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Richy...Depending on the length of locomotives and cars you will be running, will determine the radius you'll need. The smallest radius I'd suggest is, 18inches. I would allow an even larger radius of 22inches, in the event, later on in your modeling progress, you should want to run 3-truck or even 4-truck engines. These type of locomotives with trucks this long, will not run on a 18inch or smaller radius. Get your self a wooden yard stick, and make an 1/8" hole in the middle of it, at the 1" mark. Then go to the desired radius you want to layout, Example: a 22" radius would require another 1/8" hole at 23"line on your yard stick. Take a small nail and drive it in at the 1" hole you made previously, then insert a sharp pencil tip through the hole at 23" point, rotate the yard stick 180 degrees and you have a perfect 22" radius. Of course, when I did this, I was doing the radius outlines on a 5/8" 4'X 8' plywood sheet. You really need to pick up some track and bench work, how-to, books from Kalmbach Publishing, if you want to carefully consider all there is to think about before you get too far. After all, all of the planning and procedures have been worked out by others, so you won't have to worry about making any serious mistakes. If you want to have a reliable, track-work layout, study on it first, before you just, jump right in! Try not and use switches any lower than a #6. Stay away from Atlas snap-switches, consider, ground-throw(manual), or under the table-control, switches. Good luck and take your time, if you do this, it will make for a much more reliable and enjoyable layout. The telephone no. for Kalmbach Publishing is: 1-800-533-6644 (Study,study,study!!) Richard Posts: 144 | From: Yanceyville,NC. USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Radius is an interesting topic. You need to consider what you will be running, as Richard suggested. If it is a branch line operation, then small locos, either steam or desiel will work with a tighter radius. If it is main line and passenger, or other 80' long cars then you may have to go to 36" or even 42" for prototypical looking radius. I always hated the loog of the middle of a car hanging over the adjoining rail.
I myslef have looked for a simple solution for my branch line On3 layout, under consideration. I was hoping for a minimum of 24", but it just wont work. 36" will be my minimum, with as tight as 30" for spurs.
I used a string with markings tied to pencil to acheive the results that Richard suggested. I also recommend study and experiment before finishing the plan and begining construction. You have to consider clearances and other spacing issues as well.
ood luck!
Posts: 62 | From: Carmel, Indiana, USA | Registered: Dec 2000
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I am planning my HO layout at this time and I am looking at 24" minimum radius. I plan on a 1950's setting with steam and early diesel. I have a basic layout scheme already. What do you guys think? 24 good enough, I don't see me running 80' cars as they really don't interest me.
Posts: 5 | From: Long Island NY USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Booly....Sounds good to me. "Whatever trips your trigger". On my layout, I have 4 mainlines, 21", 23", 25", and 28". I can run any type of engine or consist, on these radiuses. Happy modeling, boys. Richard Posts: 144 | From: Yanceyville,NC. USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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On my layout, I have 4 mainlines, 21", 23", 25", and 28". I can run any type of engine or consist, on these radiuses. 
