Hyper-Elevation Or Banking Of Track On Curved Radii

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You can hyper-elevate or "bank" your track including Unitrack on curved radii by placing 0.040 to 0.020 plastic shims under the outer rail of the curved radii.

This will provide smoother running on curved radii and is specifically helpful when running steam locomotives through curved radii. There is a tendency for the pilot truck of a steamer to derail when entering curves. This can also happen to the trailing truck as well. "Banking" the curve will prevent this from happening. This will work even with the plastic road bed of Unitrack. Place the shim under the roadbed on the outer edge.

It also looks better when you look at a locomotive entering the curve at eye level. You can use this technique on all your curved radii.

I've used this on the "original" JJJ&E  and on the "New" JJJ&E. Hyper-elevating the track works very well especially with larger steam locomotives and all types of diesels.

All highway entrances and exits are "banked" in the real world. Now you can do it on your layout.          

Photo  # 1 ATSF  FT  Units Entering The 24 Inch Radii Curve In The Turnaround Area East Of San Marino.

Photo  # 2  ATSF  F-7  Units Entering The 24 Inch Radii Curve In The Turnaround Area East Of San Marino.

               Photo  # 3  UP # 837  4-8-4 With Smoke Deflectors Entering The 24 Inch Radii Curve In The Turnaround Area East Of San Marino. This locomotive has a very rigid wheel base.

                Photo  # 4  UP # 837  4-8-4 With Smoke Deflectors Entering The 24 Inch Radii Curve In The Turnaround Area East Of San Marino. This locomotive has a very rigid wheel base.