Here’s another question about N scale.
In HO, I know the “standard” radius is 18", since most locomotives will run on this, i.e. 4-6 axle diesels, most steamers (might not be the best, I know), and even a few mallets. But, what about N scale? For a first layout, with expandability options, should I go with 9", 11", or 19" radius?
I would like to go with 19", but would larger locomotives work well on 11"?
~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~
Scott,
While I think they’ll “work” okay on 11" radius, they might look a bit funny. Too much overhang in front and in back, cutting way inside the curve in the middle. But you can do it. Heck, my Kato SD70MAC can work itself around my 9-3/4" curves. Fortunately I don’t have to do that very much since it’s way too modern for my layout. [:D]
Why restrict yourself to those three radii of track (I recognize that they’re what is available in Atlas sectional track)? Laying flex track isn’t that difficult and gives you so much more flexibility in going with curves of any radius
jmho, your mileage may vary.
Ed
I have a curve on my layout, around 15", and my 80something foot commuter coaches go through it really nicely [:)] They will go through 11", but they look weird…
I use 11-1/4" radius curves on my layout. With a 3-1/2’ x 7’ space, I really don’t have much choice. All of my locomotives and rolling stock handle the curves without a problem, including my 85’ Superliner cars. The Superliner cars don’t look entirely realistic, but given the space I have to work with I am satisfied.
What the others have said is OK for operating, but for appearance I reccomend:
go with 18" or larger on main lines if you can
for industrial tracks you can go down to 9" - 10" if 50’ or shorter cars all the maximum length you will run in the switching area, 12"-15" for longer cars
I recommend finding an HO plan you like and using it full size as a starting point. If thats too big building a HO plan at 3/4 size often works nicely. A HO plan with 18" radius will have 12" radus in N. !2" radius is a good compromise main line radius being able to handle longer cars and locos with reasonable appearence.
Regardless of overhang and such, I would NOT go smaller than 9 3/4" radius in N-scale. Many popular engines simply do not run well at that radii, they’ll bind noticeably. Some area already sensitive at 9 3/4", but they really bog at 9 3/4".
—jps
Most sets come with 9 3/4". And believe it or not, most things will fit on it. I have models of 89ft intermodal cars that make it around. Doesn’t look too good though.
11" seems satisfactory, My main line track is this for a minimum radius, with a few section of larger, though just various pieces. A lot of modelers will hide sections with smaller radius behind a backdrop, in a tunnel, or a staging yard. There are actually smaller than these sizes, though I have never seen them except in books. I have no idea what you could actually run on them.
Thanks all!
I probably will not go less that 11" radius, hopefully, I will find space for 19". And, if I need to, I will take flex track, and go about 15". That would make my layout 3’ x something.
Thank you for all of your notes.
~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~
It appears from the way you ask the question you are planning on using snap track. I would recommend trying flextrack and working with a radius that is customized to fit your layout. I would not go less than 11" but you may be able to go larger in places. I use 18" minimum on my main, 12" industrian/yard and I am very happy with it. With the flex track you can also build easements which will make even the 11" curves look better (many articles in MR over the years have taught how to do this). Good luck to you.
Ron