N scale turns

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Does Anyone know what the minimum radius is for N scale turns is?

Thanx

Ben R.[8D]

2

Here are the NMRA recomendations

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

3

thanx for the help

4

You should take into account that the link provided is NMRA recommendations, and they strive for conformity to the prototype and realistic looks. On a PRACTICAL basis, I take my ‘N’ scale 85’ Superliner cars around 11-1/2" radius curves all the time and NEVER have had a derailment problem.

Do the cars look completely realistic while going around those curves? No, they don’t. But on a functional basis they do just fine. I would hate to see a person limit their rolling stock or layout just because they don’t have room for the recommended radius curves. If you have the space, great… go with the recommendation. But if you don’t, you can use tighter curves without running in to problems.

I wouldn’t try anything tighter than 11-1/2" though with 85’ cars.

[:)]