Prototype radius...

[mbshaw]

While reading my Allegheny, Lima's Finest book I noticed that the minimum radius for the 2-6-6-6 was 18 degrees. Does anybody now what that equates to for model railroading, i.e. 22", 28" etc. I am sure it is far great than anything that can be constructed on a layout, but I was just curious.

Thanks...

[Anonymous]

While I don't have the formula close by, an eighteen degree railroad curve is around 320 ft radius. This would be about 44 inch radius in HO scale.

If you want to know the particulars, let me know. Good Luck - Ed

[BR60103]

There is a conversion table of curves going from degrees to prototype radius and then to scale radius for a wide range of scales at:
http://www.urbaneagle.com/datrains/index.html
Select the Data tab.
He has also included the formula that he used.
-David

[rogerhensley]

If you don't want to do a lot of calculating, you can check out the NMRA RP-11 Curvature and Rolling Stock at http://www.nmra.org/standards/rp-11.html where there is a chart giving a number of different degrees and their radii in various scales. That is the Recommended Practice that helps you decide what curves are needed for loco and rolling stock length.

Roger

[mbshaw]

Thanks for the info folks. I might consider trying to incorporate the large radius in my layout design.

Thanks...