Hi,
First off, I’m not entirely new to railroading. I had an HO scale layout many years ago, but I recently decided to get back into the hobby, in N scale. I’m modeling a local road that operated 60 miles of track. It ran between several local copper mines, and carried some pretty unique cargo. Here’s a link if you would like to see: www.copperrange.org Anyways, the prototype ran three diesels in the 60’s, two Baldwin DS4-4-1000’s, and an SW-12. I was wondering if anyone made these engines, and if they are available with DCC? My other main question is the minimum radius. I know HO is around 15 at the bare minimum, but I was hoping I could get away with a 9" radius on my N scale. I’m doing a point to point, urban style, with a loop on one end and a Wye on the other. Most of my rolling stock will be ore cars and 40’ boxcars, so I’m hoping 9" will suffice. Thanks in advance for the help. Josh
If you’re using sectional track, 9-3/4" is the smallest normally available. Of course with flextrack you can make it as small as you want. Small diesels (4 axle) and 40’ cars should have no problem with either 9-3/4" or 9" radius. Six axle diesels won’t like it.
“…I had an HO scale layout many years ago, but I recently decided to get back into the hobby…”
Where have I heard that before???
Welcome to the forum.
Sorry I can’t help much with the question on the diseasels.
Regards
Ed
I don’t recall see a Baldwin DS4 available, but Atlas puts out a Baldwin VO-1000, which is close. Depends on how prototypically accurate you want to be. I believe they are available with decoders.
I’m not familiar with an SW-12. Could you be referring to a Baldwin S-12 or an EMD SW1200?
Regards
Ed
I run a F7 with a couple heavyweight passenger cars on a 9 3/4 radius oval… may not look right but they make the turn fine after a break in period.