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Minimum Radius and turnout size question

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  • #1

    Minimum Radius and turnout size question

    What would be a good tight but workable average radius to use when designing a On30 mining layout, also a good turnout size. I would be running your typical Bachmann Shays and Climax locomotives and short cars.

    Thanks

    Jeff
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Hey Jeff,

    I like that: "good, tight and average" three conflicting words in the same sentence.

    Just kidding.

    There have been a number of discussions here on this subject.

    http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/t...TOPIC_ID=13090

    http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/t...TOPIC_ID=20163

    http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/t...56&whichpage=1

    Also on other forums:

    http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/...ad.php?t=78475

    http://www.all-model-railroading.co....ead.php?t=8890

    www.geocities.com/loggingloco1/NineMile/On30Loco_n_Car_Radius.pdf

    8D
    Dave Mason
    On30Kits.com

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    • #3
      Jeff checkout this website, maybe useful to you; http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/rp-11.html


      Louis L&R Western Railroad
      Pacific Northwest Logging in the East Coast

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      • #4
        FWIW Jeff - For Bachmann loco's bigger than the Porter, I plan to use 22" radius on the main line and no less than 18" on the branch. All my turnouts will be #6 hand built Fast Tracks ... JMO....

        The Geezer

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        • #5
          If you are running geared locos and the 0-4-0 and 0-4-2 you can get into the 15" to 18" range. Need to make sure that drive shafts don't bind on the geared loocs. Presume short cars too.

          #4 turnouts with powered frogs will mate well with your curve radii. If you have your loocs get some Atlas or similar HO in 15" and 18" radii and make test loops and try the equipment out. Small investment to make sure things will work when the big empire is built.

          Bill Uffelman

          Usually Las Vegas NV

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          • #6
            Jeff,

            Oh good another mining layout!

            I am with Bill U on the sizes and testing.

            I have the climax and shay and they will work on 15" curves. Be careful with the climax and going any tighter than 15" as you might break the drive shaft :erm: :erm: . I have the tee shirt to prove it. If possible use 18" with the climax.

            If these are the largest engines in the fleet #4 turnouts will work great and save space.

            Larry

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            • #7
              Can we run a DCC loco on DC at address 00. If so,when I finish laying rail tomorrow I can let you know how a shay and climax run on 10 3/4" radius / 21 1/2" dia.
              Tom M.

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              • #8
                quote:

                Originally posted by Tommatthews

                Can we run a DCC loco on DC at address 00. If so,when I finish laying rail tomorrow I can let you know how a shay and climax run on 10 3/4" radius / 21 1/2" dia.

                Tom,

                I plead with you do not run your climax around this curve.

                If you run the climax through that curve you will break the drive shaft and it will cost you at least $25.00 maybe $50.00 to fix it. Bachmann does not carry the replacement parts for just the drive shaft and you will have to buy a whole new trucks at $25.00 each to fix.

                Larry

                PS I can get my shay around 11" radius curves only if the drive shaft is on the outside of the curve. I will be interested in your trial at 10.5" radius.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Larry,

                  Thank you for the heads up ... :erm:

                  That is what the sharing of this info is about in the Railroad-Line Forum .
                  Tom M.

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