minimum radius for Branchline Pass

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Does anyone know the minimum radius for a Branchline Ready to run passensger car or were I can find that info. I have been trying to research it for a couple of days with no luck…

thanks

2

If you own one already, take a peice of flex track and pin it down in smaller and smaller radius until you find where it will not stay on the track.

I would not recommend anything LESS than 26" I dont own any Branchlines, but I do own Rapido and that is good enough.

3

Built up or kit form?

If it is kit, then 30" (the trucks will hit the center beam with any smaller radius). Also, the swinging coupler bar (if you can call it that) is VERY stiff. If you want, American Limited makes a diaphram/coupler bar conversion that helps as the BrachLine diaphram is rigid and will not play nice with your Walthers/Rapido cars.

If it is a built up, then 26". Again, the Diaphram is rigid and wont play nice.

But in all fairness, if you want the car to look semi-good, and operate just as well, then run atleast 32" radius. Remember that these are LONG cars.

David B

4

Thanks for the input…I run Rapido, Walthers, Bachmann, and I just purchased 5 ready to run or biult up Branchline passenger cars. There is a local hobby store that is retiring and I only paid $75 for all five, so I couldnt pass that up. I am running 24’’ radius on the main passenger line. The Rapido, Walthers and Bachmann get away fine. But the Branchline do not. I will definatley go to 32" when I redo the layout.

Thanks again…