I'm trying to fit the maximum length of double track main line into atailchaser layout set diagonally across a 12ft square loft space. Thelargest storage sidings at the back will accomodate the sort of train I'dlike to run, i.e. a locomotive and 9 or 10 BR Mk 1s. What is a realisticminimum radius for the 180 degree turns to the scenic part? These curveswill be horizontal.Thanks,Robert

If you see the train traversing the curve from the inside, 24" radius looks OK, just. From outside the curve the bend in the train looks sharper, so you need at least 36" IMO. If you don't see the trains at all, then reliable operation suggests a radius of 24".If you want to see the trains rounding the curve, go with the largest radius that will fit your space, allowing about 3" from the centre line of the outside track to any nearby obstructions (walls and such). Allow 4" from track centre line to edge of layout, to avoid the deleterious effects of plunges to the floor. Also, make the layout scenic edge a half inch or so higher than the track level on outside edges, this will catch any derailing trains. If you can't spare that much space, fasten a fence of 2"-3" high clear acrylic along the layout edge.A quick calculation shows that you would have close to 8ft of straight away between 36" curves in diagonally opposite corners, and about 11ft if you use 24" radius curves. 48" radius...

Minimum radius for long trains?

Oct 03, 2005 21 Replies

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Roger T. 20 years ago

Great ride, if you sit on the left going up and the right coming back, otherwise all you see is rock faces. :-)

-- Cheers Roger T.

Home of the Great Eastern Railway

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Kevin Martin 20 years ago

Sounds to me like the difference between manually laid track & the machine laid variety.

Kevin Martin

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