HO scale:
I'm looking at running long cars (autoracks, etc) on 2 parallel mainline curves, (also two helix curves). I also have a number of nice big steam engines (both articulated ones and others) that I want to run on my new layout
It got me to wondering 1) what sort of minimum radius I needed to provide for these cars, 2) clearances I needed to provide between two curves, 3) clearances I needed to provide to either side of the tracks for other layout structures.
For my purposes I was very interested in two particular radius, 31" & 28.5" inches. The 31" figure is the max outer curve I can utilize for my helix. The 28.5" figure is a result of the 2.5" minimum clearance needed between the 2 tracks as determined by almost universal conscience in reading lots of forums.
I wanted to verify this CL to CL figure of 2,5", and I wanted to verify that the equipment would not have any problems negotiating the smaller 28.5" radius.
I added a third radius to my experiments, a 24" curve,...
a) to see if the equipments would negotiate this tighter curve
b) many of us with small layouts might well run into this size radius quite often
c) I might run into this size curve in my staging access track(s), freight yard tracks, etc
d) it might fill the gap of questions about the range between 24 & 28 curves.
So on my experimental table I laid down three radius tracks,...31", 28.5" , 24" . I have also included a penciled in line that is 1" to either side of the CL of each track.
BE AWARE: I am seeking to determine the absolute minimum clearances that might be required. There are likely some additional tolerances required for wobble, rocking, etc of these cars as they make these turns.
I'm looking at running long cars (autoracks, etc) on 2 parallel mainline curves, (also two helix curves). I also have a number of nice big steam engines (both articulated ones and others) that I want to run on my new layout
It got me to wondering 1) what sort of minimum radius I needed to provide for these cars, 2) clearances I needed to provide between two curves, 3) clearances I needed to provide to either side of the tracks for other layout structures.
For my purposes I was very interested in two particular radius, 31" & 28.5" inches. The 31" figure is the max outer curve I can utilize for my helix. The 28.5" figure is a result of the 2.5" minimum clearance needed between the 2 tracks as determined by almost universal conscience in reading lots of forums.
I wanted to verify this CL to CL figure of 2,5", and I wanted to verify that the equipment would not have any problems negotiating the smaller 28.5" radius.
I added a third radius to my experiments, a 24" curve,...
a) to see if the equipments would negotiate this tighter curve
b) many of us with small layouts might well run into this size radius quite often
c) I might run into this size curve in my staging access track(s), freight yard tracks, etc
d) it might fill the gap of questions about the range between 24 & 28 curves.
So on my experimental table I laid down three radius tracks,...31", 28.5" , 24" . I have also included a penciled in line that is 1" to either side of the CL of each track.
BE AWARE: I am seeking to determine the absolute minimum clearances that might be required. There are likely some additional tolerances required for wobble, rocking, etc of these cars as they make these turns.
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