I'm curious about folks' experieces with mimimum operable curve radius for small On30 equipment - specifically the B-mann gas-electric loco and cars that aren't much longer than the loco. I see the 20" x 30" foam boards in craft stores and office supply stores and they make me wonder about an On30 micro-layout in those dimensions - but that would make for some super-tight curves (9" radius or so). Has anyone cranked down their On30 curves that tight before? Thanks! Jeff
Wow, 9". I'm not sure about a radius that tight. Caboose Hobbies in Denver has an On30 Display layout that uses a gas mechanical and short cars. I think it is on a 30" hollow core door. The radius is small probably around 12-14". AMS makes a small On30 Plymouth switcher that they claim will handle a 6" radius. It's a brass model and pricey for On30. They also offer a D&RGW #50 side rod mechanical. So if you use one of them, you could have broad 9" curves Eric
Man 9" is tough! Maybe my 0-4-0 would do it but I doubt it. 12" is about as tight as I would dare. John
I've read various comments, and debates about this in On30. I know some small power, such as the Bachmann side rod gas mechanical, will do a tight curve. And some of the more whimsical "shorty" cars can also get around. But the longer a car's wheel base, or the larger the motive power, the wider you must go. Best bet is to set up a test track, and try all the items you'd ever wish to have negotiate a tight radius. Boxcab E50
Thanks for the thoughts - I feel better about being suspicious of myself for thinking this tight a radius will work. I'm travelling for work right now but will post my results when I'm able to piece together a test track. -Jeff
One other thing, are you using the larger wheelsets (as found on the stock Bachmann) or smaller on your rolling stock? This will also make a difference. John
My Bachman t-boiler shay does a 12 inch [inner rail] radius and my 0-4-0 Porter can do 6 inches with slippage. My Porter prefers 10 inches [no slippage up to two cars] and my shay prefers 15 inches [looks a lot better]. I hope that helps you out. Someone told me that forneys and ones with 8 drivers prefer 22 inches and up. I hope that helps too.
