curve

29. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry What about a crossing?

30. Ben Fleskes: Design Study: New Track Geometry Summary Track mods can give you –Any length track you want –Very flexible switch track Track mods can’t give you –Different radius tracks –No clear solution for another crossing