Newbie Asks Maximum Frieght Car Length For Atlas #4 Customline Switches?

[Anonymous]

Hello again, everyone.

I'm just building a small switching layout , about 2' X 10', so I can go slow and learn everything. My small, 4 axle diesel switcher will be moving slowly......pushing and pulling a car, or two, or three around the layout.

So, #4 Customline switches (I have some #6 Customline switches, too), and 18" curves in a yard. For the very least of problems, do I keep my box cars and gondolas and stuff at a 40' maximum? 50 maximum? Longer? No maximum?

How about those 15" curves, they are really tight.

And I guess that the smaller the car, the better looking it will be. Or maybe that is a subjective thing.

I read and learn much from you guys. I get more and more hooked on this hobby as each week goes by.

Thanks
Ray

[Anonymous]

60' Auto parts are about the max I take into 15" curves although if you are moving slow I have managed to run larger cars.

[Big_Boy_4005]

I don't think there is an actual limit. A #4 is sharp, but an 18" radius curve is sharper. Now 86' cars may not look good going through a #4, but mechanically there should be no problem.

15" radius curves do have physical limitations, as not all equipment is designed to be used on them. There shorter cars will work and longer cars may bind. Engines will be even more sensative to 15" radius. 18" radius is the standard minimum.

[Anonymous]

I have Customline #4s on my layout and my 80 foot standard passenger cars are able to go through them. It doesn't look right, but it works. Actually I think these are called #4s but are actually closer to #5s. Since you do not have room for a turn back loop, anyway, why would you use 15" radius curves. However, your right, 40 foot cars will look better.

[cacole]

How long a car can go through those turnouts and around your radius is going to depend on how the couplers are mounted, more than anything else. A very long boxcar with the trucks recessed under the ends will swing way out on a curve and pull other rolling stock off the track unless it has special couplers that can swing sideways. Even a Bachmann Spectrum heavyweight passenger car might be okay on your layout because their coupler pockets are linked to the trucks and swivel with them.