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The general rule of thumb for minimums is 18" for HO, and about 9 - 11" for N scale (I am not positive about N, since I model in HO scale...) Of course, the bigger the better for almost anything. Traction (street cars and interurban/radials) are an exception. Generally, small steam (4-6-0, 0-6-0, 2-8-0, and some 4-6-2), 4 axel diesels, and shorter rolling stock (up to ~50 feet) can take 18" radii. Bigger engines - big steam and six-axel diesels - and longer rolling stock need bigger radii. Other considerations for minimum radii include: How close are parallel tracks in the turn - you need to leave more room between them than when they are running straight. That is to say - if the tracks are 1.25 inches apart, and the inside track takes a curve of 18" radius, don't expect the outside track to take a 19.25" radius. It will have to be bigger, since the rolling stock on the outer track will hang over the inside of the curve. Also, be sure to match your turnouts with your minimum radius. There is not much point in having broad, sweeping curves at a minimum of 30" radius if you are going to use #4 turnouts on the main line... Andrew
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