Track radius

[Anonymous]

I am building a Logging \Mining layout, what is the tightess curve I can use without much problem,
Thanks Bob Pres. NORR

[Paul W. Beverung]

Bob; What scale are you working in? Also what type of locomotives and cars are you planning on using?

Paul

the Duluth, Superior , & Southeastern

" The Superior Route "

[Anonymous]

Sorry Paul,
HO, mostly Steam loco, short logging and mining with 5 car max.
Bob

[Anonymous]

I'd say if you were using small steamers like 0-6-0s, 0-4-2s, 0-4-0s, 2-6-0s, and maybe 2-8-0s, you could get by with 16" or 18".

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help Guys,
Bob

[Jetrock]

These wide-gaugers!!

About a logging layout: Will you be using rod-engine locomotives or traction locomotives (like Shays, Heislers or Climaxes?) Traction engines were designed with low gearing and typically had two or three sets of four-wheel trucks rather than the traditional arrangement of locomotive pilot, drivers, trailing wheels.

Traction engines were also designed for sharp curves. Two-truck Shays or Climaxes can easily handle 12-15" minimum radius. The small locomotives used for actual logging in the woods were typically 0-4-0's and can handle curves even sharper than that, as long as you stick to "shorty" equipment like logging disconnects and "bobber" cabooses and 20' boxcars, etcetera.

[Paul W. Beverung]

Evening Bob; The best advice is to use the largest radius that you can. Of course I understand that you have to set a minamum for planing purposes. Small 2-8-0s may handle an 18" radius curve, but it would work better on a 20". I've had layouts with 18" radius curves and had problems with tracking. You need to be real carefull laying the track. That's helps. How much room do you have to work with?

Paul

the Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern

" The Superior Route "

[Fergmiester]

I've seen a layout that was using moguls pacifics and 0-6-0 switchers. It was a very quaint and interesting layout using 15" minimum radius. Freight cars were the "old time" vintage. It was a great layout and was taken from Lynn Westcott's 101 Trackplans available through Kalmbach publishing.

Fergie

[Anonymous]

Gentlemen, Thanks very muchfor additional info. All the Loco power I currently have are Shay and Climax. I have 9'x9' give or take and plan on U shape with walk on 1 side and middle. With all this new information it loojs like I may lay some different tape lines and see how they look.
Thanks again, Bob

[BRAKIE]

BVob,As my experiance with shays they will go around a 15" curve with ease..Yes folks..I once model a Shay powered railroad.

[cefinkjr]

I'll second Paul Beverung's comment: the smallest radius you should use is the largest that will fit in the available space.

[ondrek]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NOSPACEORECASHRR

I am building a Logging \Mining layout, what is the tightess curve I can use without much problem,
Thanks Bob Pres. NORR

i am currently building a 2'x4' layout with a continous running. so my curves are sharper than 12" radi. I am running 0-4-0's and 0-6-0's on it with no problem. the only issue i have with my 0-6-0 is the drawbar lenght. i need to have it 2mm longer once that is done, it will be perfect.

I also know the 0-4-0 will do sharper, something like 8" radi has been navigated successfully.

Kevin