Ed Kelly posted:Frank,
Great shots! Thanks!
What is the radius of the curve in the movies?
Regards,
Ed
Hi Ed,
The radius of the Rockford O Scalers inner loops (which are straight DC operation) are 88” (inside) and 92” (outside). Most of the passenger train videos are taken with them running on the outside (92” radius) curves, but either of these double track mainlines will handle any length equipment including locomotives. When laying out the track work, attention was also paid to the track spacing (distance between the center of each track to one another) to preclude any chance of interference on the curves. And spiral easements on the curves were used to improve operating characteristics.
A second set of tracks were built around the “inner” DC layout and they operate exclusively on DCC. They also feature broader radius curves including one that is 132” radius and super elevated as well. Passenger trains can really roll through these curves at scale track speed!
In the pictures below, the B&O Cincinnatian is on the 92” radius and the California Zephyr is on the 132” super elevated radius curves. Our recommendation is to use the broadest radius possible when laying out your track work.
