Min radius for MDC Shay & Rivarossi Heisler?

[Anonymous]

Designing a branch line with a Y-track I wonder what is the minimum radius curve for the MDC 2T Shay and Rivarossi 2T Heisler? Due to space restrictions I want one leg of the Y as tight as possible while these engines should be able to use it.

[Anonymous]

I have also been interested in the same answer. I am planning a logging section for my layout and I wanted some tight radius curves to feature one of the advantages that the Shay, Heisler and Climax were known for. I don't think the models can do as tight a scale radius as the prototypes. I am in the process of building a test track on a 60" x 60" piece of plywood. The outer circle is 28" radius (to be used for break in and tuneup of engines) the spiral starts from there with an ever decreasing radius. I have had to stop laying track to finish another project. I will then be testing all of my engines and develop a data base. I will post an answer to your question hopefully by July. I hope someone else can answer sooner.

Don F.

[Anonymous]

I have had no problems with 15inch radius with Heisler,MDC Shay depends on direction

[nfmisso]

18"

The models will go around a much tighter than scale radius. A prototype 2 truck shay will not make it around a 250 foot radius curve, which works out to 34½" in HO scale.

[Anonymous]

Even the Spectrum ten-wheeler is stated to run on 15 inch radius curves.
I was thinking even tighter curves, maybe even down to 10 inches?
Know it will look odd but the alternative are either a tight leg or no Y at all.

[Anonymous]

The best thing to do , Take a piece of flex track and make radiuses in ever diminishing
radii until the locos wont make it. That will give you the minimum radius. In prototype
logging anything went.

[Anonymous]

I have one of these, I think I will use 18" The HighIron Mining Company is in business. Stone, Logs and Ore.

[Anonymous]

I can get my MDC 2T shay around a 14" radius curve provided the pistons and driveshafts are to the outside of the curve. When they are on the inside of the curve they bind and derail the locomotive. You also need to be aware that the driveshafts will come apart if the curve is too tight and the shafts are to the outside of the curve. I gave up on the tight curves and now use 18" radius on track used by the shay. I have no knowledge of the heislers' requirements.

Tom