This has probably been asked before but I have a small spot where I may be able to put a small loop of HO to run some On-30. I would like to use Bachmann track with the built in road bed. Anyone know what the outside diameter is for the tightest curve possible? Thanks.
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What’s the radius of said tightest curve? I thin the base is like 1 1/2 inches or 1 5/8 inches wide so add 7/8 to the radius and multiply by 2. The radius will be from the center of the track that’s where the 7/8 comes from.
Matt. What’s the smallest Radius I can go with EZ-track? I only plan on running smaller equipment. Thanks
Chris,
A standard small curve in HO is 18" radius; adding in extra for the base of the EZ-Track, you need roughly 38" for the circle.
You can go two alternate routes if you are willing to give up the EZ-Track roadbed.
1st, you can find some 15" radius sectional track: t he diameter will be close to a circle of O31.
2nd, you can get flextrack and make the circle the diameter you need.
An important consideration, just as in O, is minimum radius for the equipment. MOST B-mann locos will handle 18" radius. MANY will do the 15". SOME will do 12". A FEW will do as small as 10" or maybe a wee bit smaller. Their freight rolling stock will easily do the 15"; some will do the 12". You can custom build cars to do the 10". The passenger equipment will go a little smaller than 18".
There is a detailed chart out there on the web listing minimum radius for each B-mann piece: http://www.npcrr.net/On30/On30..._Car_Radius_pics.pdf
The charts lists B-mann's numbers and actual test data from users.
Thanks guys. I appreciate the help. Can you tell i’m not an HO guy!? 
I used flextrack to lay about 6 inch radius curves for my Bachmann 4 wheel trolley and my Bachmann 0-4-2T and 4 wheel dump cars. Works like a charm........for really small cars. ODD-D
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