i am new to model railroading i am trying to understand basic curves on n-scale layouts. How do you determine what size curves you need and what sizes are they? idid read with ho scale they are 18 and 22 inch radius curves and such is n-scale the same way?
It depends on the type of equipment you want to run on your layout. 18" curves in HO will let you run 4 axle engines and 40 to 50 foot cars.22" curves in HO you can run 6 axle engines and up to 75 foot cars.Anything bigger than that would require at least 24" to 26" curves,30" or better for HO, to run the 89 foot auto racks and piggyback cars,in N 18" and 22" curves can run about anything,remember in N scale that if you run Micro Train cars that they have the pizza cutter style profile, and you should use the low profile wheel sets instead of the high profile wheel sets id you are using Atlas or ME code 55 track.If you are using Atlas code 80 track that you can use the high profile wheel sets from Micro Trains.Hope this helps.
thank you very much, it helps alot
Actually if you’re using sectional track in N-Scale 9 3/4" and 11" radius are your “standard” curves. Same rules though as HO…9 3/4 is good for 4 axle diesels and 50’ and less freight cars and 11" is good for probably 60’ cars, not sure about longer passenger cars and freight cars.
Take a thorough gander at Spookshow’s N Scale website, and his trials & tribulations at the Layouts section. Spookshow is quite frank about his experiences and you’ll quickly learn what works in N Scale.