N-scale curve radius help

OK, my track plan calls for two "run-around" curves at each end of the "L" of the layout, so that continuous runs are possible. My question is: what is the minimum recommended radius of turns in N-scale? I know what they are in HO, but never dealt with them in my previous N layout...I have seen some layouts in MR indicating that they had 9& 3/4" radius turns. Any help would be great!! Happy Modeling!!
John

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The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!

 

Good question. Although I do not have a layout right now ( ) I can tell you that you need to concider the type of equipment your are going/want to run. Short cars and smaller locomotives can take smaller curves, i.e. 9 3/4" while more modern, larger power would look more correct on larger curves, i.e. 16".

I know there are others out there who can give you better information than I have on this but remember, consider what YOU are going to be running and the space you have.



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Craig Martyn

Best Looking Models Around
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Like Craig says, the smaller, 4 axle locos can run on 9 3/4" radius curves, pulling short rolling stock only. Ther larger, 6 axle locos would probably have trouble as well as long rolling stock. But, no matter what you're running, 9 3/4" is really only appropriate for slow-speed branch lines and not main line operations. If your loops are hidden, you can get away with smaller curves as far as looks go. But for realistic looking mainline operations you should go as large as possible. I run 22" minimum mainline curves on my N layout and I would say it looks pretty realistic. Much smaller just does not look quite right to me.

Russ

p.s. remember to put straight sections between curves on any "S" curves, at least 89 scale feet long to avoid derailment woes

 

As stated before, 9 3/4 inch radius curves should only be used for small locos and 40-50 foot cars. 9 3/4" would be around the same as 18" for HO. I found out that 16" curves look decent for longer modern trains.

 

Don't get all hung up on this "minimum curve radius" stuff. Go the other way, use as big of a curve as you have room for. Sure you can run a Big Boy around a 10" radius, but it will look pretty silly, and will derail if your trackwork is not perfect. With small radius curves your trains will fight the trackwork and try to derail. Also let the curve trackwork flow, don't think that a curve has to a certain radius all the way through. You can change a curve radius in the middle of a curve.
One other thing try not to run a tangent(straight) section of track run right into a curve. Use an easement section to let the tangent section gradually flow into a curve.
Go get some of the different trackwork handbooks, to get an idea on how to best lay you trackwork so it is put down right the first time.

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Let's Go Run Trains
MARK

 

Thanks guys....it is pretty much the same as with HO in terms of curve radius....bigger is safer and more prototypical. I will be running an Atlas RS-1, some very old Bachmann F-Units and a single 2-10-2 steam engine for the moment. The layout is set in 1962, but older motive power and rolling stock will be predominant because it is a branchline. Happy Modeling!!
John

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The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!

 

I agree with all above, just remember the larger the radius the more realistic the train will look going around that curve. If you have a large steam locomotive, it will hang over the rails too far on smaller radii. Some larger steamers won't even tolerate anything less that 16 or 18 inch radius. My minimum radius is 16 on my layout, but because of space limitations I can't go any larger than 22 inches.