N scale train on O layout

[elvisp]

I want to put an N scale set on my layout. I want to replicate a park in a drive-in theater I went to as a kid that had a tiny F3 and passenger cars on a track that kids could ride. I don't know anything about N scale such as turn radius etc. I have a small potion of my layout for the park so it will be a tiny oval. WHat size are the turns? What kind of power do I need? Where is a good place to buy? Since it is an accessory on my layout, I only need a cheap set.

[Joe Hohmann]

I have a "N" kiddie ride in my "ammusement park" area...a F diesel pulling 2 gondolas full of kids on benches. The "engineer" is a "O" figure, cut off at the waist, "comming out" of the top rear of the engine. I had to bend "N" track to about a 10" diameter, since no curves were available that tight. It was a bit of a "pain", so it would be good if you could work with existing minimum curves. Beware of buying a el-cheapo engine. I got a Spectrum on a half-price sale for $40. and re-painted it with a brush. This is a "decent quality" brand, and it takes the tight circle with no problem. Any DC/"HO" transformer should do, but I think a new cheap one would be better than a used one. Joe

 

[lionelsoni]

The sharpest curves I found in a quick search are 8 1/2-inch radius, not that much sharper than O27.  N-scalers expect their curves to be much more like the prototypes' than we do.

[pbjwilson]

Old Aurora Postage Stamp train sets came with 7 3/4' radius curves. I think either Trix or Rapido made these sets. Sometimes you can find a vintage set on e-bay. They make a 16 inch circle when measured from otside rail to outside rail.

[pbjwilson]

Just had another thought. A company by the name of Tillig makes HOe track. Its HO narrow gauge. N scale runs great on it. Has larger ties and would fit in well with your theme.

Heres a link  -

http://euro-trains.com/tillig/tg_hoe_track.asp

The flex track is really flexible and sharp curves are no problem with the wider spaced ties. Getting to as little as a 10" diameter would be no problem. Cuts easy with a Xuron rail cutter, available at most hobby shops.