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Model railroading scales
The MOST important thing in scale choice is the diameter of a 180 degree curve: for modern unit train railcars (long), lets say, then perhaps 40’ boxcar era (moderate radius), then a minimum curve for special purpose railroads such as coal mining.
The curve data should contain a reminder that the BENCHWORK needs to be greater than the track circle, since the curve data is an average between inside and outside rail and does not include tie-ends, right-of-way (gravel, banking, and the possibility of service roads, telephone poles, etc); and for some modelers the further possibility of double-track.
I agree with Mr Davis that the 180 degree curve radius is important for modern era railcars but surely this is just as important for earlier eras?
I am modeling the early sixties on my layout and one of my big mistakes at first in constructing and planning the model was that I did not take account of the scenery on the outside of the track or the overhang of some of the rolling stock in going round a curve. This meant a restart on my model at the planning stage - I laid the track without securing it to the track but it was still time that I had wasted and thee frustration of starting again.
Please remember that as you grow older, your ability to handle the finer scales will diminish as your eyesight and just dexterity decreases. It may be difficult to even egt down on your knees or bend. Choose your scale with some of these things in mind.
is there a narow gage model railroad using ngage track?
Very handy.