Passenger Layout

[Anonymous]

I live along the hudson river and I'd like to have a nice mini setup in my garage. Passenger cars are 85' and they look good on 24" rad. minimum. What is a nice complimenting turnout I think it's an #8 but I'M not sure I'd also like to run the fairly fast around layout. This is what makes me believe a #8 t/o would help deter derailments. Am I nuts?

[ukguy]

I can't vouch for your sanity but I believe #8's would do the job nicely, is there anyway you can manipulate those curves up to 30" that would definately make it look/run better.

Have fun & be safe
Karl.

[Anonymous]

I really want to hve a dogbone shaped layout and the cruves will just be there to go back the other direction so I can squeeze a 30" rad I hope.

[markpierce]

I assume you are "speaking" HO standard gauge. If you think the cars look good on 24" radius, then stick with #6s unless you have space to burn: #6s have an effective radius significantly large than 24". I think the NMRA website shows the exact equivalent. The exception would be crossovers since they create "S" curves. Personally, I don't think full length passenger cars look good until you reach about 36" radius or more. Nevertheless, my current layout plan calls for 30" minimum due to space limitations and other compromises. The plan also provides for using #8s on the mainline wherever full-length passenger cars are anticipated to roll.

[rrinker]

Looking up John Armstrong's chart in Track Planning for Realstic Operation, a #6 turnout has a closure rail radius of 43" and a substitution radius of 56" - so even with 24" radius curves, a #6 leading into it would give you an easement. I wouldn't waste the space on #8's except for possible cosmetic reasons. A #8 as an RCR of 67" and a subst. radius of a whopping 110".

--Randy

[johncolley]

To really have the trains flow check out Walther's # 10's for main crossovers and all passenger tracks. The larger the better where radius is concerned. Look at real photographs and you will see 8 to 10 or 12 cars on a 90 degree turn. I tried 24" and while my freights looked OK the passenger equipment looked and performed toylike. Just as a comparison Free-mo spec's are 48" suggested with an absolute minimum of 42"mainline radius. I would consider 24" to 30" for hidden trackage only, and if there was a grade or helix I would go 36" or larger. Why invite problems?