I know that that the SD45 needs a broad radius, but how to achive that on a sheet of foam w/ code 83 track in HO? I am experiencing derailments b/c the current radius is too narrow (on a 24x72" foam sheet). I can extend the layout w/ another section of foam at the front of the layout, but I want to ensure the space can enable the SD45 to run smoothly. If I do that, do I need a wider sheet?Should I curve the track and add an easement on the extended layout or just a broad curve?
I have photos to send if anyone can pls provide me their email addresses.
Thanks,
Lee
What is the current radius of the track causing problems? A typical 3 axle diesel will run fine on correctly installed 20-22" radius curve (ie no kinks, high/low spots, etc).
Modeling an HO gauge freelance version of the Union Pacific Oregon Short Line and the Utah Railway around 1957 in a world where Pirates from the Great Salt Lake founded Ogden, UT.
- Photo album of layout construction -
If you have a turn around (half circle) on a 24" wide base your radius is probably no more than 11" or so, much too tight for a six axle diesel. One wolf is correct in stating that it should run on 20" to 22" but it will look MUCH better and operate better on something closer to 30". Very good track work helps, too. No kinks, undulations, uneven joints, etc.
Hello All,
As much as I am a great proponent of small radius curves in HO (15-inch minimum on my 4'x8' pike) SD-series 3-axle units (C-C), won't perform well on these sharp curves and will look out of place.
I've limited my motive power to four-axle (B-B) F, GP and RS units with the exception of my Olde Tyme 0-6-0 USRA for the excursion train.
You mentioned that your pike is 24x72". If I understand that correctly you have a 2-foot by 6-foot (61 cm x 2195 cm) layout.
To have a curve in that space is difficult, to say the least, (from edge to edge the radius would need to be 12-inches [30.5 cm]).
A 6-axle diesel would not have the easiest of times negotiating that small a curve, without heavy modification. In my experience even a two-axle switcher might find that curve difficult to maneuver.
If you are dealing with a 12-inch radius curve the next question is the rolling stock. Thirty-two foot cars might be your maximum length on these curves. There are 24-foot ore cars that probably be able to negotiate this tight a radius.
Coupler swing; the ability of a couplers ability to move right and left to stay connected to other cars. This will definitely come into play when dealing with this radius of curve. If the couplers cannot swing far enough to accommodate the curve derailments will occur.
You might have to modify the gearboxes of the rolling stock to allow for a greater swing.
If you are dealing with a 2-foot by 6-foot (61 cm x 2195 cm) area I would suggest a switching or point-to-point as opposed to an oval layout.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
If you turn that 24"x72" into a 48"x72", you could manage a 22" radius curve, (circumference would be 44"), which the 6 axle unit (SD series units, from SD 7/9 up to newest SD70ACe) should handle no issues. (Some will handle downy to 18" radii. Some do not. So recommend the 22".)
(Assuming of course loop track, if point to point, which is feasible, you would need still the 22" radii in most cases, and no sharper than a #4 turnout, so zero of the snap/track style switches. Those are 18" radii curved turnouts.)
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Lee,
To be perfectly honest with You....You should have answered some of the questions on the other thread You started...''Wide Radius Derailment''. Would be a lot easier to help You....if only You would participate with some answers to some of the questions that were asked.
Not to sound gruff.....we can't help....unless You help us.
One question would be! How much room can You spare to accomplish what You want to do?
What kind of track, do You plan on using? Sectional, Flex, etc.?
Will it be permanent or do You have to move it around, to store etc.?
Take Care!
Frank
Out of curosity I looked at many of kasskaboose's previous posts back to his first in 2008.
Found all (I looked at) were "new threads" asking a question. Many were follow-ups (with additional questions) on other threads he started. In no case did he respond to an existing thread whether started by him or anyone else. When he asks aditional questions on a topic, he often does thank the Forum members for their previous responces.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
DSchmitt: Thanks for searching the history. I fail to understand the point. Staying quiet during the posts enables me to see the flow of the discussion. Please use caution in attempting to take potshots at newer members or ask them to explain their posting practices. Moreover, I am nowhere capable of offering any advice to others given that I am still learning the craft. Pls respect that! Unless of course you want to create a poisonous posting climate that caused the Atlas forum to stop functioning.
Frank,
To clarify, I have an existing 7x12ft HO layout using sectional track (code 83). The layout is permanent and I am trying to create a suitable radius to accomodate an SD45. Can you pls, pls explain how to do that? I thought to possibly add another section of foam to the front of the layout to create a broad enough radius. Can you kindly help.
I apologize if my original post was not clear.
skagitrailbird: How do I achieve a 30" radius by adding an additional 24x72" sheet of foamboard to the front of an 7x11' layout? I agree that having a broader radius is more appealing and avoids numerous issues.
Thanks!
kasskaboose,
I'm confused. Can you post a sketch of your 7' X 12' layout and include where you are considering a 24" X 72" sheet of foam?
I'll admit some of the earlier posts were a bit snarky but it does help us help you if you provide more information. I will also admit that having a 30" radius is not always possible but it is worth some effort to see if it is possible. If not, so be it as long as the final radius is wide enough for one's locomotives and rolling stock to operate problem free.
kasskaboose DSchmitt: Thanks for searching the history. I fail to understand the point. Staying quiet during the posts enables me to see the flow of the discussion. Please use caution in attempting to take potshots at newer members or ask them to explain their posting practices. Moreover, I am nowhere capable of offering any advice to others given that I am still learning the craft. Pls respect that! Unless of course you want to create a poisonous posting climate that caused the Atlas forum to stop functioning.
I was not taking a "potshot" at you. I was merely pointing out that apparently (I say apperently because I did not look at all your posts) until now, you had never responded to an existing thread.
Many times you were asked for more information to clarify your question so that better answers could be given. I did not find even one case where you responded in the initial thread. Note: I did point out that you often thanked the members for their previous responces when you asked aditional questions in a new thread.
You are not a "new member" While your post count is low, your first post was in 2008. I think you underestimate yourself. You must have some knowledge that would be interesting and useful to the other members of the Forums - even if it is just repeating something you learned from this or other Forums, magazines, books, etc.. There is usually more than one way achieve something. Not every method works for everyone. Your experience on what worked or didn't work for you would be very helpfull to others, even the "experts".
We are all "still learning the craft".
kasskaboose I know that that the SD45 needs a broad radius, but how to achive that on a sheet of foam w/ code 83 track in HO? I am experiencing derailments b/c the current radius is too narrow (on a 24x72" foam sheet).
I know that that the SD45 needs a broad radius, but how to achive that on a sheet of foam w/ code 83 track in HO? I am experiencing derailments b/c the current radius is too narrow (on a 24x72" foam sheet).
Rich
Alton Junction
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