I am getting ready to construct my new layout, my last layout turned into a nightmare because I decided to have a lift up section, that turned into a major problem. My new layout will be shaped like the letter ’ E “a little similar to the Pennsy Middle Division layout in Feb.2013 MR. The long back section of the “E” will be attached to the wall, it will ne approx. 24” wide. The three sections of the “E” will be 4’ wided with the last 3’-4’ of the sections expanding to 5’ in width. The top and bottom sectins of the " E " will be 12’ long and the center section of the " E " will be 17’ long. I will be allowing 3’ between the sections to move around in. I want to do some continous running with some sidings and industrial areas. Is this do able or am I making the radius too tight. Majority of my locos will be GP30’s, GP35’s,GP40,SD45, Mikado 2-8-2 and some switchers. The continous running on the layout is to entertain my 3yr old grandson.
If all 3 parts of the E are 5’ wide, you can use 24" to 26" radius. 24" radius is 4’ across,26" is 4’4" across. You need room on both sides of the curves so they aren’t close to the edge of the layout. I would go with the 26" radius. Joe
Most common answer: As big as will fit, about 26" with a 5’ table width.
Better answer: What best fits the equipment you are trying to run. Everything you listed should run perfectly fine on 24" radius, which opens up a few more options for track plan than usign the absolute maximum that can fit in the space. If you plan to run full length passenge cars and other long equipment, stick with the 26"
–Randy
I would go with the largest radius you can fit.
All the previous posters have it right - the bigger the better.
I promise, you will never regret doing what it takes to put in a wide (26 inch plus) radius.
A 27" radius seems quite possible. It is even possible to add a second track to create a double track main with an outer radius of 29,5".
I am just getting involved in MRR again and currently doing my own testing operating on different radius curves, and coming to the same conclusions as most offering advice here. I am finding that there are three things to consider:
- Capability of the trains to negotiate the curves- there seem to be plenty of guys with space limitations that are successfully running with curves down to 18", but they are limited to using small (short) locos and cars. Going with 24" curves will allow most everything to run except maybe very long passenger cars and such. I am testing with an H4 2-6-6-2 steam loco and 65’ passenger cars and these seem to work fine on a 24" curve with easements, but I wouldn’t try to run these on tighter curves.
- Realism- even if they work OK, longer cars on tight curves are going to look like toys. Moving up to 30" or more just looks better. I will need to use some 24" curves due to space limitations, but will try to keep most of the curves much broader.
- Track laying difficulty- I found in the past that forming nice curves with flex under 20" radius is a whole lot harder than forming broad curves. The straighter the track the easier it is to shape and join. I personally don’t want to test (or consider) anything less than 24".
You have a nice big area to work with! I would set the minimum to 24" or maybe 26" if you can. Should be possible to do.