Hi all, I am about to progress from the ranks of the perpetual designers to actual starting a layout, but I have one concern. I am limited right now, to only a 4x4 ft square, so I am working on a design based on one of the layouts from Mike's Small Layout page. It uses Atlas code 80 and I am pretty happy with the design, but I am somewhat worried about the 9.75in radii on the inner loop. Now I know that many people have a basement and 30-in minimum radii, but I don't have designs on 70-car unit trains, just some practice building, scenicking, wiring, DCC etc. My question is about what just won't work on this radius. I know some things will look bad, but I am more worried about failure. I don't have a local hobby shop, so will be buying on-line and I really don't want to buy an engine that won't negotiate these curves. Thanks Bob
Welcome to Trainboard, Bob! I'd suggest a switcher, like LifeLike's SW1500, or a small four axle like the Atlas GP-7. You should also probably stay with cars of about 40' length. As long as you're careful laying the track, and use truck-mounted couplers, you should do fine. Best of luck to you!
As long as your trackwork is good, you won't have any trouble using locos with 2-axles per truck, like Atlas's RS-1, RS-3, GP-7, GP-9, etc. If you want Micro-Trains couplers (instead of Rapidos or Atlas Accumate couplers), you'll be better off using the #1016 couplers rather than the #1015 couplers. The #1016 couplers have a longer shank and work better on sharp radius track. If you have any other questions, just ask and someone should have an answer.
Bob: Any of the small diesels will be fine on your layout. RS-1's etc. You could also use any of the FT AB units. Limit your cars to 40' . Welcome to the forum BTW.
NukeMaster, there is over 35 feet of track (a scale mile) in this, my 2 foot by 4 foot model railroad. The sharpest curve is around 7 inch radius, right behind the enginehouse. I operate Roundhouse 2-8-0's and a 2-6-0, a Micro-Ace 2-6-0, a MiniTrix 0-6-0, a Rivarossi 0-4-0, as far as steam, and Atlas RS1, 3 and 11's, Life-Like SW9's and a GP18, and a Kato GP38, as far as Diesel, on the layout with no problems. You've got twice the space I have. ATSF Arizona (John Sing) has a 4 foot by 4 foot layount on which he operates PA's and full length ATSF passenger cars. So, have at it and eNjoy!
