tight radius and six axle diesels

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

So I have relocated to a small apartment from a more spacious townhome and where I used to have room for N-scale a 4x8 layout now I would be looking to build something about 2x6, anything wider and I’d have to get rid of the couch.

Anyways, My old GN motive power consists of SD7s and E8s but there is no way I can use my wide radius curve track in my new space. It won’t look very correct, but will the SDs run at modest speeds on such tight curves needed to fit on a narrow board? I have enough room to use short easements but not any more than about 11" radius for the main curves.

I am also not in the position financially to purchase new locomotives if I don’t have to.

Help?

Robert Ellis
Shorewood, WI

2

What do you do when your old truck / van won’t fit in your new garage?

What do you do with old furniture that doen’t fit anytime you move?

How 'bout buying ONE switch engine to go around tight swtiches, and join a club for the big stuff? Then there’s always ‘Z’ scale.

3

They should run. I run six axle deisels on a 9" radius so you should be fine.

4

Different brand and types of six axels handel differently some the trucks can turn more and others can, its realy not the amound of wheels but how far the trucks can turn thats the issue if they can turn a good bit they should be fine , they wont look realistic but will work , and you’ll haft to space the track further apart on turns so two trains dont bump goin around the turn.

5

The SD9 and E8 will operate on 9 3/4" curves.If possible go with the next size curves which is the 11" curve…[:D]

6

I model in HO but I think this still applies to N scale,

Make sure your trackwork is bullet proof. Any kink or bump in the track will cause problems. Good luck!

7

I’ve got a Kato SD-40-2 pulling articulated auto carriers on 12.75" radius Kato Unitrack with no issues.

8

For your information N Scale track needs to be bullet proof and smooth more so then HO.
You see N Scales isn’t as forgiving as HO as far as track work…[:D]

9

A six-axle diesel should run run. I ran an SD-40 on standard n-scale trainset track, and that’s pretty tight.

10

Thanks all. I am waiting for the day I get a basement back so I can begin an S-scale layout. Until then this’ll do for kicks.

11

Bob, Is there anyway that you can add to the layout at the spots where you may need an additional few inches to increase the radius? Even a 1x4 or ? mounted to the edge just to lay the curved track on.
Bob K.

12

A good solution…join a modular build some switching modules to have the best of both worlds!.

13

I have a loop of Kato’s Unitrack (the set with the RDC)…and don’t have problems with my E units on the curves. I don’t remember the radius off the top of my head, but the loop fits on a 2-foot wide table.