TURN AROUND

[Anonymous]

Whould a 4ft wide turn around on a penninsula be wide enough, for a double track mainline?
I was thinking more of at least 5ft myself.
Any input?
Thanks Willjr

[SteelMonsters]

You could use 4' foot for most models. Then again, 5' will look better and will have less limitation on large locos and rolling stock. I personally prefer a 30" radius curve min for mainline track.

[Anonymous]

A 4ft turn around would give you a maximum radius of 24in - not great and that would be tight up against the edge of the board too (risk of models falling off the board in the event of derailment). If all your current and future equipment can handle 22in radius curves then this would be ok but you would be limiting yourself - most scale-length passenger cars won't handle a turn that tight. If at all possible I'd advise making the turn a little easier.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys for your input. I do have room for a five foot turn around.
Just checking my options.
Again thanks for the input.
Willjr

[egmurphy]

Actually, 4' wide won't allow 24"radius curves. Radius is measured to the centerline of the track, so a 24" radius curve would wind up being about 50" to the outside of the ties/roadbed.

Go with the 5' section.


Regards

Ed

[TomDiehl]

Of course, we're assuming he's refering to HO Scale.

[Anonymous]

Yes, HO scale is the choice here.

[Medina1128]

Well, you could use the 4' turnaround, scour the area you live in for cheap Bachmann and Tyco train set stuff and model the Durango-Silverton RR, complete with hair-raising cliffs. So, when it falls into the bottomless chasm (the floor), you won't care.