Can I run large diesel locos on an n scale layout with a 10 inch radius turn.
Guessing based on HO. Most large diesels need22" minimum and don’t look good taking them. This would equate to 11" in N. 15" would be safe but 12" might work
On my new rebuild my SD70 Ace’s run ok on my smallest radius of 15 inches. How they look going around a small radius makes a difference too. The rest of my radius’s are no smaller than 20 inches with some at 26 inches. When manufacturers say for instance that 9 and 3/4 inches is ok I really have not found that to be true. To me, I want them to look right when the scenery is in and my one 15 inch radius is for some switching with short wheel base loco’s. Doug
I could never understand why people want to run long engines around super tight curves. Even if they do manage to stay on the track, they look horrible and are likely to derail short cars coupled to them. In N-scale, you should have more freedom to use larger curves, so that would be my first adivce. Ditch the tight curves and go with something more generous. Surely you can fit 15 inch curves on an N scale layout.
The NMRA RP for this is here
Depending on what your idea of large is, you’ll need 14.5, 17.375, or 21.5 inches. Note some manufacturer’s may build their products to tighter curves, but I wouldn’t commit to that without testing first.
Good luck
Paul
I agree with Rio Grande. If you run tight curves and long engines you might as well be running in the 1950’s Lionel league of low to no-scale-like model railroading. It obviously suits some few in the community, but be prepared for negative comments and grow thick skin.
Run the biggest and most open curves your space allows and save tight turns for industrial sidings with 30 ton industrial diesels, 0-4-0s, or SW-1s pushing in 36 to 40 foot flats, hoppers and gons.
Richard
Yes
In short yes but,the overhang will look terrible and you may have problems if some of your cars have body mounted couplers.
My suggestion…Think twice before buying long wheel base engines and cars since you’re using 10" curves.
If you need tight curves, you need small locomotives to run them. Same thing with real rail roads.
ROAR