curved track and 18 inch passenger cars

[runawaytrain]

I'd like to know what is the smallest radius I can use in O gauge track for passenger cars that are 18 inches in length (and a Lionel F3 engine) so that they don't over hang too much.  Thank you in advance for suggestions.

[gunrunnerjohn]

I think you have to define "too much".

 

I'd be thinking 54" diameter for 18" cars.

[runawaytrain]

Thanks for the reply. I guess what I meant was that the cars would  look more prototypical on the curves. The 54" diameter would be used on a inner loop whereas I am using 72" diameter curves (Atlas 3 rail NS track) on an outer loop which would have 18" passenger cars and a scale GG1 unless a larger radius would be better (0-81?). Feedback is appreciated.  

[rtraincollector]

well all I can say the larger the radius the better they will look. now for minimum radius I think O-42 is it may be wrong.

[lionelsoni]

Draw circles of the various diameters on a large piece of paper.  Place the cars, coupled together, inside each circle, with the wheels a quarter-inch or so from the line.  See which you think looks best.

[runawaytrain]

That's a great idea!.   Atlas does offer free software for it's 3 rail n/s track but it's only for Windows platform and I have a an iMAC.  Based on your idea, I can then make cardboard templates to lay down on my table to see what will work best.  Thank you for the input.

[chuck]

18" cars have noticeable overhang on even O-72 curves.   While some cars are rated down to  O-42 it's already pretty bad by the time you get to O-54.  I have some photo's of an 18" car on curved track I'm trying to "track" down.

 

 

[phillyreading]

I know you are asking about 18 inch long passenger cars, but I have experiance with 21 inch Atlas Amtrak passenger cars. They will run on Gargraves 42 inch curves with an SD-45 diesel engine(three axle),do not try to use a smaller axle(GP-9 or FH-40, two axle) engine as the passenger cars will derail going through the curves because the coupler on the engine won't swivel enough to go through the curve with that size car behind it.

So I am guessing that 18 inch passenger cars may give you some of the same problems.

Lee F.

[runawaytrain]

Thanks for the input. I would be running a scale GG1 with these 18" cars and I have decided to use  Atlas 0-81 curved track sections.