I need some advice

[Anonymous]

1. I need some advice on minimum radii for steam locomotives. I would like to run some small- to mid-sized steamers. The largest steamers I was planning to run would be 4-8-2s or maybe a few 4-8-4s. Please keep in mind that I don't necessarily want to run them at max speeed either. Actually, the steeper grades I'm planning on would limit most operations to slow to medium speeds. I have heard a varity of opinions from quite small to quite large.

2. Does anyone know of any good trackplans for a 20x20 room or similar? Most of the plans I have seen are either for rectangular rooms, far too large, or far too small. I am preferably looking for point to point layouts (like branch lines), or ones that work somwhat like point-to-point layouts (i.e. passes or helper districts with hidden returns). Even so, any plans you could direct me to would be appreciated.

I greatly appreciate your help,
Daniel

[preceng]

I run some similar size steamers on 18" radii, at slower speeds with no problems.
They look better on the 22" ers though. Good luck

[Anonymous]

Thanks Allan,
Thay say that talking to yourself is a bad sign. I'm not quite sure whether this applies to posting to your own topics. Also, I have one other question relating to #1: what size turnout should I use with these locomotives???

-Daniel

[Anonymous]

I have a 4-8-2. when they say 18" min radius, it really is. 17 and 7/8" won't work. I have a 4x8 layout and when I first put the 4-8-2 on the track and ran it I found all the curves that I thought were 18" .Had to realign my track so I could run my new loco. Bottom line is 18" works OK but broader curves are better. As far as turnouts go I use Peco small radius and have no problems with them.

[Anonymous]

And thank you as well, Doc.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainjunky29
2. Does anyone know of any good trackplans for a 20x20 room or similar? Most of the plans I have seen are either for rectangular rooms, far too large, or far too small. I am preferably looking for point to point layouts (like branch lines), or ones that work somwhat like point-to-point layouts (i.e. passes or helper districts with hidden returns)

Hmm..20x20 and you don't want to do a round the room, i take it.

Supoose you could put it around 3 walls , 2' out, with a 4x12 island off the middle section. so one side of island could be Industry A, other side Industry B, the island would be the Yard and frieght Terminal (as well as the staging area to hold Loco's not in use).

That way the trains would take cargo from A, got to the frieght terminal, switch cars, adding others for B, then head off to B, return to Terminal, switch againm heading for A.

Hmm...20x20 would be pretty sweet, i'm confined to a 5x24 right now and wish i had the extra 15' to play with.

Jay.

[Anonymous]

Dear Jay,
Thanks for your input. This 20x20 room may turn out to be a mixed blessing: it may be more than I can handle, but it is still nothing to be scoffed at. Your operational model sounds quite good, and in a few years (or decades [or centuries]) it may happen. But right now this is all a dream anyway, although a very nice one.

[IRONROOSTER]

The NMRA has a page on recommended curves and turnouts at http://www.nmra.org/standards/rp-11.html for different size engines and rolling stock. Following these should cover all your current and future equipment. Keep in mind that broader curves generally look better.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

And thanks to you as well, Paul.

[Anonymous]

WHOA! 20x20! I wish I had that much room! Maybe you should try a wrap around the wall layout.

[Anonymous]

Thank you as well, 4884bigboy

[Anonymous]

Train Junky....if you have a 20x20 space you may want to consider a round the room with a Peninsula. and loops at the ends..essentaly only using 3 entire walls for the layout (as im not familiar with where the doors and windows if any are in your room). What i used to figure out the radius of the curves on my layout was by first measuring the area i had to play with. You see my layout was actually origionally my dads layout...but he no longer had the time and forfitted the whole thing to me...most of it was finished but of course i rebuilt a great deal of it to my specs. My layout fills our entire basement (making it roughly 35x60 with several indents and pushouts beacouse our house isnt a rectangle shape). But one of the pushouts is the area that is under the laundry room that connects to the garage (nothing under the garage but a slab). I measured the area which was 7x11. there was to be a horseshoe curve in that space so i took 7ft and then decided along the 11 ft where my curve would start. Roughly at 5.5 feet. So i took the 7ft x 5.5 feet and got 38.5. That 38.5 would be the maximum radius of the curve if the track were at the very edge of the benchwork...of course it isnt and its double tracked . But after i figured what the maximum radius is i simply moved the track in 4 inches from the edge of the benchwork knowing that if my max was 38.5..4 inches in would still keep it in the upper 30s.

I know thats probably a complicated mess to understand...but its one of the eaisest ways i know to get a "Rough" courve radius.

[Anonymous]

My HO layout is approximately 9' x 13'. I say approximatel;y because I used a modified "E" shape. I have it in a 12'x15' room. The E shape allows me access to the whole thing without the big reach-over or a stepladder. Gives me some extra curve capability as well. The back (long) side of the E is against the wall on L-girders and the legs of the E are on only one leg each. The end leg of the E is also on a wall. Easy access underneath for wiring or whatever as well. I don't know if this helps in your situation or not.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tip, Johnydash9

[Anonymous]

And than you as well, bobchuck.