N Scale Turn Radius

[Anonymous]

Hi,I was wondering what the minimum turn radius was for and N scale turns.
Thanx for the help.
Benjamin R. [:)]

[DSchmitt]

Early N scale train sets (late 1960's) often came with 7-1/2" radius, but the locos of that time were much more compromized in accuracy than the standard of today. Eary on Atlas set a defacto minimum of 9-3/4" radius with their snap track. Assuming body mounted Microtrainscouplers on locos and truck mounted Microtrains couplers on the cars (standard for N scale), it's OK for smaller locos (ie Geeps or similar) and 40-50' cars. 11" radius also an Atlas snap track standard radius will handle and diesel and most steam as well as longer 80'-89' cars.

Model, railroad curves are very sharp compared to the prototype. For appearance 15" or preferably 18" or even more is much better. Industrial track where only small locos and cars will run can be tighter mayby even down to 7-1/2". This gives a good contrast to the broader main tracks.

I had an N-Trak module with some 6" radius on diorama track. An Atlas RS1 and 40' cars could make it, but while a GP7 was OK by itself the coupler swing caused the cars to derail.