Cypress Engineering
          Model Railroad Products - Easements

An easement is a curve that decreases in radius from infinite (a straight line) to a given radius. The radius decreases linearly in proportion to the distance along the easement. It is used to "ease" a train, traveling in a straight line, into a curve. Since centrifugal force is proportional to the reciprocal of the radius, the centrifugal force increases linearly, with distance traveled along the easement, from zero to that represented by the radius at the end of the easement.

On large locomotives and passenger cars it decreases unsightly overhang at the point of merger between a straight track and a fixed curved track. This contributes significantly to smoother operation.

Below is a diagram showing the various terms and features of an easement (Click drawing for an enlarged copy). DON'T WORRY. Cypress Engineering has done all of the work for you.

The one variable that determines all of the other dimensions is the length of the easement. The greater the length of the easement, the more gradual the transition from straight to curve.

Cypress Engineering easements are offered in three sizes for each radius, short, medium and long. The length of the easements, relative to the fixed radius, are as follows:

Small: Ls = .33R        Medium: Ls = .50R        Large Ls = .67R

This gives the track planner the flexibility to fit the easement to the specific requirement such as mainline, branch line or yard area.

BEFORE ordering any easement roadbed, consult the drawing and chart below to verify that the easement will fit in the available space. The dimensions are for the TOP of the roadbed, the 1½" dimension. The base will be about ½" wider in the "Y" dimension.

TABLE SHOWING X-Y DIMENSIONS OF EASEMENTS