Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
>>Just so you know im not quite sure what a radius is, in train terms Basic geometry. The radius is 1/2 the diameter of a circle. If you lay a circle of track, and measure from the center of the circle to the centerline of the track, you will get the radius of the circle, and thus the curve of the track. On railroads, you don't normally see a full circle, so the radius would be measured as if the curve continued into a full circle. Railroads use a spiral easement to gradually curve the track from straight to the curve radius. This easement does not have a fixed radius, as it changes from one point to another. >>i just wanted to know what the smallest possible curve radius is for a basic >>HO diesel engine. Most HO equipment will operate around the 18 inch radius curved sectional track that comes with train sets. Not all equipment will look correct rounding a sharp curve, as long cars and locos will have unrealisticly large overhangs (not to mention the difficulty of keeping body mounted couplers coupled). I have seen 15 inch radius curved sectional track for sale. Locomotives such as 4-wheeled switchers can operate around even tighter curves as might be needed in tight clearances of an industrial district of a city. The sharper the curve, the slower the speed required to go around it. It is usually best to use as large a curve diameter as you have room for. It looks more realistic, and you will have less of a problem with trains navigating it. My current layout I am using 36 inch radius on the mainline, although I will have tighter 28 inch radius curves in other places. Dale B.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community