I know the bigger the better but what is the smallest suggested N scale radius
for operating N scale layouts which operate mostly 1950-1970 equipment
including passenger cars and steam locomotives. I have just started this scale
and noticed layouts in most magazines this month seem to be 18" radius. Is
this about the minimum or is 15" acceptable. Thanks
I know the bigger the better but what is the smallest suggested N scale
radius for operating N scale layouts which operate mostly 1950-1970
equipment including passenger cars and steam locomotives. I have just
started this scale and noticed layouts in most magazines this month seem
to be 18" radius. Is this about the minimum or is 15" acceptable. Thanks
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I think you'll be quite satisfied with 15" radius. That's equivalent to
28" radius in HO scale.
Bill
Bill's Railroad Empire
N Scale Model Railroad:
John:
I recommend you visit this N scale site, and see just how well 14.5" and 16"
radius track works for a lot of Bend Track folks in different cities around the
country.....
Suggest you check the NMRA Standards (on line at their site). IIRC,
~17" is about the largest minimum radius they spec, for modern
mainline equipment (6-axle diesels, 80' cars etc.). I'm not sure
whether their standards are based exclusively on mechanical
reliability, or include esthetic considerations as well.
-- Steve
=>Suggest you check the NMRA Standards (on line at their site). IIRC,
=>~17" is about the largest minimum radius they spec, for modern
=>mainline equipment (6-axle diesels, 80' cars etc.). I'm not sure
=>whether their standards are based exclusively on mechanical
=>reliability, or include esthetic considerations as well.
=>
=>-- Steve
The recommended practices (not standards) relating equipment and minimum
radii are based primarily on mechanical considerations. The assumption is
that the couplers are body mounted, which limits coupler swing. So, longer
cars will need larger radii so that the side thrust on the couplers won't
derail the cars. Larger locos, with longer wheel bases, need larger radii so
that the wheels won't bind. And so on. BTW, six-axle diesels need wider radii
than four axle diesels. The min. rec. radii also assume easements, BTW.
From an aesthetic p.o.v, none of these minimum radii are satisfactory. They
are a good guide to what you can get away with on hidden track. There are a
few coniderations besides min. radius when planning a layout. The general
rule is, use the minimum radiius only where you absolutely must. Otherwise,
use the largest radius that will fit. Here are a few guidelines.
a) Viewed from inside the curve, the curve doesn't look as sharp as viewed
form the outside..
b) Curves viewed from a high angle look sharper.
c) If you hide the beginning of a curve, it will look less sharp.
d) Easements make a curve look smoother, and make a train moving into the
curve look smoother.
e) When faced with S curves, you should have a straight between the curves
that is at least 1-1/2 times the longest car that will run through it -- and
it's worth shifting track around to get it.
f) Readymade turnouts should have a straight leading into the points that's
at least as long as the longest fixed wheelbase of any of your equipment, but
2x as long is better.. EG, if that N scale Pacific has a driver wheelbase of
about 1", then you should try for a 2" straight. You can get away with less,
especially if it's low-speed track, but I wouldn't. How do I know? Don't ask.
g) If you build your own turnouts, easements into a curved turnout are
essential if you want the sharper side to be the min. radius.
HTH
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