Good N scale minimum radius

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hello Everyone,
I am new to these forums and to model railroading altogether. I recently decided to get into the hobby after seeing a local club’s layout. Since I have a limited amount of space availible i opted for N scale. I have a 4x8’ area availible for the layout and I was wondering what a good minimum mainline radius would be. I would like to be able to run 6 axle diesels and medium to large steam engines. I am also open to suggested track plans.

Thanks

2

Assuming you are using flex track and can create your own radius, I probably would use 15" or larger. For the locomotives you describe, you can probably go down to about 13", but err on the larger side and I’d also suggest using easements.

3

Try to keep the minimum radius to 12" and agree that 15" would be ideal for running 6 axle diesels and passenger cars.
Cheers,
Cliff
http://cliffordconceicao3310.fotopic.net/c328807.html

4

Well heres my 2 cents worth,On my double deck layout connected by a double track Oval type Helix(7 Turns) which is located in unfinished area,My minimum radius is 10 3/4" and I can run multiunit coal drag using atlas GP38’s locos full speed without derailment,How good is your track work?I’m using code 80 atlas flex and soldered joints on cork and Homasote over plywood,Test your curves as you spike,Good Luck!Have Fun

5

Ive used 12" minimum radius. If your looking into steam locos like the challenger and big boy… thats the smallest radius something of that size could handle

6

All of the N Scale C-C diesels I have (7 different loco models, total of a score of units) will operate on 9.75" radius curves. However, they are happier on 12" curves, which is where I would set your minimum radius if you have the room. Tighter curves places some limits on what cars you can put behind them.

My large steam (LL 2-8-8-2) operates on 11" curves without any problems in my limited experience with it, but again, bigger radius is better, both operationally and visually. My 2-10-2 crapped out before having a chance to make it around a corner. Brass steamers are reputed to require larger minimums than plastic, but I have no experience with them.

7

This is my first experience in N scale. I am used to HO. After reading the above I still don’t know what minimum radius to use for an SD60m or a big boy that will not look clunky and wobbly like one curve on my old HO layout. My space restrictions are 2.5’ depth and 10’ long.The largest radius that will fit my layout is 14". Any suggestions?
Tiggr.

8

well, since N scale is roughly half HO… a 14" N scale curve would be equivalent to about a 28" curve in HO Scale.

With that, and from what Bowser says, the UP Big-Boy will track around an 18" curve (and look really lousy)but they sem to reccommend 22"+ radius curves (if i’m reading this table right…). So you should be OK with curves as tight as 11" or 12" (though bigger is always better).

9

The bigger the better! Take a 12" radius as a minimum but if you are running 6 axle diesels or long passenger cars a larger radius must be considered.
Cheers,
Cliff
http://cliffordconceicao3310.fotopic.net/c328807.html

10

You could use different radii on visible and nonvisible curves. Make the visible as large as you can, it looks better. If you have the space, with non-visible (like in a helix or ordinary tunnel) go for a minimum not below 12 " but 15 would be better.
Remember the overhang of the big locos and the passenger cars as well on curves! Especially with duoble track curves.
greetings,
Marc Immeker

11

Personally, I try to keep my radius around 18", although I have a few short curves that are as tight at 16". "The rule of thumb is the wider the radius the better it will look, especially with longer equipment.

Ron

12

I built a few layouts with 12" min. rad. but ran the 4 axles only. I now have 17" curves and the 6 axle locos look and run good. My GS4 4-8-4 runs ok, as you watch it in the curves it looks like it is climbing the rails but it never does. I would go to 18" curves next time but its not worth it to me to rebuild. I built a radius test layout by starting at 15" and working out to 18". My wife thought I was crazy, but when I ran the different equipment on it she understood and we both thought 17" was a good choice.

I must say that easements are very effective and helpfull. Please plan on using them.