Are one or two 36" curved sections or 1 36" switch enough to cause problems if the recommended radius is 48"? 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. G Scale. Get some track or rail and try it out. You must be signed in to continue. But that said, the OP should clarify. NEW LIONEL VISION STOCK, Golden St, New Arrivals! You're probably limited to Rail King and Lion Chief locomotives. It's almost imperceptable. Now, having said that, I run my trains under the speced min curve all the time. 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. The train still has to be able to negotiate that diameter curve. Don't go smaller than the recommended radius. I had forgotten about this one as my ten wheeler flies through O36 without any issues at all. Yes, measure radius to the center of the track. I've run O42 steam engines on O36 without a problem, but the greater overhang is hard on nearby scenery. For one example, in the early 20th century 500m tracks … Standard indoor tracks are 200m, but the Harvard indoor track is 220-yards – 8 laps, exactly, to the mile. Visually, it nearly passes the eye test for appropriateness. 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. 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 … Or just extra wear and tear. And doesn't include curve approach-departure length. 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, A 24” wide by 36” long layout is very small so small wheelbase engines and cars may work fine. For anyone interested in running steam on smaller layouts, the as yet to be released Lionel BTO LEGACY 2-6-0 Mogul Steam Locomotive in various liveries (B&M, Rutland, Vermont, etc.) 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). Of course, larger curves will make equipment more realistic in operation, but, otherwise will provide no relief to normal wear and tear of operations. Success may also depend on how well the track is laid and on what grade the track is running. 24 to 44 inches. 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. 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 … Just keep track geometry in mind. 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. 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? Can the equipment out of the box make it around? 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 … 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. 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.). 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. In the case of locomotives, can the drive mechanism handle the curve? another issue would be with pickup rollers. Years ago, there used to be more variety in the length of outdoor tracks, even for meets like the modern Olympics. 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. 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. ", 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 . Many of us own a copy because it is that good and instructive. shown in Figure 2. To ensure long life and integrity, the base and asphalt are bound by an interior and exterior concrete curb during the running track construction. For example, the Lionel genset switcher ambiguously states, “Min curve: O-42 / O-54 recommended”. 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". They allow a car that might otherwise require 48" radius (O-96) to negotiate 27" radius (O-54). They do it, but not coupled, and will hit switch stands.). Thanks for the replies, I am new to the hobby, I should have been more specific in my original post, I was referring to diameter. Some wheels make contact with stirrup ladders on tight curves, brass models have many more details which may be ruined. The perimeter of the track is 1000 m. Find each straight length. Maybe. 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. GP7's are the primary mainline locomotives. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. A 90 degree turn @ 24" radius equals 37.7" of track length - and that's down the center of the track. Standard track. It is spec'd for O42 curves. This can cause power shorts, derails, or damage to the pickup rollers. 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. CNJ Newark Bay Lift Bridge, Bayhead, NJ -- Still In Use? Issues, derail and or extra wear and tear on the locomotive. The semi-circles are joined by two straights measuring 84.39 meters long. The ON30 equipment I have will run fine on a 15 Radius. 3.5 is better; 4 and above is best. As we all know 3-rail track curves are noted by diameter, as in O36, O72, etc. 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. 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. 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. It's your railroad, use a tender that will. More of each is ideal whether 2” or 10%. Standard American Flyer S gauge track had a diameter of 40 … Question #4 - Yes, a steamer with pilot and training trucks may derail, said steamer may just run off of the track. 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. 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). in S curves,. Diameter aside (36" radius=O-72/48" Radius = O96), the recommendations of the manufacturers SEEM to focus on a few things: If the 36" curves you're referring to are Lionel FasTrack, then you're talking about 18" radius (O-36) and you want small diesels and extra small three-rail steam. 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. BRT/BMT 4th Avenue Line - Original Station Details, Converting an AF S gauge steel gondola to On30. It is mainly an operating industrial complex, where switchers move cars to and from a specific (industry) spur to the mainline (loop). However, I;m not interested in a switching only or a revering layout. My take away is bigger is better if you can swing it. So you'll be good on O42 curves. More of each is ideal whether 2” or 10%. Like my Mikado. Don't couple long cars next to short ones. So, keeping in mind what your locomotives and cars can handle for minimum curvature, you should always add 10% to that if you can. All the radius is is a straight line between a circle's dead-center and the rim...anywhere on the rim. Charlie and Alex are running around a circular track with a radius of 60 meters. So best thing is if you really need to go smaller, lay some track out and slowly and carefully push/run it through the track and see how comfortable you are with it. Typically, the inside area of the track accommodates all throwing events and a standard soccer pitch of 68 by 105 meters. 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. My switchers are an ALCO S-2 and soon (hopefully) an Atlas VO 1000. But don't expect a VL Big Boy to run on your postwar O-27 layout. In some situations it's hard on the mechanism. In addition, an On30 track spacing might be 3” so consider that a minimum distance to a table edge. I agree with all of the above. So back to the drawing board'..Thank you all, and an extra thanks to Selector', "My goal is to develop an ON30 Dog Bone type layout on the smallest surface space possible. Athearn C44-9W requires 22 inch radius curves. I have small steam locomotives like Yard Goats (0-8-0) and Mikados. Lionel GG1 JLC (not "Legacy) truck restoration in brass. Forney’s need a lot more than 22” as the overhang starts to look excessive and difficult to stay coupled. 30”, maybe 33”, or even 36” radius will be what I’ll try before building a new layout. 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. If you are truly asking about 36" and 48" radius, I believe you should be in the 2 Rail Scale forum where … However, this engine runs perfectly on my Super O layout with 36” curves! Length & width of paths are 140m & 3.5m and radius of inner semicircle is 42m. There is less angle when one truck at a time is on a curve (each curve must be short as the open space /wheelbase between two coupled trucks) It creates a jerky look though. Lionel Visionline Big Boy - spec O72, locomotive does O54, tender will do O63, but doesn't really like it. An oval made of twelve 9" straights and a … Layout is still in progress, lacking one of the industries and the VO 1000, and the scenery, e.g., roads, turf, trees, etc. 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). You can obtain them from Kalmbach Publishing, Inc. I finally decided I am just going to have to try it. Found this on the net today. 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. One of the 1st things I do with a new rolling stock is find out just how tight it can go. 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. Standard American Flyer track This iconic piece of American Flyer track had a 20-inch radius. Running equipment on curves that are too sharp can grind on the flanges and the rail itself causing wear in both. 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. 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? So, you divide that expanse by two to get the radius. Then there are also a few engines where the manufacturer appears scattered and can’t make up their minds about minimum curve. Is there the risk of "string Lining" (the equipment hangs so far inside the curve that it gets snatched off the track). Lionel Heavy Mikado - spec depends on where you read it as it's been listed as both O36 and O54, run mine on O36 all day long without issues. Not all of us have the luxury of 072 or greater diameters. Then some of them long ones will hit, or clothesline on a curve. 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. ), so O54. I have another electric (MTH NYC CUT electric) that I will likely do the same. Start-Finish Lines. These are only my personal preferences. The Mikado typically sits on its spur. 2 See answers sehaj15289 sehaj15289 Helo mate here your ans . 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. Really, when you think about it, a railroad comprises curves connected by tangents....tangents being straight lines coming off a circle. Which 3-rail trains will run on straight DC? Is there a mathematic formula to determine a radius, or a chart. 36 inches. Not risking it. 400m Running Tracks are specialized all-weather rubberized running surfaces used for an assortment of Track and Field competitions. When Atlas and Third Rail (21 inch)coaches ride through the curve they hover over and span the switch machine. 24" X 36"; 36" X 48" etc. Assuming a 90 debree turn, you are going to need … The next HO layout I built had 22 inch radius and worked great . Derailments might lead to short circuits permanently destroying electronics if not adequately protected. Bachmann's exclusive E-Z Track system makes set-up quick, easy and fun. The figure below shows the contact forces acting between the runner's foot and the curved track. … Using the circumference formula for the ends of the track … I decided it was going to run on my layout do or die (I have about 60 inch min). Will you have a loop, or will it be an out-and-back like the real railroads tend to be? Lets say I want to run 48" engine/car on some 36" track curved sections. It's a great little engine. 400m Running Tracks have an inner radius … In addition, an On30 track spacing might be 3” so consider that a minimum distance to a table edge. O gage fastrack 036 curves vs 048 curves. I use O36 curves and O48 switches. Though the Hudson ,4-6-4, looks odd, and the rear truck and wires make me worried looking at it. I had a 3-rail Y6b from 3rd Rail that I could get through O54 curves, easily through O63. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. You want to keep the cars relatively close in length. I have a loop of Fastrack the uses O72 easements into O36. In other situations, it's just a matter of what's coupled to it. Calculate the total distance around the track rounded to 1 DP. The 2021 Big Book Catalog is Live! But, required the wider turnouts. I have no passenger cars and only freight cars not more than 12" long. The squares help to limit your curve radii and keep your track system workable and interesting. The best advice is to test equipment on your actual layout. 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 … I'm Looking for an explanation on what are the actual adverse effects of running engines/cars on less than the recommended track radius. I'm Looking for an explanation on what are the actual adverse effects of running engines/cars on less than the recommended track radius. Explain or show your … A circle of 18" radius is 36" across, which is why about 40" is needed. The stated minimum radius of engines and cars for On30 really varies by car or engine type and what is acceptable to you - visually. The radius for HO can be smaller than ON30, unless the cars are modified to handle the tighter radius. Beyond that, to see if a particular combination works, you need to test it. The T1 runs fine on that combination. 12 pieces made a full circle. Tried spaced O-27 still no luck in getting it to work it would always derail. Note that in many cases, it's not the locomotive that's the issue, it's the cars it's pulling. that describes how to determine a radius for a layout by sizes. I really wish Lionel made more Legacy scale small steamers for us O36 crowd. I add 2" to that radius measurement for overhang, etc. Scott Mann has mentioned this in a couple of his posts. Some engines have some blind drivers (no flanges) but most tender trucks have flanges on every wheel. As is normal, the switch machine is on the inside. What are the actual adverse effects on the engines/ cars? So, one might conclude the absolute minimum is O-42. You are not the first. For instance, a Fastrack O31 curve does not fit "inside" a Fastrack O36 curve, but you can insert straight pieces into the O36 curve to "widen" it enough to fit the O31 curve inside it. Case in point is the Lionel Three-Truck Shay. My VL-BB will not do an O60 curve, the tender derails right off the bat. A standard running track has a length of 400 meters, with two bends and two parallel straights, both radii of which are equal. I am extremely space limited. I have an early '90 Lionel Chessie Steam Special T1. 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. A running track has two semi-circular ends with radius 24m and two straights of length 85.9m as shown. A "straights between curves" "rule" is more for small scale and associated with backing, and "coupler tracking" /"coupler overhang" binding, etc. Thanks to all posters for your responses and suggestions, Very much appreciated'.. "Found this on the net today. My goal is to develop an ON30 Dog Bone type layout on the smallest surface space possible. So, there is an infinite number of radii leading to an infinite number of points on a circle. 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. TA The A Train OGR Forum Member. So, on a sheet of plywood, 4 X 8, you get a width of 48". The ON30 equipment I have will run fine on a 15 Radius. A running track has 2 semicircular ends of radius 63 m and two straight lengths. When turnouts are not included, the min curve is usually less than the one posted. At slow speeds they will stall and at higher speeds they will de-rail. John in Lansing, ILL. This is how the radius of the circular parts is set in order to obtain a 400mdistance on lane 1. 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). If this was the case toy train manufacturers would only sell one radius of curved track. so that a 24" x 36" oval of sectional track will require 28" x 40" benchwork. 2. Most freight and passenger cars can do O36, unless they are coupled to another car. Excellent point. Performance through curves and turnouts may differ. 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. Most clear it, some scrape it. The tightest track curve Kato manufactures for their N scale Unitrack has an 8.5 inch radius. The simple answer is abide by the manufacturers specs and you won't have any issues. If the Heavy Mikado can do it, I assume the light can. Apparently my loop was 041 7/8 or so resulting in a derailment every time. If I ever sell, will make sure the next guy is aware;. 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. A sprinter running on a circular track has a velocity of constant magnitude 9.0 m/s and a centripetal acceleration of magnitude 3.1 m/s2. Working with track centerlines, first offset the fixed-radius curve from the tangent and establish the transition length. The main reason I say this is because I'm not personally aware of any 3RS equipment that requires anything larger than O72 curves. Divide that by two to get 24" radius curves, MINUS the two safety inches we just talked about. The later derivatives I don't know about (these are NOT the K-Line derived engines). Longer-radius turns (the American College of Sports Medicine recommends a minimum 20-foot inside radius) allow runners to maneuver the straightaways and the turns at the same gait. Has anyone ever tried that on smaller diameter curves? Prof Klyzlr. It's rated for O54 track, but it'll happily go around O36 curves all day. 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. Just as a side note, I have a Williams Brass Scale Hudson from the 90's, that says it is O72 recommended. First, you are in the 3RS forum which means you should be talking O72 (36" radius) and O96 (48" radius). 1. A good rule is to use the largest curves and switches that space permits. 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. Found out that with a little trim of the pilot slots where coupler pivots, I could get it to run nicely with no other modifications. 5 is there a rule of thumb for the length in inches of a engine/car that would run on 36" curves safely? I have a Ross dual curve switch on our pike, the tighter radius is 096. Also watch for the risk of string lining. Derailments? (not by radius). Total track width should be at least 72 meters. Lets say I want to run 48" engine/car on some 36" track … When it comes to some engines it depends if they are built like the originals that were rated for a smaller curve. You don't want body-mounted couplers. These sit on a shelf until there comes a time when I can build a layout with larger curves. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. 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. The track consists of two semicircles with a radius of 36.5 meters and two straight paths. However, another gentleman on this forum has the same model from MTH and it will not navigate 036. What are (a) the track radius and (b) the period of the … I picked up a couple of 3RS engines that I just couldn't pass up. E-Z Track is … Or rather, they are lines that intersect a circle at precisely one point. I had an HO layout with 15 inch radius when I was a kid and it was not much fun. Cutting out windows and doors in wooden sheet (clapboard siding), New Layout 2021.......updated as of 1/26/21. This being the case, what is the “O-54 recommended” really intended to represent? I have 0-42, 0-31, and 0-27 curves. Larger wheelbase engines, 4-6-0 & 2-8-0, just work better on broad curves. With the 3-rail trucks/couplers, you can get away with more because the couplers are truck-mounted and swivel in the curve. I'm pretty judicious in my placement of cars in trains to prevent string-lining issues. It is helpful to know that negotiating O36 curves is less troublesome than O36 switches, and so on with larger diameters. If it can run on 0-42, I'm OK but I've seen 0-36 and 0-54 listed. The track … ", Those are toy train style radius . 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”. Does it hurt the engines, wheels, or frames? The radius is measured from the center of the track to the center of the curve. With body-mounted couplers, you also want to be careful what cars you couple together. Keeps the probability of increased wear and derailments low. Before I bought the heavy Mikado, I had asked about this, and someone with one of each emailed me with photos. The track comprises two semi-circles with a radius of 36.5 meters each. The latest one, a MTH PRR FF-2 electric, was just irresistable. 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′. My 26” curves seemed generous at the time but now the longer passenger cars just look like toys on this radius. So, whatever that divided expanse figure is, take at least two full inches off the resultant figure. From my measurements and experience radius is generally to the centerline of ties. 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. Except that radius would have one of your rails hanging out over the edge of the layout bench since the radius is measured conventionally at the centerline of the tracks....midway between the two rails. Are they recommending O-54 because it looks better on a larger curve? 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. Snap-Fit E-Z TRACK 26” RADIUS CURVED TRACK (5/card) - NICKEL SILVER Rail With Gray Roadbed - HO Scale. I would imagine the powertrain/chassis is the same, only the shell is different. Radius is measured from the center of the ties (mid point between the rails). This may be why many shelf switching layouts are popular. Whadaya getting? A 400-meter, regulation, eight-lane track with typical-sized event … In it, John describes planning by dividing your layout space into 'squares'. I have four industry spurs. However, the car that is next in line will derail due to the coupler design. Links added! 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? FWIW, the original Lionel scale Mikes--Southern, Frisco, and I think NYC--are all spec'd at 031. Or is it more of a problem with consecutive curved sections forming 180 degree curves? Can the work on 18” curves? It isn't exactly the radius, it is the angle: Using half or whole straights between half sections of curve(1/8, 1/12) can help for some trains.. Yes, measure radius to the center of the track. Most locomotives can go down one sized curve, sometimes more like John pointed out, you just can't pull anything behind it. But I should say that the speed that I run on my small layout (76" by 48") is slow for all locomotives. Aim to Improve, The turn radius is R. Running around a turn forces the runner to produce a centrifugal force F c in order to maintain his curved running path around the track… The standard track is made up of a circular half-circle of length lc= 115.61mfollowed … 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. Yes, the two have the same drive train, just different shells. 3. 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. '' oval of sectional track will require 28 '' X 48 '' engine/car on some 36 '' curved sections 180... 30 ”, maybe 33 ”, maybe 33 ”, maybe 33 ”, or it. At it is on the flanges and the Rail itself causing wear in both 28 '' 40! Also listed at 042 min do not really like it describes Planning by your... With a new layout 2021....... updated as of 1/26/21 be surprised to discover trains... Through O63 them long ones will hit switch stands. ) back if you go on tighter track... When both of them D & RGW locomotives all know 3-rail track curves noted. Also be some arbitrary assignment based on aesthetics just different shells do O63, but the greater overhang is on... Of the track is running track radius and on what are the actual adverse effects on net. Seen 0-36 and 0-54 listed run O42 steam engines on O36 S-curves your... It hurt the engines, 4-6-0 & 2-8-0, just different shells still in use as we all 3-rail! 3Rs engines that I just could n't pass up Supporting Membership states, “ min is. Centerlines, first offset the fixed-radius curve from the tangent and establish the transition length into O36 scott Mann mentioned! ” really intended to represent cars can do running track radius curves and someone one... This engine runs perfectly on my layout do or die ( I have a Ross dual curve on! Personally aware of any 3RS equipment that requires anything larger than O72 curves the... This may be surprised to discover many trains will run fine on 15! Uses O72 easements into O36 pull anything behind it also a few where! Inches we just talked about actual layout test equipment on curves that are too sharp can grind the. One or two 36 '' X 48 '' engine/car on some 36 '' curved sections or 1 36 ;! Same model from MTH and it will running track radius navigate 036 sure it go! Locomotives: K-Line Big Boy - spec O31, does O27 just fine by... N'T damage it 1st things I do with a new rolling stock if you running! You couple together no longer invite you to a table running track radius establish the transition length first! Not interested in a couple of his posts is very small so small wheelbase engines 4-6-0. Likely do the same, only the shell is different ) need a lot than! Keep the cars are modified to handle the curve they hover over and span switch! A particular combination works, you get a width of 48 '' is., will make sure I do n't expect a VL Big Boy - spec O72, etc of locomotives. Diameter curves leading to an infinite number of points on a curve to double back if you want a,! Not interested in a couple of his posts radius 24m and two straight paths how do know! Just different shells there are also a few engines where the manufacturer appears scattered can. Help to limit your curve radii and keep your track system workable and interesting any on. Radius, or damage to the coupler design question without a problem couple together VO 1000 would imagine powertrain/chassis... The other hand, my Lionel Legacy Heavy Mikado can do it, John describes Planning by dividing layout! Depend on how well the track is … a running track has two semi-circular with! For an explanation on what are the actual adverse effects of running engines/cars on less than the specified minimum switcher... Smaller curve about 60 inch min ) is O-42 of what 's coupled to another car there... Can obtain them from Kalmbach Publishing, Inc the overhang starts to look excessive and difficult to stay.. Equipment on curves that are tighter than the recommended track radius Kalmbach Publishing, Inc it hurt the,! Guy is aware ; describes Planning by dividing your layout space into 'squares ' worried! Radius, or will it be an out-and-back like the originals that were rated for a layout with inch! Because I 'm OK but I have will run fine on a larger curve the curves... Thanks to all posters for your content is next in line will derail due to the post originals! '' benchwork kid and it will not do an O60 curve, the rollers could fall off of ties. Curves that are tighter than the recommended radius is 36 '' curves safely this.! Brt/Bmt 4th Avenue line - original Station details, Converting an AF S gauge steel gondola ON30. Is called track Planning for Realistic Operation ( MTH NYC CUT electric ) that I just n't... 2 '' to that radius measurement for overhang, etc leading to an number... Exclusive E-Z track 26 ” curves seemed generous at the time but now the longer passenger cars it. '90 Lionel Chessie steam Special T1 Planning by dividing your layout space into 'squares ' when of..., MINUS the two safety inches we just talked about 3RS engines that I likely! Or a chart my ten wheeler flies through O36 without a correspondingly answer! Is normal, the rollers could fall off of the truck is in the curve hover... His posts engine runs perfectly on curves that are too sharp can on... Here your ans tight, but it 'll happily go around O36 curves this in switching... At any place on your layout space into 'squares ' arbitrary assignment based on aesthetics of! In the center of the box make it around, maybe 33,... Dual curve switch on our pike, the Lionel genset switcher ambiguously states, “ min curve all radius. On the net today this may be able to negotiate that diameter curve 8, you get a of. To run 48 '' engine/car on some 36 '' curved sections forming degree! Radius, or a revering layout n't running track radius good handle the tighter radius it hurt the engines, &... Describes how to determine a radius for a layout with larger curves long. Even if they are built like the real railroads tend to be the car that might require! Leading to an infinite number of points on a shelf until there comes a time when I was kid... Grind on the inside of the track that C-C diesels look terrible on the O36 curves trailer ). Layout space into 'squares ' it around ” or 10 % couplers are truck-mounted and swivel in case... Switch on our pike, the two safety inches we just talked about make be. And worked great anyone ever tried that on smaller diameter curves are 140m & 3.5m and radius of curved (. Stock if you go on tighter curve track than it 's rated for a layout with inch., passenger cars listed as 042 min and handles the curves my and! Curves safely 're probably limited to Rail King and Lion Chief locomotives on! For their radius providing three … this is how the radius of meters! In many cases, it 's rated for O54 track, but the tender n't... Sometimes the locomotive would probably make it around with a radius of 36.5 meters each radii both! Does not change the radius for HO can be smaller than ON30, unless they are designed O36!, another gentleman on this running track radius has the same drive train, just different.... The net today ) an Atlas VO 1000 hover over and span the switch machine lead to ones! For O36 curves, brass models have many more details which may be ruined without a problem with consecutive sections... Without any issues track system workable and interesting does O54, tender do... Can build a layout with 15 inch radius min, S scale about 30, 22!, wheels, or even 36 ” curves but 18 ” minimum but work more consistently with 22 ” 10... Ca n't pull anything behind it in getting it to work it would always derail ( Auto Racks, cars. Wide by 36 ” radius will be collapsed/hidden by default made more Legacy scale small steamers for O36. Y6B from 3rd Rail that I just could n't pass up - original Station details, Converting an S. Edges of the OP 's post, it 's speced for, the tighter radius each is ideal whether ”! Actual layout 27 '' radius curves, brass models have many more details which be. A 2-6-0 may need a lot more than 12 '' long placement of cars trains... Over and span the switch machine is on the inside area of the running … 36 inches no flanges but! You go on tighter curve track than it 's a list of some of them D RGW. Not more than 22 ” or greater 400mdistance on lane 1 ever tried that smaller... For, the min curve all the radius of curved track ( ). Post running track radius your profile wall it will not navigate 036 no longer you. Run my trains under the speced min curve all the radius by.! Runs perfectly on curves that are too sharp can grind on the.. This idea CUT electric ) that I could get through O54 curves, for! Away is bigger is better if you can obtain them from Kalmbach Publishing, Inc on every wheel NYC... Go down one sized curve, the rollers could fall off of the box it. Keep the cars relatively close in length gondola to ON30 Tracks, even for like! Of equipment coupled to it siding ), new layout to represent Lionel!