How much space is needed?

[mr_tysell]

Hi!

I´m still doing the track plan for my railroad. I´m having approx. 1 x 2 meters,, just about 3,2 x 6,5 feet...

Can i make a 180 degrees turn on 3.2 feet with Peco Code 75 H0?
or is it too small?

Thankfully,

Mart - The Swede

[Anonymous]

That is about an 18 inch radius curve which is about the smallest recommended radius for most HO equipment. You did mention what scale you are modeling in, so the 18 inches will depend on what you want to operate and most particularly what type of equipment. I would think that shorter wheel based cars and locomotives would be fine, but articulated steam engines might well be challenged at that dimension and some long passenger equipment would exhibit some severe over hang and would probably necessitate truck mounted (Talgo) coupling. See if you can temporarily lay down a loop to track and take a look at the rolling stock and if you have a power supply, try running a train on it. Bigger radius or transition into the curves would be benificial. Hope this is of some use to you and have fun "playing with trains" as my spouse says.
Will

[electrolove]

Maybe this is not the answer you want, I just got an idea I want to share it with you. I think I would make a nice HO switching area in that space. You can make them really interesting with lots of turnouts and some cool industrial structures. If you have more room in the future you can still use it as a part of the bigger layout.

[dehusman]

If you put 18" radius on 3.2 meters you will have the cars overhanging the edge of the layout. You are better off with a smaller radius, 16" (40 cm) if you are using flextrack or 15" if you are using sectional.

Caveat. On less than 18" radius, you will probably only be able to consistently run 4 axles diesels, 0-6-0 or 0-4-0's and 40 ft or less cars.

Dave H.

[selector]

I agree with the previous two posts. If you are absolutely stuck with that space, then switching is going to give you more satisfaction over time. Those curves will spell danger if your rolling stock and loco(s) ever fall upon derailment near the edges of the surface. Also, tight curves mean limitations to what you can run on your layout.

Can you possibly get more space? If not, design a switching layout. Many do.

[mr_tysell]

...tahnks for all replys..

.........then it is swichingarea from now on, with a "blindtrack" in the backgruond.....

thanks again!

Mart - Then Swede