I am seriously considering elevated mainline curves on my new layout and would appreciate a discussion on the merits, pro and con. I realize they look better but I am worried about how they affect performance on longer consists. I hope to have at least 24" min. radius, perhaps larger if at all possible. I am not willing to give up performance just for looks. I have been out of MR business for about 20 yrs. and am jumping back in with both feet. Layout room about 15 x 15. I love BIG steam so I don’t know how much of a consideration that is.
I superelevated the mainline curves on my last HO layout, including the 27" minimum curves, with Kappler and Campbell low profile ties. I had no operational problems with typical trains of 2-3 diesels and 15-20 50’ cars. Long cars like autoracks and pig flats likewise performed OK. Although we test ran some steam we never ran big steam engines, but a layout I’ve operated locally has 30" radius superelevated curves and handles 2-10-2s and 2-8-8-4 articluateds. Go for it.
Thanks for the info Rob, much appreciated…I think I WILL go for it!!!