hi everyone i have question

hello everyone i have a question what kind of radius can i get on a 5 foot wide layout and would it be big enough for large modern locomotives thanks zachary flowe

 

I don't think I'd go with more than 27 to 28 inches, I'm a little afraid of getting closer than 2 inches from the edge. You should have no problems with modern equipment. I wish I had 5 feet of width.

 

As Helitac mentioned 26 inch radius curves will be about the maximum. Be sure to have an edge that is about 1 1/2 inches above the layout to prevent things going to the floor in the event of a mishap of some sort.

 

And it looks better if there's some scenery between the track and the edge of the world.

 

I've got around 5' on mine and I just freeformed the curves. I'd say they average around 23" radius. My SD60 and C40-8 have no problems. My Athearn SD70M is unhappy, but I think it needs some TLC.

 

I don't know what the recommended practice is, I've always laid track so thatthe centerline is the centerline. So one rail is less and one is more than the stated radius.

 

My new layout will have a 24" radius on a 4 1/2 foot module so a 5 foot module you should be able to get a 26" curve on it.

 

thanks guys i apprecate the help im glad i can now get to run modern locomotives thanks again zachary flowe