Minimum radius curves???

[jnichols]

I realize this topic has been beaten to death here and elsewhere, but there is so much conflicting information that I am not sure what to believe. I figure if I narrow my equipment list wants down to what will run on the space I have available, I would be better off than hoping for something that won't work. I am going to be using 1:20.3 F-scale stuff exclusively and will have equipment mostly from Bachmann and Accucraft....

Ok, on the indoor portion of my layout, I have to use 3' radius curves in order to stay within the space available (a shelf layout mainly). The largest locomotive I ever see running indoors would be the Spectrum 2-8-0 or any of the Spectrum geared locomotives and maybe a porter. Am I dreaming here, or will this stuff work on this kind of a radius? I also am concerned about the AMS/Accucraft rolling stock working properly with the stock couplers, will they be ok? I eventually plan on having some live steam, but that will always be on the outdoor part of the layout where I should be able to maintain 8' radius curves fairly easily.

Any information would be helpful, and I prefer to hear from people who have actually done this rather than read it somewhere. Thanks in advance... [:D]

Jeff

[cacole]

I'm not sure about the AMS rolling stock, but the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 should be able to negotiate a 3-foot radius because the center sets of drive wheels have no flanges, and the tender trucks will turn quite a tight radius. I have the AMS stock car set and the Bachmann Consolidation and have ran them around a 5-foot radius with no problems. The only way you can know for sure is to lay some of the 3-foot radius track down loose and see if the AMS rolling stock will go around it without derailing, and if the couplers will take that tight a curve without pulling the wheels off of the track or the corners of the cars hitting each other.

[jnichols]

After doing some online research at the AMS website, I see where they have listed the minimum radius of the cars in the specs section. Although I believe the specs, I am sure there is some wiggle room (or at least I hope so) in the numbers. I sure would hate to buy a $100+ car (or a pair of them) simply to test the capability for running around a particular minimum radius. I have read elsewhere that the Spectrum Connie has been run succesfully around a 5' diameter (or 2.5' radius) curve, so I have some hope for that one but I haven't read much about the geared locomotives.

Thanks for the response!

Jeff

[Anonymous]

Hi Jeff,
Just a quick question mate, where you mention 8' radius, do you mean diameter? I have aristo 8' diameter track and the connie runs perfectly (still a bit of a front overhang). I would love 8' radius but I would be in my neighbours garden!
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

[jnichols]

Kim,

If everything goes as planned I should have 8' radius curves in the outdoor sections of the layout. I'm still working out all the details concerning this and I am waiting for the weather to cooperate a little before starting any kind of construction outside (and as there is 8" of new snow this morning this doesn't seem like it will be anytime soon... [:(]).

Glad to hear about the Connie running on 8' diameter curves. That gets me a little closer to my goal.

Jeff

[Anonymous]

Jeff,
I'm relatively new to G scale as well, but have been modelling other sizes/gauges (larger and smaller) for many years. In the G gauge arena, I found I had to file the sides of the couplers slightly on my Bachmann 44/45 ton centercab switcher to negotiate 4ft diam (2ft radius) curves. Otherwise, the car following the loco would derail. I also found that my Aristo C-16 (with #2 and #3 center drivers blind) sometimes wants to "fall in" on the turnout curves. Hope this helps. cb

[jnichols]

Thanks for all the help. I have actually done quite a bit of research on the subject by calling various manufacturers and distributors and I think I understand this well enough now to move forward. I am going to use the Aristocraft 6.5' diameter curves inside. I will have to change my shelf somewhat, but this curve is much easier to manage than an 8' diameter curve given my space requirements. I have been assured by many that both the AMS rolling stock and Bachmann Connie will negotiate this curve with little or no modifications. As a side note, the 48" minimum radius rating on the AMS rolling stock pertains to an S-curve being used. If only 90 degree turns are used, a smaller curve can be used without problems... [:)]

Jeff

[Chompers]

What some one makes a 6.5' diamiter curve.


i was lied to[banghead] [always wanted to use that bangy head guy] they said the next up from 5 feet is 8 feet .


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
[:O]

[Anonymous]

All my curves are 1.1 M which i think is about 43.3 " and i think this is about R3.

I wouldn't like any less than this as the trains look unreal enough as it is.


Rgds ian

[Chompers]

I have a space that is 6' 8" wide, it is a protrusion into the yard. it is part of the main loop.

i have to us LGB R2 track for it.

that is the only place i have actualy levelled and ballasted the track.

don't whant to undo my work.