Minimum radius curve for N scale

[RioGrandeJim]

I know of course that bigger is better when talking of curves.  Atlas makes curved sections in 9", 11", and 19" radius.  With the 19", anything goes.  What will I be unable to run on an 11" radius curve?  I had some issues on a previous layout but I think it had more to do with abrupt grade changes than the 11" curves and there may have been some 9" curves in there too.  I had a temporary layout recently and was able to run back to back SD's (SD45-2, SD40T-2) with no issues.  Didn't try it with any steam though.  Most of the freight and pass equipment has truck mounted couplers and will stay that way.  Largest locomotives are the aformentioned SD's and I also have an Athearn 4-6-6-4 and a LifeLike 2-8-8-2.

 

Thanks,

Jim

[riogrande5761]

I was in N-scale at one time and I think what held true in HO seems to be roughly the same.  In HO a 30-inch radius will handle most longer rollings stock except maybe some brass.  So I'd suggest 15-inch curves in N as a minimum and I'm guessing your longer rolling stock will be good with that.

If you are using sectional track then consider flex so you can get the curves you want.  I am not familiar if there are brands of N scale sectional track that would let you break free of the 9, 11 and 18 inch snap track types.

[Choops]

if you have the engines it would not take much work to layout a few sections of flex trac in the radii you want to try.  then see what everything looks like.

I will second the flex track because it will also create a natural easment into the sharp curves.

another note is that 11" radus was probably created to fit on a 2' wide shelf and not to be an ideal curve.

Steve

[carl425]

These guidelines were published in MRH a while back.  I believe they were originally developed by the Layout Design Sig.  The idea is that minimum radius should be based on a multiple of equipment length.

2X - Some equipment may track reliably, but 2x is generally considered pushing it. 

                                           

2.5X - Most equipment will track reliably if everything is of similar length.

                                                             

3X - All equipment should track reliably; coupler performance adequate if altered to allow 50% car width swing.

 

3.5X - Equipment will look less toy-like when viewed from inside the curve.

                                                          

4X - Equipment will look less toy-like when viewed from outside the curve.

 

5X - Most reliable coupling on curves with body-mounted couplers and near-scale draft gear boxes.

 

BTW, the truck mounted couplers typical on N-scale equipment will allow you to pull almost anything around any curve if the looks don't bother you.  OTOH, truck mounted couplers can make pushing a train a nightmare.

[Zumf]

I was gifted a bunch of n scale equipment and sectional atlas code 80 track. There were both 19 and 11 inch radius curves. I built the curves using a 19 inch radius piece on the ends of the curves with 11 inch radius in the middle. I've run mikado steamers and 6 axle sd units on these curves with no issues.