Track radius vs engine size

[Anonymous]

My wife and i are somewhat new to the hobby and are trying to come up with a plan for our basement.
We have a 9' by 8' area to work with and one 9' end is actually open for a 4 ' wide extention for a yard or staging area to come off it.

we would like to know if anyone can tell us guidelines on the smallest radius curve we can use without derailing a 2-8-0 consolidation. we were hoping we could get by with 18" but I am guessing that is too sharp. Any help or a general guideline as to what type engines can stand the tighter curves would be very helpful to us.

[Anonymous]

THE LARGER THE WHEELBASE THE LARGER THE CURVE. I DON'T THINK THE 2-8-0 WILL FIT A 18" CURVE. MOST EIGHT WHEEL DRIVERS NEED AT LEAST 22" radius. most diesels will fit a 18" radius or larger. all engines usually come with instructions regarding what their minimum radius is. you can get some help from your hobby dealer on this issue. if you want to stay with steam you might want to consider smaller engines, however if you are willing to move to the more accomodating diesel you can plan on 18" curves and #4 switches.

[Anonymous]

A good rule of thumb is to use the largest radius curve that will fit the space available. Most RTR 2-8-0's in HO scale will handle an 18" radius curve ok. Try not to limit yourself to the fixed radi of sectional track. Use flex track and you can fit the curve to the space that you have. Pick up a book on track planing and you'll get some great ideas. Hope this helped...Vic

[Anonymous]

If you are referring to the HO 2-8-0 Bachmann consol, according to the June 98 MR review, it will run on 15" radius track and I can mail you a copy.

If you have the option of going 22",go for it.

The engine weighs in at 13.4 ounces and depending upon level track conditions and # of cars, you could incur wheel slippage.

This also applies to the Athearn light pacific & mankato.

Let me know on the review.
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