Follow these steps in a sim/draw on paper:
1) Where are you (what radial)? (CENTER NEEDLE)
2) What is the angular difference between the radial you are ON and the radial you're going to intercept?
3) Is the angular difference less than 90 degrees? Double it. Still less than 90? Use that number; (ex. 30 degrees in between, x 2 = 60). Lets say it is 50 degrees in between; doubble it = 100. Any number above 90, use 90. This only works if it initally is less than 90 degrees in between your location and the radial you are going to intercept (which is also the most likely scenario!!!)
4) (lets use ex. nr 1 with 30 degrees angular difference): Now that you got 2 x 30=60, we'll use that number. Here it comes; Lets say you're on the 180 radial. Your instruction is to intercept the 210 radial to a station. You centered the needle with a TO flag (reading 180 at the bottom). You find it to be 30 degrees in between your current location and the radial you want to intercept. Double it = 60. Now, twist the OBS so that you have 210 at the bottom (TO), look at where the needle deflects (left/right?). Now, add 60 degrees (2x30=60) in the direction of deflection from the COURSE you'll fly (number on the top/reciprocal of radial to intercept)... = this will be the initally heading to fly to put you on a proper course. The heading may be adjusted so to more quickly pick it up (depending on angle of interception/distance).
A typical example of over complicating something which is very simple.
Who wants to be doing all this maths? doubling things, then doubling them again, then subtract the day of the month, add 5 for mum and go with that.
KISS - Keep It Simple - SUPID.
Just look at the instrument, visualise where you are, and take appropriate steps, try a 30 degree intercept, if that doesn't seem to do much, increase it. If close to the beacon, use common sense and judgement.
This really isn't rocket science guys.
