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Piko R5 curves

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  • Member since
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  • From: Redding, California
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Piko R5 curves
Posted by Train 284 on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 8:29 PM

Hi all,

 

I am curious as to what kind of radius the Piko R5 track has. I am assuming it is nearly identical to the LGB track. I read somewhere it is a 7.5' radius, 15' diameter, is that correct? Thanks for any help!

Matt Cool Espee Forever! Modeling the Modoc Northern Railroad in HO scale Brakeman/Conductor/Fireman on the Yreka Western Railroad Member of Rouge Valley Model RR Club
  • Member since
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  • From: North, San Diego Co., CA
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Posted by ttrigg on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:24 PM

Here is the page wher Piko defins their geometry.

http://www.piko.de/produkt_db/check.php?page=g-geometrie&grand_id=6&parent_id=2

Piko defines R5 as 48.94 inch radius.  4 ft radius, 8 ft diameter.

Tom Trigg

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Omaha Ne
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Posted by Don H on Saturday, April 19, 2008 7:44 AM

Matt,

 That is correct! R-5 is about 7.5 radius, and R-3 is about 4 foot radius.

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Centennial, CO
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Posted by kstrong on Sunday, April 20, 2008 10:37 PM
The Piko and LGB "R" values are NOT identical. What Piko calls "R5" is just a bit wider than what LGB calls "R3."

LGB and Piko track radii, (rounded to nearest inch)

LGB and Piko R1= 2' radius (4' diameter)

LGB R2 = 2.5' radius (5' diameter)

Piko R3 = 3' radius (6' diameter)

LGB R3 = 3.75' radius (7.5' diameter)

Piko R5 = 4' radius (8' diameter)

LGB R5 = 7.5' (15' diameter)

It's not bad enough we've got at least 5 different scales running on the same track, now we've got the same names for different radii. Someone get me some Advil.

Later,

K
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: North, San Diego Co., CA
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Posted by ttrigg on Monday, April 21, 2008 7:09 PM

 kstrong wrote:

It's not bad enough we've got at least 5 different scales running on the same track, now we've got the same names for different radii. Someone get me some Advil.

Later,

K

Make mine an 800mg motrin!

Tom Trigg

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Redding, California
  • 1,428 posts
Posted by Train 284 on Monday, April 21, 2008 10:40 PM
I appreciate the clarification, thanks a lot guys. I might need an advil also Kevin.......
Matt Cool Espee Forever! Modeling the Modoc Northern Railroad in HO scale Brakeman/Conductor/Fireman on the Yreka Western Railroad Member of Rouge Valley Model RR Club
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 9:26 AM

I was thinking maybe we should consider adding a single letter to distinguish the different brands, like LR3 to describe LGB R3 or PR3 for Piko R3, but then I though, how do you distinguish between LGB and Aristo or USA track? well shoot, why not just say LGB 8' dia or Piko 6' dia and dispence once and for all with the R value?

On the plus side, Piko's addition adds a great deal to the options available for layout planning. Like Kevins says it FIVE diameters available to guys like me who are space constricted, not to mention the wide range of diameters Aristo offers in the upper diameter range. Now all you need is the Trust Fund to afford the stuffWhistling [:-^]

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
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  • From: North, San Diego Co., CA
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Posted by ttrigg on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 7:48 PM

OK Vic:

If you are going to work up a matrix of additional letters to determine which manufacturer makes which radius, then how do you propose identifying Tom's R1 (r=29.5"), Tom's R2 (r=34.75"), Tom's R2 (r=49.75")?

OH!, never mind, that would be FLEX TRACK! Make it fit the way I want it to fit, not the way someone else says is "standard".

Tom Trigg

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