N Scale Track Standards

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am in the process of planning my new N Scale layout to be built inside a 40 foot donga, and I have a few questions about track standards. What is the minimum recommended radius for corners as per NMRA Standards, and what is a recommended maximum grade [I will be running long, and most likely heavy trains] I have tried searching on Google, but turning up no useful results. Dose anyone know were or if the standards can be found on the internet?

Also, anyone know were I might be able to find detailed plans and info on how to build a helix?

Will no doubt have more questions as i plan further.

Thanks,

Anthony.

2

You can find the NMRA standards for curvature and rolling stock here

Basically, the absolute minimum radius you should consider in N scale is 9.75", although this is only meant for smaller 4-axle diesels and shorter rolling stock. If space is not at an premium, you should not go below 15". Even longer wheel-based locos will the be able to run on your layout.

The maximum grade you should consider is 3 %, but it is recommendable to stay below this value, as not all locos are good pullers.

As for your question on how to build a helix, do a search here in this forum. It is a frequent topic here.

3

Thanks for that Ulrich,

Ill keep this in mind with planning. Still not 100% sure if i will use a helix yet. I may just run the track up behind the backdrop and just put some access windows in it.

Thanks,

Anthony.

4

If you can avoid building a helix, that´d be a good choice. Building a helix requires precision work and a lot of space.

5

Sir Madog, that ain’t a Standard, it’s a Recommended Practice. There is no Standard for curvature;

Essentually the rule is that you use the largest radius that will fit in your available space; my layout standard is a minimum 42" wide platform with a 6" safety/security zone on the platform edgw which leaves me with 18"/16.5" radius curves. I would neither encourage nor discourage you from building a helix but you need to take the diameter of the helix, divide by two and subtract one and that’s going to be your radius.

6

A 40’ one would be bigger then the space I have.

7

The one im looking at getting is 40 by 7.8 or 9.1 foot, still not 100% sure on how wide it is yet. Im thinking of a nice shelf rounds the walls, with 2 layers. [3 if you count the staging yards]

8

The one im looking at getting is 40 by 7.8 or 9.1 foot, still not 100% sure on how wide it is yet. Im thinking of a nice shelf rounds the walls, with 2 layers. [3 if you count the staging yards]