A radius refresher question

[TrainsRMe1]

hi guys n gals.  first of all please excuse the text im just learning how to write from my phone. anyway the question is this. im going to run 6 wheeled locos and i want a return loop. i want it to be about 11 to 13in across. now how do i measure that. thanks

[Motley]

Not enough info?

What scale? 11" sounds like N?

But in any case, just take your width across, also known as diameter of the circle. Divide that in half. And then you have your radius.

So for 11" wide = 5.5" radius

But don't forget space for the edges to your benchwork, if you did not include that on your benchwork measurements.

[selector]

It may be me, but as I understand your question, you must be in Z scale?   The minimum radius for N typically would be in the 8-9" range, very tight, and that would mean that 'across' the return loop with that radius would be a distance of 16" - 18", much further than the 11" you mention...hence my assumption that you are in Z scale.  If you are in N, you will have to almost double your 11".

Crandell

[rrinker]

 Ditto. 11" radius is only one step up from the basic 9 3/4" train set track radius in N scale. Some but not all 6 axle locos will handle this. Radius is half the diameter, so 11" radius need 22" across. 24", or 2 whole feet, to allow room for the roadbed and to not have the track RIGHT on the edge, although it will be close.

 It's not just the locos you have to worry about. What sort of cars do you intend to run? If it's 89' trailer flats for containers, or modern auto racks, the LOCOS might go around 11" radius but the cars will probably have trouble.

                  --Randy