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[quote user="GN goat kid"]My HO scale layout, on which I run a fair number of 85' cars, has minimum mainline radii of 36". But I'm building a hidden section of track and it would help to gain some inches on a helix. So the question is: How tight can curves be before derailments (or other problems) begin to appear?[/quote] Jan 2009 MRH has an article on this exact topic, along with photos.  In summary, if you have a solid train of 85' cars, you can probably get away with 2.5x the length in inches as your minimum.  About 29.25" radius ((85/87.1)x12x2.5).  Throw in 50' cars and you may have issues with the long cars staying on the tracks. Edit:  The article I referenced tested the LDSIG's recommendations listed above.  They added in 2.5x for more mechanical reliability.  You can trick an 80' car around a 23" radius (sometimes), I had issues with Walthers heavyweights going around 24" radius.  [quote user="GN goat kid"]It is a shame that there is no way of searching within the discussion group. I'm certain this must have been addressed many time before.[/quote]   Google came up with 3 or 4 discussions on this and other forums.  Also on the right hand side of the page, above the box that says users on line there is a search box called "search the community" (already covered by Henry).  I have found it to be not the best, google works better.
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