Yes it's another crazy,but simple layout question. HO and Atlas (or other engines). How much radius will my curves require for these engines. While I am thinking about it, I will probably have standard size freight and passenger service as well.
Not a crazy question at all. Of course some of the answer depends upon what you mean by 'standard size'. Your basic answers can be found on the NMRA website in the Standards section. http://www.nmra.org/standards/ Take the Basic Standards link and look at S-7 Clearances and S-8 Track Centers. In S-8, you can read the definitions of the class of railroad equipment you will run and then look at the track centers for HO and that class. One thing that I will mention is that the column marked 'M' is the Preferred Minimum Track Center Distance for easy handling, coupling, yards, etc. Enjoy Roger Roger Hensley - rhensley@anderson.cioe.com == http://www.nmra.org/standards == == NMRA Standards and Recommended Practices ==
Well I guess most people start out using the 18" radius curves that come in train sets. I think that all desiels and a lot of steam locos made today will 'run' on these curves. Now to be more specific, youre loco will run on 18" curves, BUT it will run and look a lot better on a curve of at least 22" radius. The main problem is coupeler overhang. On these sharp radius curves the coupeler will stick out past the outside rail, making the following car derail. When you add a standard size 80 foot passenger car to this loco it will be impossible for the two to go arround an 18" curve. So a simple answer to your question would be to use a minium of 22" radius.Now of course if you can use a larger radius curve, use it. the locomotives and cars will look and opperate much better on larger curves. On my layout I use a minium of 36" radius and still would go larger if I had the room....Mike
