Minimum Mainline radius

[BNSFNUT]

I am in HO and use 22"r and 24 1/4 "r for my double track main and 28"r on most of my branch line. Wished I coule have gone biger on the main but space is limited. The branch is on a shelf so I could be more generous.

[darth9x9]

I expect to use a minimum of 40" radius. If I can go bigger, I ceretainly will!

BC

[Jetrock]

For me it's the reverse--if I use hidden track it will probably be at least 15", for better operating reliability--if something is going to derail I'd rather have it happen where I can get to it easily, rather than on concealed trackwork.

[johncolley]

I believe it would be advantageous for model railroad folks to start thinking in terms of two minimum mainline radii. One absolute minimum for hidden trackage and one quite a bit larger for visible trackage.

[ddechamp71]

My Z scale modules have 20" minimum curve radius, that are roughly 16° cutves.

Dominique

[AggroJones]

I have 2 mainlines that travel above the two "lower restricive lines". The minimum radi on the "high lines" is 28".

HO scale. On an overall 11' x 11'..

[markpierce]

Poll would be more useful if one knew what scale people are using.

[cwclark]

I went with 26"-36" on the mainline(s)
nothing less than 24" on everything else...
15" and 18" will work..but your engines and rolling stock have to be short...

[egmurphy]

9-3/4", (except for the part that's kinked, which is probably a bit less). [:D] I should be so lucky as to have space for anything larger.

I guess that's the Normal equivalent of 15"radius in Horribly Oversized. [;)]


Ed

[orsonroy]

Mainline minimum radius = 30"
Siding minimum radius = 26"
Yard minimum radius = 24"

[jrbernier]

My HO layout has a minimum radius of 22" - with easements. If I build a new layout, I will use a minimum radius of 30". I built the present layout in 1987 and ran mostly Athearn first generation GP's and Atlas RS3/RSD5's with 40' freight cars(modeling the 50's). Over the years I have upgraded the 'fleet' and my P2K SD7's really have problems getting into spurs(coupler overhang). I do run BLI USRA 2-8-2's as well on the 22" curves, but any future construction will be a minimum of 30" radius and #6 turnouts.

Jim Bernier

[Jetrock]

12" in HO scale. All are formerly-interurban curves through city streets. My only passenger equipment are trolleys, for which 12" radius is a splendid sweeping expanse of curvature...

[rexhea]

My HO minimum mainline is 26" with 24" on branchlines and 18" for yards/industry. I never really figured out how to get the large radii without messing up the planned scenery and industry. There are a couple of curves where the passenger trains look like a dislocated centipede [(-D] , but otherwise all look good winding in and around the mountains and other scenery.

Yes, I am glad manufactures provide for the smaller layouts. Sometimes there has to be a compromise in realism for practicality. An example would be if your train travels to the next town which (in mind) was 100 miles away, it's unlikely you would lay down over 6000 feet of track to stay in scale.

REX

[twhite]

I voted 28+. Actually my mainline is a 34" minimum, mostly 36". But I've found out that I'm going to have to re-lay a section with 30", which makes me nervous, since I've got several 2-10-2's which are VERY sensitive to small radius (30" or under). So I'm going to have to be extremely accurate putting that section in. A lot of the current steam these days is designed for 22" or larger, which puts it in the realm of modelers who don't have room just yet for larger radii, or are just getting started. Myself, I don't mind the smaller compensating driver size, as long as the product works and is available. Even with my wider radius curves, I tossed out my driver size scale rule a long time ago. I mean, if I'm going to use code 100 rail (larger than the Pennsy of fond memory, I understand), then I don't care if my 4-8-4 has 72" instead of the prototype 79". Just as long as it stays on the track.

[FThunder11]

Really fricken small!!

[tomwatkins]

My minimum mainline radius is 23 1/2". Some curves are larger. If more space were available I'd go to a larger minimum. 30" minimum would be nice. I do believe that manufacturers are justified in engineering locos to run on tighter curves. It makes running them feasible for a lot more people.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

[Anonymous]

18" in N.

[Anonymous]

If I could I would 24" versus my 22".

[IRONROOSTER]

36" on the standard gauge / 18" on the narrow gauge. S/Sn2.
Enjoy
Paul

[Fergmiester]

22" but some branchlines have 18". Not the best case scenario but the best I can do

[Anonymous]

I have one spot, in an industrial area where I used an 18 inch radius. The ruling radius is 22 on my layout and I wish I could have gone bigger. I have a turn back loop with a 24 inch radius that is on a grade. The rest of my radius on grades are far above 24 inches.

[CP5415]

I think it's justified Don.
A lot of us don't have a lot of space to allow for wide curves that will make the longer locomotives & cars look as ease going around these curves.
My layout is 9X12 & while I could fit larger curves, I'd loose a lot of space for industry & other potential customers.
So far I haven't had any problems with the longer cars & locomotives I have.
KNOCK ON WOOD

Gordon

[dragenrider]

18 on the mainline, 15 on the branch line. I've heard 22 and above is nice, but I don't know where I'd put it!

[BRAKIE]

Actually the minimum curve size depends on the layout size.Got a basement? Wider curves..A 4'x8' smaller curves.Got a 5x9 footer then a little wider curves.
Yes,its justified as the manufacturers knows that everybody doesn't have a king size basement for a layout or access to a club.Therefore they must consider these cold hard facts while designing a new locomotive or long wheel base car..And I thank God for that as everybody can enjoy the new product instead of a select few with basement size layouts or access to a club..It makes good marketing sense that they cater to all modelers which means more on the bottom line.

[jfugate]

HO, 36" mainline, 30" branchline, 24" secondary branchline, 18" industry trackage

1100 sq ft layout

[Anonymous]

I voted 22" and under, because my N layout uses 15" minimum, but my HO layout (still on paper [;)] ) Will have a 20" minimum...

[Don Gibson]

Manufacturers build different models for different markets. The majority try to adapt their product lines for 22" - even at the expense of realism - to sell MORE product. (one example is BLI)*, Is it justified? Is the proverbial 'tail' wagging the dog?

* using smaller wheels to accomplish.