" RADIUS CURVES FOR N SCALE LOCOS"

[TrainsRMe1]

 Hey All,                                                                                                                      I"m curious I will be running a modren era loco's on my layout, they all will be six axel locos and one steam loco the UP Big Boy, the question I have is, what's the smallest radius I can go before I start have problems with derailments??                            Thanks for the help

["JaBear"]

From the Athearn N scale Big Boy brochure. “Pivoting front and rear engines for negotiating 11” radius curves -15” radius curves recommended.

http://www.athearn.com/newsletter/062819/08_N_4-8-8-4_BigBoy_062819.pdf

 

I would suggest that the Big Boy will set the radius for the diesels.

 

Cheers, the Bear.

[tstage]

TRM1,

I would look at it another way: What's the largest radii curve you can fit on your mainline for a 4-8-8-4?  I would then strive to maximize your curves rather than minimize them - even if it means less trackage.  It will look and operate better.

Tom

[Bigjim7]

I would not let one Loco or engine determine my radius or layout design even if I had to not use the Big Boy,

[wjstix]

If you already have the engines, I would do a 'real world' test by getting Kato Unitrack sections in different curve radii and a power track and try running the engines thru them. The manufacturer's minimum radius info is usually correct, but I like to try it out to be sure.