track layout

[Anonymous]

I have all the equipment required for a layout in HO scale..
, including a DCC controller..my question is can i have a turning radius in a 3o incy wide area, the length is irrlevant, this is my first ever layout, i need help, please and thanks

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you have a shelf layout in mind here. A 30 inch wide area would be a bit to tight for most HO scale rolling stock. You might review the specifications of the locomotive I would presume you have, to see if it can negotiate a 15 inch radius or less. The second thing you need to keep in mind is the track. If you have the rigid Atlas track, you will not be able to build a loop in the 30 inch space you have. You will have to use flex track which can be bent to a smaller diameter. You might have to settle for a point to point layout for a while until you can acquire the real estate for turning loops big enough to handle your motive power.

Ken, D&J Railroad, Stafford, VA

[Anonymous]

Ken.
I would like to thank you very much for the info, I can get a three foot wide piece of real estate, I assume I can work something in this space. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks again, have a great New Year.
C Givens

[Anonymous]

With your space of 36 inches, and assuming you are operating four axle diesels, I would build a return loop using 36 inch radius entrance curves and fifteen inch central radius. A fifteen inch radius half circle will take thirty three inches of benchwork so you have three inches left to accommodate the entrance curve. You will want to hide the entrance curve in a tunnel or behind a building(s) but it would likely work for an HO scale layout with four axle diesels and standard freight cars (50ish scale feet). Good Luck - Ed

[nfmisso]

C;

Ed has a typo in his note, when he says 36" radius he meant 18" radius.

Take a look at the layout on pages 62 to 97 of the Feb 2003 issue of Model Railroader.

With 15" radius curves you are limited to small locomotives and 40' or less cars. Most manufactures do not recommend less than 18" radius for any of thier equipment, and much is limited to 22" radius or larger.

Cosider a shelf style layout 18 to 24 inches wide - so that you can reach all the way across it. For me and many others, switching is the fun part of operating trains. Just going around in a loop gets boring pretty quickly. Even a large loop like the one at the club.
http://www.comrail.org

Nigel

[GerFust]

Sometime within the past 3 years Model Railroader did a small layout exclusively on urban traction and tolleys. You may find that this this idea looks pretty nice in a narrow space. Otherwise, an urban switching/industrial layout may be your thing.

[Anonymous]

again , i would like to thank all who answered my query. you all have been a great help...have a Happy new Year, and thanks again