Track laying question.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Is it better to have a 24" radius curve with slight easments or a 26.5" radius curve with no easment? With 26.5", trains will have more lurch into the curve. But on 24" larger wheel based locomotive may be resticted from the tighter radi.
Both curves will take up the same space. Which one would you go with?

2

Equipment has gone from 18 to 22 to 24. What’s next?

3

I’ve gone with 24" because none of my locos need anything larger. It is a good question, though. I have to think about this.

4

Go with the 24" and easements:

  1. It looks more realistic;
  2. Going directly into a 26.5" radius curve may not allow an SD90 to be coupled to an ore jenny without knocking it of the track whereas the easement into a sharper curve may permit this arrangement.
  3. On the 26.5 " curve, The clearance that has to be maintained beyond the end of the curve in order for your longest locomotive or rolling stock to avoid hitting something has to extend into the straightaway for about half the length of that model. The easement will not require any added clearance allowance.
  4. If you have passager cars with connecting diaphrams, the car ends will maintan their alignment better with the easement and thus put less stress on the diaphrams.
5

Aggro–I’d go with the 26", even with the lurch. I know you’ve got some fairly good-sized locos from your posts, and they look better with the wider radius. I’ve got 34" minimum on the mainline with no easement on several spots, and it doesn’t seem to hinder loco performance at all. I know most of the newer steam locos these days take a 24" with no problem, but if you happen to fall in love with a long-wheelbased brass loco in the future–say an SP ‘Deck’ 2-10-2, then they’re not nearly as forgiving about the tighter radii. Just a thought.
Tom

6

i use nothing less than 24"…and with an easement you can get more switching in because there’s room for a spur…chuck

7

I’d go with the 26". I have the BLI cab forward (I think you have one too) and I think they will look better on a 26", even with the slight lurch. If you get larger rigid wheel base locos, they will like the 26". My minimum is 30" and the cab forwards still hang over a bit.

Guy

8

Aggro, My vote is for the 24" with good easements. The gentle transistion into the curve will help your long wheelbase equipment into and out of the curve and reduce the amount of lurch.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

9

I say 24" with easement. The smoother flow will make the curve that much better looking.
I can’t imagine there is much friction difference between 24" and 26" radius.

10

If you need 26.5 for some equipment, then go with that. Otherwise go with easements for better operation and appearance.
Enjoy
Paul