looking for some assistance in doing a double track layout, and kinda need help. I currently have 11 1/4" radius curves, and wanting to do another line. What size do i get?? I was thinking 9 3/4" curves, but am I wrong?? Im kinda new with this whole double track thing, soooo thought here would be a good place to ask Thanks all Chad
For years and years, Atlas had had little plan books for N scale layouts- I guess the books are still around. (You might check www.atlasrr.com) They have traditionally planned for 9 3/4 inch as the general minimum radius and used for the inside loop on double track, with 11 inch radius as the outer track. This is what I call "train set standards." I prefer a broader radius. If you have 11 1/4" radius, I would go outside that with a wider radius if you have the space, like 13 inch. Don't know anybody who makes that in sectional track, so it would need to be flex... Just my druthers.
Kato has double track sets ready to assemble. Inner Loop Set which has radiuses of 11" & 12 3/8": Outer Loop Set which has radiuses of 15" & 16 3/8": And an Outer Outer Loop Set that is 17 5/8" & 19": Pieces can also be purchased separately. And they have double track bridges and viaduct sets and pieces for elevated sections as well. All of the curves have built-in super-elevation for a realistic canted appearance.