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thank you to everyone for the warm welcome to the forum!! my plans are for a prototype freelanced NS theme 2 rail switching layout named the westend spur. i have a 12x40 space to work with. i still have a good bit of prep work to do in the space before construction can begin.  in the mean time ive been working on some locomotives and rolling stock and a few track plan ideas.  i will post updates here as progress moves forward. i look forward to getting your comments and feedback.  here is one of my recently completed projects, NS shoving platform, ex southern caboose.  started as an MTH 3 rail piece converted for 2 rail operation.  im not exactly happy with the way the steps turned out, i may end up redoing them at some point

 

 

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Last edited by genosharp
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With a 12 ft width, you could go almost to 6 ft radius.  

However, I don't think you need go more than 48 to operate 50 ft cars.   I have some on my layout and they run fine on the 48 inch curves.    My mainilne had 52 inch radius curves.    

If you like the looks of the wider curves you could go to 60 inch and still have some flexibiilty in track planning.   

Also I recommend your switches be at least #6.    Stay away from #4 and #5 especially with the longer cars.

prrjim posted:

With a 12 ft width, you could go almost to 6 ft radius.  

However, I don't think you need go more than 48 to operate 50 ft cars.   I have some on my layout and they run fine on the 48 inch curves.    My mainilne had 52 inch radius curves.    

If you like the looks of the wider curves you could go to 60 inch and still have some flexibiilty in track planning.   

Also I recommend your switches be at least #6.    Stay away from #4 and #5 especially with the longer cars.

ok good deal! i will plan on 48 being the minimum and see how that looks

 

genosharp posted:

got another railbox car completed for the layout

 

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The boxcar looks good but the photo is even better how are you doing it looks like the track is on the ground.

I use curves down to 36 inch radius with 50 foot car and don't have any trouble and we run the layout every week switching many cars all over the place.

Thanks Roo.

Roo posted:
genosharp posted:

got another railbox car completed for the layout

 

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The boxcar looks good but the photo is even better how are you doing it looks like the track is on the ground.

I use curves down to 36 inch radius with 50 foot car and don't have any trouble and we run the layout every week switching many cars all over the place.

Thanks Roo.

thank you!!

My thoughts, which if you add a buck will get you a coffee at Mickey D's, LOL.

Radius: Make it as LARGE as possible.

An around the wall LOOP with a lift out or tilt up for entry into your room. Switching will be far more interesting than running around in circles, but I am guessing there will be times you might just like to sit and watch stuff roll, and with 20 foot sides you won't likely be chasing your tail.

Keep stuff within your reach.

A turntable one end and wye the other.

2 or 3 track main and at least one yard..

Good Luck!

Simon

I'll guess 36" with easements (although I believe I read somewhere that it's tighter in some places)?  I use 36" in a few places in staging and on one viewed-from-inside curve.  To be fair I only have 4-axle Diesels but I do have an 80ft business car (4-wheel trucks) as well as some 72ft CenterBeams, all with new Kadees, and everything works great.   Just need to watch the clearances...   

Last edited by Pete M

Correct Sir!! 36" radius, & as said by someone earlier, from inside the curve & at eye level it doesn't look too bad does it? I'm all for using as wide a radius as possible, but if needs must, 36" is workable. I use MTH Centerbeams & they're ok with it, as is an Atlas SD40, but that only sees rare use as 4-axle diesels are better suited to such tight corners.

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