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I messed around for the longest time building HO scale mockups of a curved yard. I eventually built one. The pundits are correct to a point, too tight a curvature and forget coupling cars. I run a road set in 1942 and operate freight cars that do not exceed a scale 50 feet in length. After lots of track laying a various radii, then trying to couple cars in the curves, I finally realized that to attain 100% reliability in coupling, the radius needed to be 40 inches or more. Those of you that model more modern equipment, i.e., longer cars, will need to build an even broader radius curvature into your yard to have it work properly all (most of?) the time. Another problem with operating a curved yard is the increased maintenance that is required. The couplers must be kept in full adjustment all the time. The most important item is the coupler centering spring. If the coupler is just the tiniest tad off center, it will not always couple in even a broad curve. After all this profundity, I am in agreement with the suggestions that a straight yard is the way to go, even if it has to be somewhat shorter than you might desire. I had no choice. My yard was either going to be 4 feet long and straight, or a useful length and curved. It happens that way sometime. Steam is to be worshipfully cherished. Tom
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