Hi, everyone, I have a question. What is the minimum radius the Athearn RTR CF-7 engine can handle? Would it handle 15 inch radius turns with 40 foot freight cars behind it? I don’t have a CF-7 to test, but I’m interested in getting one of those locos. I know the engine is the same general size as a F7, since the CF-7 is just a rebuilt F7 engine. I’m building a layout on a 36"x80" hollow core door, and wanted to know if that engine will handle 15 inch curves. I realize 15 inch is a very tight curve, but I plan to only run 40 foot freight cars and 4 axle locomotives. And by the way, I tried N scale, but didn’t like doing switching with those tiny Microtrains couplers. I’ve rather use the larger HO couplers made by Kadee. Just my personal perference.
After checking the CF7 is as long as Athearn’s GP7 so,yes it should be able to go around a 15" curve since the GP7 does.
As far as a 36"x80" hollow core door for HO it will work…I have seen one 2-3 years ago that was a logging layout.I have also seen several plans.
I already knew about the thortrains website, I think it’s a wonderful site. And his various track plans are nice. Also for your information about Athearn’s GP7 working good on 15" radius curves, that is good to know. Thank you,
Howard
The CF-7, F-7 and early Geeps are about the shortest road engines out there.
For a 36" wide door I would look at using Kato track in HO, they have a curve that’s 430mm / 16-7/8" radius that would fit and give you a little bit gentler curve - still sharp of course, but a few things with a “minimum radius” of 18" might work on it, but not on 15" radius.