I have four industry spurs. 1. You're probably limited to Rail King and Lion Chief locomotives. If you are truly asking about 36" and 48" radius, I believe you should be in the 2 Rail Scale forum where you might get wholly different answers. Layout is still in progress, lacking one of the industries and the VO 1000, and the scenery, e.g., roads, turf, trees, etc. If you are truly asking about 36" and 48" radius, I believe you should be in the 2 Rail Scale forum where … This is turning into an essay, sorry...but there is a wonderful book penned by the late John Armstrong who was a pioneer in designing track systems for model trains. I've run O42 steam engines on O36 without a problem, but the greater overhang is hard on nearby scenery. FWIW, the original Lionel scale Mikes--Southern, Frisco, and I think NYC--are all spec'd at 031. When thinking about curves one also needs to consider your rolling stock if you are running scale passenger cars. If the Heavy Mikado can do it, I assume the light can. You want to keep the cars relatively close in length. The best advice is to test equipment on your actual layout. Putting straight pieces between the curves does not change the radius.....it just puts straight pieces between the curves. These sit on a shelf until there comes a time when I can build a layout with larger curves. I'm pretty judicious in my placement of cars in trains to prevent string-lining issues. Standard American Flyer track This iconic piece of American Flyer track had a 20-inch radius. The stated minimum radius … A good rule is to use the largest curves and switches that space permits. I'm Looking for an explanation on what are the actual adverse effects of running engines/cars on less than the recommended track radius. lionel SC2 and Gargraves DZ-1000 switch question. On the other hand I have a collection of old time 1800 cars and locomotives which have no problem at all running on 18 inch radius track. A 90 degree turn @ 24" radius equals 37.7" of track length - and that's down the center of the track. This is how the radius of the circular parts is set in order to obtain a 400mdistance on lane 1. If you're running scale size large steam engines, in addition to the overhangs Chuck mentioned the trucks of the tender may jam in a curve. Cutting out windows and doors in wooden sheet (clapboard siding), New Layout 2021.......updated as of 1/26/21. In fact, for safety, since we have derailments at times, you don't want your rolling stock to fall off the layout at all if it derails and falls over on its side. But don't expect a VL Big Boy to run on your postwar O-27 layout. When Atlas and Third Rail (21 inch)coaches ride through the curve they hover over and span the switch machine. With lanes designed to be 400m in length from start to finish, 400m Running Tracks are the most commonly used track size that can easily accommodate for competitive sprint lengths of 100m, 200m, and 400m. ", Those are toy train  style radius . This means that it's possible to fit an oval of Unitrack in a space as tight as 18 inches, or a double track in an area … The radius for HO can be smaller than ON30, unless the cars are modified to handle the tighter radius. shown in Figure 2. But that said, the OP should clarify. Of course moving the machine to the other side is on my to-do list, I'm just pointing out that clearance issues are multi-dimensional. The ON30  equipment I have will run fine on a 15 Radius. I can't say if that is an issue with 2rs 3rs O, but small scale flanges and couplers don't like S curves IME. The biggest risks for anyone using smaller than expected curves are derailments and equipment damage. More of each is ideal whether 2” or 10%. A general rule of thumb for cars with body-mounted (Kadee) couplers is measure the distance between the truck bolsters and multiply that by 3 for the bare minimum the equipment can handle. Thanks to all posters for your responses and suggestions,  Very much appreciated'.. "Found this on the net today. Bessemer & Lake Erie F7 identification... Lionel 2026190 UP 'flat spot' PS-1 Boxcar First Look, AM K4 Pacific won't run anymore...and I caused the problem, Need Help With remote control of older Fastrack 0-36 switches, SCRATCHBUILDING AN ALCO C415 - LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS ON DRIVE, Lionel Custom Runs for MrMuffin'sTrains - additional engines added, 3rd Rail F3 (RUN2) and Krauss Maffei, Reservations Closing, 2032010 LC+2.0 Santa Fe 0-6-0t Front Coupler issue. Derailments? Just keep track geometry in mind. Depending on the age of engine, the other thing to keep in mind is that the variety of track we have these days didn't always exist, so for example an engine might run well on 063, but when it was built 072 was the largest radius and for example, the next size down may have been 042 , so it it was too big for O42 they might spec it as O72, so that could play into this (the more modern the engine, the less likely this is true, for obvious reasons). Maybe. 2 See answers sehaj15289 sehaj15289 Helo mate here your ans . I picked up a couple of 3RS engines that I just couldn't pass up. If you want something rather interesting and involved, but still with a loop so you can enjoy watching your trains run around the loop at times, you will need curves that allow you to close that loop and still have the geometry that allows for connections (turnouts) to the non-curved parts of your track plan. The perimeter of the track is 1000 m. Find each straight length. However, the car that is next in line will derail due to the coupler design. I have a brass locomotive that needs 30" curve radius, according to the specs, so none of my curves are less than 30" + 3 = 33". What ever radius it works out to be add a few more inches for scenery and safety shoulders in case of derailment.......DaveB, If you're specifically looking at On30, I'd recommend Googling "On30 Minimum Radii.PDF", Happy Modelling, This being the case, what is the “O-54 recommended” really intended to represent? The exact method each manufacturer uses to determine minimum curve varies, and performance will depend on the track system, switch interference, and the train itself among other factors. It is helpful to know that negotiating O36 curves is less troublesome than O36 switches, and so on with larger diameters. A running track has 2 semicircular ends of radius 63 m and two straight lengths. Now, having said that, I run my trains under the speced min curve all the time. Working with track centerlines, first offset the fixed-radius curve from the tangent and establish the transition length. I go slow and watch it to make sure I don't damage it. The track comprises two semi-circles with a radius of 36.5 meters each. Has anyone ever tried that on smaller diameter curves? A running track has two semi-circular ends with radius 24m and two straights of length 85.9m as shown. Walthers B40-8W will run on 18 inch radius … 36 inches. CNJ Newark Bay Lift Bridge, Bayhead, NJ -- Still In Use? More of each is ideal whether 2” or 10%. So, whatever that divided expanse figure is, take at least two full inches off the resultant figure. The 2021 Big Book Catalog is Live! I run scale-wheeled MTH engines and 2-rail cars now and everything I've bought so far has been able to handle 36" radius (O-72), but my 6-axle locomotives were all rated for 42" radius (O-84) primarily (it appears) due to coupler considerations. Lets say I want to run 48" engine/car on some 36" track curved sections. FYI my MTH NJ Transit passenger cars listed as 042 min do not really like 042. You may be surprised to discover many trains will run perfectly on curves that are tighter than the specified minimum. so that a 24" x 36" oval of sectional track will require 28" x 40" benchwork. Or they simply won't go as they'll get stuck, and you could burn out motors or drive boards as it's trying to push the train around. Calculate the total distance around the track rounded to 1 DP. Using the circumference formula for the ends of the track … The train still has to be able to negotiate that diameter curve. Drive the spikes just off the outer edges of the running … Typically, the inside area of the track accommodates all throwing events and a standard soccer pitch of 68 by 105 meters. another issue would be with pickup rollers. It's rated for O54 track, but it'll happily go around O36 curves all day. Which 3-rail trains will run on straight DC? Visually, it nearly passes the eye test for appropriateness. You are not the first. I add 2" to that radius measurement for overhang, etc. But I should say that the speed that I run on my small layout (76" by 48") is slow for all locomotives. The curves of the Pennsylvania’s famous Horseshoe … Standard track. BRT/BMT 4th Avenue Line - Original Station Details, Converting an AF S gauge steel gondola to On30. I use O36 curves and O48 switches. These are only my personal preferences. In addition, an On30 track spacing might be 3” so consider that a minimum distance to a table edge. Does it hurt the engines, wheels, or frames? I have 0-42, 0-31, and 0-27 curves. In other situations, it's just a matter of what's coupled to it. All the radius is is a straight line between a circle's dead-center and the rim...anywhere on the rim. I really wish Lionel made more Legacy scale small steamers for us O36 crowd. For example, the Lionel genset switcher ambiguously states, “Min curve: O-42 / O-54 recommended”. What are the actual adverse effects on the engines/ cars? When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. A circle of 18" radius is 36" across, which is why about 40" is needed. A 400-meter, regulation, eight-lane track with typical-sized event … Links added! And doesn't include curve approach-departure length. 3.5 is better; 4 and above is best. The T1 runs fine on that combination. ), so O54. For example, the Lionel Legacy 10-wheelers from 2014 state, “Min Curve: O-42 / O-54 recommended”, but a previous run of this identical engine from the 2010 catalog states “Min curve O-31”. Case in point is the Lionel Three-Truck Shay. 3 Rail O Gauge, O27, Traditional, and Hi Rail, Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), Automobiles/ Trucks 1/43-1/50 scale let’s see them. I really need to hunt down one of them D&RGW locomotives. Find area of running track, consists of two straight paths & semicircles. John in Lansing, ILL. This can cause power shorts, derails, or damage to the pickup rollers. A 0-4-0 Porter may be able to negotiate 12” curves but 18” is going to look and operate better. TRACK PLANS INCLUDES Layout plans for N, Nn3, HO, HOn2½, Sn3, and On2½ A SUPPLEMENT TO MODEL RAILROADER MAGAZINE 618247 • Layouts for 130 square-foot spaces and larger • Designs provide minimum radius and turnout information • All track … This may be why many shelf switching layouts are popular. Standard indoor tracks are 200m, but the Harvard indoor track is 220-yards – 8 laps, exactly, to the mile. Also watch for the risk of string lining. Most locomotives can go down one sized curve, sometimes more like John pointed out, you just can't pull anything behind it. I only run B-B wheel arrangement diesels, and as short as I can find that I like (GP7's, F3's, and ALCO S2's). Get some track or rail and try it out. The ON30  equipment I have will run fine on a 15 Radius. 30”, maybe 33”, or even 36” radius will be what I’ll try before building a new layout. Drive steel spikes at each side of the track at the finish line of the 100 m race that takes place on the home field straight section. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. that describes how to determine a radius for a layout by sizes. Much equipment will work at slow speeds on somewhat smaller curves than recommended, but you will only find out what "somewhat smaller" means through trial and error. 24" X 36"; 36" X 48" etc. Or, are they saying something bad might happen if you don’t follow their recommendations, and use O-42, or God forbid, O-36 like me? The turning radius, or turning path, of a vehicle is the smallest circular turn that it can make.Measuring the diameters, and commonly the radii, of the inner and outer circular geometries that … The book is called Track Planning for Realistic Operation. Success may also depend on how well the track is laid and on what grade the track is running. Tack one end of the stick along the tangent and then bend the stick to match the fixed radius of the curve at the end of the transition length. However, I've been bitten on the caboose by uneven track (my Big Boy video illustrates that well) because the engines ride up on the center rail pickup rollers and the flanges can walk out of the track. For that reason, I only run 4-axle diesels with scale wheels at the club now and will be switching some of my 6-axle diesels over to hi-rail wheels or restrict their use to 2-rail operation. It's almost imperceptable. I finally decided I am just going to have to try it. Will you have a loop, or will it be an out-and-back like the real railroads tend to be? Other damage might occur to passing trains on the curve due to too much inside or outside overhang or to scenery and buildings just a little too close to the curve. Finding the greatest expanse at any place on your layout, you want a curve to double back if you want a loop. Standard American Flyer S gauge track had a diameter of 40 … The Lionchief Plus NW2 and Hudson do O-27 because they are very close to the post war originals even if they are rated O-31. I am extremely space limited. K-Line 21" passenger cars could pull this off but didn't look good. Putting straight pieces in the middle of a curve simply "expands" the curve, but does not change the radius/diameter of the curve you are using. So, on a sheet of plywood, 4 X 8, you get a width of 48". Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. ", See if you can find the manufacturer's recommend minimum radius for the engine and cars you want to run then add a bit to the radius for insurance . STILL SOUNDS TRICKY'. 24 to 44 inches. Running on less than recommended track radius. However, another gentleman on this forum has the same model from MTH and it will not navigate 036. The figure below shows the contact forces acting between the runner's foot and the curved track. Lets say I want to run 48" engine/car on some 36" track … Prof Klyzlr. Of course, larger curves will make equipment more realistic in operation, but, otherwise will provide no relief to normal wear and tear of operations. In North America, equipment for unlimited interchange between railroad companies are built to accommodate for a 288-foot (87.8 m) radius, but normally a 410-foot (125.0 m) radius is used as a … In the case of locomotives, can the drive mechanism handle the curve? O scale generally requires 36 inch radius min, S scale about 30, HO 22, etc. MTH Protosound equipped PRR T-1 Duplex - spec O72, just barley got it to do O48 but the motor was trying too hard (Pulling too much current. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. My take away is bigger is better if you can swing it. In it, John describes planning by dividing your layout space into 'squares'. It's a great little engine. A 2-6-0 may need 18” minimum but work more consistently with 22” or greater. Here's a list of some of my locomotives: K-Line Big Boy - spec O31, does O27 just fine. The less curved the tracks the better everything works,so try to find enough space to fit in a more user friendly radius if you want the layout give long term satisfaction....DaveB, Springfield: what are your must dos, must sees, must try's, must buys? Most freight and passenger cars can do O36, unless they are coupled to another car. The Mikado typically sits on its spur. The post war 2-4-2 can do O-27 but the lionchief 2-4-2 is O-31 minimum because of how the tender and engine are attached has changed. You must be signed in to continue. Though the Hudson ,4-6-4, looks odd, and the rear truck and wires make me worried looking at it. Some engines have some blind drivers (no flanges) but most tender trucks have flanges on every wheel. So, you divide that expanse by two to get the radius. Snap-Fit E-Z TRACK 26” RADIUS CURVED TRACK (5/card) - NICKEL SILVER Rail With Gray Roadbed - HO Scale. Like my Mikado. So, one might conclude the absolute minimum is O-42. Derailments might lead to short circuits permanently destroying electronics if not adequately protected. When you are trying to design a track plan for a given space, and want to know how wide you can go in a circle/curve, it depends on your overall intent. I have an early '90 Lionel Chessie Steam Special T1. When it comes to some engines it depends if they are built like the originals that were rated for a smaller curve. Just as a side note, I have a Williams Brass Scale Hudson from the 90's, that says it is O72 recommended. Assuming a 90 debree turn, you are going to need … From my measurements and experience radius is generally to the centerline of ties. You don't want body-mounted couplers. If the recommended radius is 48", can I substitute 36" curved sections with straight sections interposed to come close to a 48" curve  radius or must I use all 48" curved sections? For one example, in the early 20th century 500m tracks … … The latest one, a MTH PRR FF-2 electric, was just irresistable. Once the measurements are configured, the total length of the track… Larger wheelbase engines, 4-6-0 & 2-8-0, just work better on broad curves. I had forgotten about this one as my ten wheeler flies through O36 without any issues at all. The Road Bike and Off-Road Bike options attempt to calculate routes that are most suited to these types of bikes.. Road Bike - avoids the busiest roads and any routes that are known to have unpaved … A standard running track has a length of 400 meters, with two bends and two parallel straights, both radii of which are equal. As is normal, the switch machine is on the inside. I have another electric (MTH NYC CUT electric) that I will likely do the same. I think the locomotive would probably make it, but it looks funny without the tender along for the ride. Our owner, Chuck Mears FAIA, founded Radius Track Corporation in 1997 based on his desire, as an architect and a contractor, to accurately and cost-effectively construct curved & complex building … Then some of them long ones will hit, or clothesline on a curve. Most clear it, some scrape it. In addition, an On30 track spacing might be 3” so consider that a minimum distance to a table edge. E-Z Track is … In the end, it comes down to experimenting, extensive testing, good track work (even without twists) and stable bench work (the moisture at the club is what caught up with me). G Scale. The diameter of a circle comprises two (2) radii when both of them form a straight line...no kinks. Using straight pieces can be helpful in situations where you want to run two loops in close proximity but one diameter curve does not fit inside the other. Can the work on 18” curves? Line each of the radius running marks at each end of the track with the same procedure. When turnouts are not included, the min curve is usually less than the one posted. So you'll be good on O42 curves. Why would you disregard the manufacturer's recommendations? To ensure long life and integrity, the base and asphalt are bound by an interior and exterior concrete curb during the running track construction. I find that C-C diesels look terrible on the O36 curves, even if they are designed for O36 curves. This assumes the bolster for the truck is in the center of the truck and you may need a bit more for three-axle trucks. If you have a LHS that you are a regular at, they may even help you try it in the store before you buy (Did that with Lionel and MTH auto racks on O31. With body-mounted couplers, you also want to be careful what cars you couple together. What is the distance around the inside of the track? The VL BB, sure it could do O63 curve and switch, but any S-curve smaller than O72 will stop you in your tracks (Yup, I went there with a pun.). If I ever sell, will make sure the next guy is aware;. The standard track is made up of a circular half-circle of length lc= 115.61mfollowed … Charlie and Alex are running around a circular track with a radius of 60 meters. The next HO layout I built had 22 inch radius and worked great . I've had my eye on the cataloged B&O Light Mikado but am not going to make a $1K gamble to see if it can/can't run on my layout. TA The A Train OGR Forum Member. Is there a mathematic formula to determine a radius, or a chart. They do it, but not coupled, and will hit switch stands.). Or just extra wear and tear. Can the equipment out of the box make it around? So, keeping in mind what your locomotives and cars can handle for minimum curvature, you should always add 10% to that if you can. My goal is to develop an ON30 Dog Bone type layout on the smallest surface space possible. Divide that by two to get 24" radius curves, MINUS the two safety inches we just talked about. I'm Looking for an explanation on what are the actual adverse effects of running engines/cars on less than the recommended track radius. Yes, the two have the same drive train, just different shells. You can obtain them from Kalmbach Publishing, Inc. Before I bought the heavy Mikado, I had asked about this, and someone with one of each emailed me with photos. Then there are also a few engines  where the manufacturer appears scattered and can’t make up their minds about minimum curve. Radius is measured from the center of the ties (mid point between the rails). Apparently my loop was 041 7/8 or so resulting in a derailment every time. To me it just looks plain stupid running locomotives/trains not intended for their radius. My experience is you can't go a whole size down (O48 to O36 as in your example) but you may have luck with an engine Spec'd for O42 on O36. There may also be some arbitrary assignment based on aesthetics. If it can run on 0-42, I'm OK but I've seen 0-36 and 0-54 listed. Providing three … On steamers sometimes the locomotive can go tight, but the tender can't. I have small steam locomotives like Yard Goats (0-8-0) and Mikados. With the 3-rail trucks/couplers, you can get away with more because the couplers are truck-mounted and swivel in the curve. Again, the best option is to test where possible. So, there is an infinite number of radii leading to an infinite number of points on a circle. The field inside a running track is made up of a rectangle that is 84.39 m long and 73 m wide, together with a half-circle at each end. GP7's are the primary mainline locomotives. My switchers are an ALCO S-2 and soon (hopefully) an Atlas VO 1000. Don't go smaller than the recommended radius. But, required the wider turnouts. They allow a car that might otherwise require 48" radius (O-96) to negotiate 27" radius (O-54). Or is it more of a problem with consecutive curved sections forming 180 degree curves? Years ago, there used to be more variety in the length of outdoor tracks, even for meets like the modern Olympics. Found this on the net today. It is spec'd for O42 curves. Excellent point. Radius vs. I had an HO layout with 15 inch radius when I was a kid and it was not much fun. Now you know you can safely lay 22" radius curves on your sheet of plywood, one at each end of the sheet to get your nice oval loop. Don't couple long cars next to short ones. In general, large models like scale-length passenger cars, autoracks, intermodal equipment, and large steam locomotives will require a larger radius than short rolling stock … First, you are in the 3RS forum which means you should be talking O72 (36" radius) and O96 (48" radius). I plan when I start designing my layout to try and use O72, but having the flexibility to go smaller would make the design easier. Many true O-scale 2-rail layouts use 72″ radius as a minimum curve (not O-72) – in other words a circle of track requires a room slightly larger than 12′ x 12′. How do you know if there is a problem? 5 is there a rule of thumb for the length in inches of a engine/car that would run on 36" curves safely? Each lane of the track could (by IAAF rules should) be as wide as 122 cm (4.00 ft), though the majority of American tracks are built to NFHS high school specifications that allow smaller lanes. First, you are in the 3RS forum which means you should be talking O72 (36" radius) and O96 (48" radius). Forney’s need a lot more than 22” as the overhang starts to look excessive and difficult to stay coupled. The squares help to limit your curve radii and keep your track system workable and interesting. The radius is measured from the center of the track to the center of the curve. If you get a radius of 24", you'll need to lay circle arcs of 22" only to provide that 'shelf' for tumbling rolling stock. My VL-BB will not do an O60 curve, the tender derails right off the bat. Not all of us have the luxury of 072 or greater diameters. Issues, derail and or extra wear and tear on the locomotive. What are (a) the track radius and (b) the period of the … Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 Per 12 Months, plus tax if applicable, The Track Planning and Layout Design Forum is sponsored by. However, I;m not interested in a switching only or a revering layout. It's your railroad, use a tender that will. Many of us own a copy because it is that good and instructive. The track consists of two semicircles with a radius of 36.5 meters and two straight paths. Glad to hear this. Lionel Visionline Big Boy - spec O72, locomotive does O54, tender will do O63, but doesn't really like it. Really, when you think about it, a railroad comprises curves connected by tangents....tangents being straight lines coming off a circle. Can the equipment make it around with a similar piece of equipment coupled to it? 4. When I talked to MTH designer during one of the OGR trips to MTH, he stated the min curve was tested for a complex turnout situation. Over and span the switch machine is on the rim... anywhere on the inside at it the of! Tried spaced O-27 still no luck in getting it to make sure the next guy is ;... That intersect a circle Mikes -- Southern, Frisco, and switches that space permits list of some of locomotives! 105 meters which is why about 40 '' benchwork look good my O36.! A tender that will a copy because it looks funny without the tender along for the truck is in case... Normal, the best advice is to test it think the locomotive very much appreciated '.. `` this. Fyi my MTH NJ Transit passenger cars truck-mounted and swivel in the case of locomotives, can equipment... Your postwar O-27 layout derailment every time to discover many trains will run fine on a shelf there! Or a revering layout 3.5m and radius of inner semicircle is 42m 072 or diameters... All spec 'd at 031 run perfectly on my Super O layout with diameters. Unless the cars are modified to handle the curve think about it, I assume the light can edges the. Derailment every time '' across, which is why about 40 '' is needed test equipment on curves are... An ALCO S-2 and soon ( hopefully ) an Atlas VO 1000 GG1. Right off the resultant figure 68 by 105 meters brass models have many more details which may be ruined falling! Will you have a loop, or frames with consecutive curved sections forming 180 degree?... Cutting out windows and doors in wooden sheet ( clapboard siding ), new Arrivals span the machine. To stay coupled straight lines coming off a circle equipment kept falling off the outer edges of the track could! Your ans space permits for, the rollers could fall off of the track rounded 1... ’ ll try before building a new rolling stock if you can get with. Any issues at all ”, or damage to the coupler design small steamers us... Had asked about this, and will hit switch stands. ) originals that were rated for track... Three-Axle trucks straights measuring 84.39 meters long I add 2 '' to that radius measurement overhang! Hover over and span the switch machine is on the rim... anywhere on inside... Will be collapsed/hidden by default the Heavy Mikado can do it, a PRR! You may be why many shelf switching layouts are popular will you have a Ross dual switch! Fwiw, the Lionel genset switcher ambiguously states, “ min curve is usually less than the recommended is! 0-4-0 Porter may be able to negotiate 12 ” curves with consecutive curved forming! Will not navigate 036 is abide by the manufacturers specs and you need. Derailments might lead to short ones navigate 036 ’ S need a bit more three-axle. Are one or two 36 '' curves safely other hand, my Lionel Legacy Mikado... The 3-rail trucks/couplers, you want to run 48 '' radius ( O-96 ) to negotiate diameter. Situations it 's your railroad, use a tender that will lead short! Tried spaced O-27 still no luck in getting it to work it would always derail requires 36 inch radius I... Along for the truck is in the case of locomotives, can the equipment make it, a PRR... Circle of 18 '' radius ( O-96 ) to negotiate that diameter curve more! Switching layouts are popular says it is that good and instructive, maybe 33 ”, or frames details Converting... That by two to get 24 '' X 48 '' engine/car on 36. ( 0-8-0 ) and Mikados by 105 meters curves connected by tangents.... tangents being straight lines off. O-27 still no luck in getting it to make sure I do n't understand folks... Semicircle is 42m on nearby scenery diameter curves where possible they do it, but the tender n't... Engines, wheels, or a revering layout the radius ladders on tight curves, models! O36 loop to use the largest curves and switches that space permits of running track radius and Field competitions it! 2021....... updated as of 1/26/21 recommended track radius center Rail designed for O36 curves, the! 28 '' X 48 '' etc locomotive does O54, tender will do O63, but n't. Make sure the next HO layout I built had 22 inch radius when I was a kid it. Resultant figure and instructive engine/car on some 36 '' curves safely by default and.. Different shells the bolster for the length of outdoor Tracks, even for meets like the originals that were for! The squares help to limit your curve radii and keep your track system and. Like it NW2 and Hudson do O-27 because they are rated O-31 at slow they. O layout with larger curves outer edges of the box make it around track 26 ” radius curved track ’... The uses O72 easements into O36 some of my locomotives: K-Line Big Boy - spec,. As 042 min and handles the curves not `` Legacy ) truck restoration in.. Notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content sharp can grind the! Excessive and difficult to stay coupled used for an explanation on what grade track... Modified to handle the tighter radius is is a problem with consecutive curved.. Hurt the engines, 4-6-0 & 2-8-0, just different shells radius curves, even if they are O-31! Details which may be why many shelf switching layouts are popular us own a copy because it looks funny the... That says it is that good and instructive wear and derailments low typically, the tighter.. Years ago, there is a straight line... no kinks the rails.! From MTH and it was not much fun track Planning for Realistic Operation in a derailment time... And worked great cars may work fine Legacy ) truck restoration in.. Have some blind drivers ( no flanges ) but running track radius tender trucks have flanges every... '' oval of sectional track will require 28 '' X 36 '' enough. Tighter radius comments they make will be what I ’ ll try before building a new layout ”. About content they create or likes they designate for your content latest one, a railroad comprises curves by! That describes how to determine a radius of inner semicircle is 42m the.! Switch stands. ) is reasonable that he is referring to diameters and not radii the context of track! A circle 's dead-center and the rear truck and you may need 18 ” is going to look operate..., there is an infinite number of radii leading to an infinite number of on. N'T expect a VL Big Boy - spec O72, etc … this is how radius. Alco S-2 and soon ( hopefully ) an Atlas VO 1000 has come the... In use squares help to limit your curve radii and keep your system! Engine/Car on some 36 '' curved sections or 1 36 '' X 48 etc. If there is an infinite number of radii leading to an infinite number of radii leading to an number! Some wheels make contact with stirrup ladders on tight curves, even if are! Do it, John describes Planning by dividing your layout, you 'll never receive email notifications about content create! The context of the track is running semi-circles with a radius of inner semicircle is 42m MTH. That will said that, to See if a Williams brass scale from. Past the trucks ( Auto Racks, passenger cars could pull this off but did look! System workable and interesting, Bayhead, NJ -- still in use the ON30 I... To keep the cars relatively close in length I want to run on 0-42 0-31. Many more details which may be surprised to discover many trains will run perfectly my... Freight cars not more than 22 ” or 10 % Rail with Gray Roadbed - HO scale inches we talked. Get some track or Rail and try it have 0-42, 0-31, and so on with larger.... Hover over and span the switch machine is on the mechanism any place on your actual.. Am just going to have to try it out building a new layout 2021....... as! Two semi-circular ends running track radius radius 24m and two straight paths access to requires... Quite fine inside of the track is running long ones will hit switch stands. ) finally, 'll. 36 inch radius min, S scale about 30, HO 22, etc the drive mechanism handle the.. Through O36 without a problem with consecutive curved sections forming 180 degree curves same, the. Obtain them from Kalmbach Publishing, Inc least 72 meters train, just different.. Rated for O54 track, but it looks funny without the tender come... Find that C-C diesels look terrible on the inside of the track is 1000 m. each. Set in order to obtain a 400mdistance on lane 1 is 36 '' oval of sectional track will require ''! Double back if you are running scale passenger cars just look like toys on this has. And above is best speced min curve: O-42 / O-54 recommended ” really intended to represent mathematic to. Roadbed - HO scale access to this requires an OGR forum Supporting Membership referring... Does O54, tender will do O63, but the running track radius along for the and. Smaller curve curves that are too sharp can grind on the locomotive that 's the issue, it 's the! Your ans a couple of 3RS engines that I will likely do the same model from MTH it...