Hello, I want to build a double oval with the KATO N 15" radius 30 degree radius curves for the outer loop. I see there are a couple of smaller radius I could use for an inner loops which include 12 3/8" radius 45 degree and also 13 3/4" radius 45 degree sectional curves. What is the largest that will fit inside the 15" radius curve?
With Kato N Scale Unitrack, track separation defaults to 33mm. So, if your outer curve is 381mm (15"), the next lower matching radius is 348mm, then 315mm and so on. If you choose 348mm and run long cars, be sure to test clearance so that passing trains don't hit. I've not had problems on my railroad with this running 315mm and 282mm, but the cars get close. There are exceptions to this rule depending on track layout, but 33mm is often a sacred number with Unitrack.
My dealer doesn't mention the curves in metric (mm), but rather 12 3/8" radius 45 degree and also 13 3/4" radius 45 degree sectional curves. Does the 13 3/4" radius 45 degree curves fit the 348mm curve? Of course if long cars do interfere, I suppose I could just shorten the oval in the middle to pull the inner curve away from the outer. Also most of the curve packs come 4 to a pack. Is it correct that 16 pieces will make a complete circle of any of those sizes?
315 converts to ~12-3/8" Radius and 348mm converts to ~13-3/4" Radius. You'll need 8 Pieces of 45 Deg. Curves to make a circle and 12 Pieces of 30 Deg. Curves to make a circle. The picture below shows 315mm (12-3/8"), 348mm (13-3/4") and 381mm (15") curve tracks laid next to each other.
That is helpful. But dang I order too many of the 15" and not enough of the 13 3/4. I'll see if I can update the order before it ships. But as it turns out, the 13 3/4" radius is also 30 degrees so I'd assume I need the same number of those as I do the 15" since they are both 30 degrees.
I did much the same when I ordered Unitrack for my layout. Despite my best effort to plan with precision, I have an embarrassing amount of surplus track.
Better too much than too little. I emailed the vendor to see if they can reduce the 15" to 3 4-packs and up the 13 3/4" up to 3. Price is the same.
Note that most radiuses are available in different degrees and not always the same options. Kato's USA website lists their single track curves here, including part number, radius in millimeters, radius in inches, and degrees of curvature.
I the order was revised, and I have 3 packs of 4 of each of the radius. Hopefully that is 2 circles of track!
You bet yah! If you didn't like what you order you could have change the delivery address. Problem solved.
