Minimum radius to minimum N Guage radius.

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Is there a formula or some rule of thumb for a minimum radius that a piece of equipment be it locomotive, passenger or freight to run on an N Guage layout. In reading reviews in Model Railroader they give a minimum radii that locomotives will run but I have not seem a minimum radius for cars.

The reason this is being asked I inherited a layout from my father-in-law and I plan to use as much of the track from the layout as possible.

Thanks in advance.

2

hi

you are in the wrong part of the forum; the N-scale radius has nothing to do with the prototype.

My rule of thumb is: multiply the length of your longest car by 3. (For real good looks by 4). Stay away from a 1:2 ratio; it’s pushing against technical limits. In general, if you can build immaculate trackwork, you love tinkering with your equipment and you are running with proper speeds and trainlength you can come away with the 1:2 ratio. Do you like to take chances?

For much more detailed information go to: (not so easy to read)

http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/rp-11.html

Paul

3

The true formula is to use the largest curve possible in your given space.

If you have the room for a 15" curve but,you cut it down to 12" because of scenery remember,it always better to down size scenery instead of the radius of the curve.