will i be able to get around the curve?

[the old train man]

just measured closely the curves and they are 21 inch curves,thats a little better.

[kasskaboose]

Here's the specs about the dash 840cw and it suggests 22" min:

http://archive.atlasrr.com/HOLoco/arc-hodash840c.htm

Let's see what happens!

[the old train man]

I have not gotten the engines in yet but they are on trhe way. I realize the engines will look a little silly but when you have double loops and limited space you have to do what you have to do,I can hide the curves with scenery and most of the other curves are much larger. thanks all for the input. 

[snjroy]

Making sure the track is levelled will also make a difference. If the outside rail is higher and the inner rail, for example, it may cause derailments. 

[rrinker]

 Gensets should be fine. A Dash 8 40W - well, it might MAKE it, but a big six axle like that will look a bit silly on 20".

                                --Randy

 

[Trainman440]

If anything, just get some long shank couplers. May not look great but they do the job!

My main concern is 20" curves will greatly limit the expandability of you fleet. If there's any possible way, I'd highly recommend getting some 22"+ curves unless you are absolutly sure you're not going to get any larger locos in the future. (or passenger cars or large freight cars)

Cheers!

Charles

[dknelson]

Sometimes an engine or car can handle a given curve, but it is various combinations of what it is coupled to that can create issues, due to wide coupler swing towards the outer rail.  And this can be maddenly unpredictable!

If there is going to be a problem the most likely spot for it is where the tangent/straight track meets that curve.  That is why even a  modest easement curve (a transition curve) can be so useful to the track planner.  As John Armstrong demonstrates in his book Track Planning for Realistic Operation, easement curves allow the use of tighter radius curves than would be usable with them, and thus expand the options for the layout planner and builder.  

Dave Nelson

[Doughless]

Being  modern shortline modeler, I have several Atlas Gensets and love them.  They will go around 20 inch curves just fine. 

The instructions do not mention radius restrictions.

Can't speak to the 840cw so I would not know, but my impression is that diesels generally would not have a problem with 20 inch curves.  Might look long and funny.

[riogrande5761]

Does it not give a minimum radius on the box?

[the old train man]

Finally got track down on current layout,because of downsizing I had to use 20 inch curves at 2 places on the layout. Will my atlas genset and 840cw make the curves without derailing? Also does any body have the genset and are you happy with it? ho scale.