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Well I have decided to try something new , I am going to model a new layout in On30 and bought some stuff to get started, but what are the prototypical curves on the scale, the min to max. Also is micro scale or Pico the way to go for track? I bought a On30 lot of dcc spectrum stuff and have been a 3 railer for along time, but I have limited room now for modeling. any kind of help would be great on the track, to power supplies and more.

Thanks all

Ken

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Originally Posted by Steam engine:

Well I have decided to try something new , I am going to model a new layout in On30 and bought some stuff to get started, but what are the prototypical curves on the scale, the min to max. Also is micro scale or Pico the way to go for track? I bought a On30 lot of dcc spectrum stuff and have been a 3 railer for along time, but I have limited room now for modeling. any kind of help would be great on the track, to power supplies and more.

Thanks all

Ken

The maximum curve is totally up to you, but minimum radius requirements vary depending on the equipment you run. 

I'd recommend a minimum radius of 22" (044 in 3R speak) which would allow you to run almost anything you wanT comfortably.

 

If you are tight on space, 18" radius will be acceptable For a lot of equipment. 

 

I personally break the rules I've just mentioned--I use Kato track, and I use the 16 7/8" curves as my minimum radius, and it works just fine with my Bachmann 2-6-0, 2-8-0, and ten wheeler.

 

Jeff C

Not to be funny, but the answer depends on what look you are trying to achieve. I have a friend who is modelling D&RGW in On30 and is using 36" radius curves, which works fine as long as you don't go bigger than an MMI K-27.
I've seen other layouts using Bachmann Porters and mining cars that look fine on 18" radius curves. IMHO, the smaller the curves the more whimsical and less prototypic it looks. I'm personally using 42" minimum, but space is not limited and I'm running big narrow gauge power and full length passenger cars.

Having worked with each, I'd say that between Peco and Micro Engineering track:

  • Peco is far and clear more durable, especially when laying track
  • ME is far more accurate looking as the turnouts are longer and the rails more prototypical looking

I used ME track on my own On30 layout and there were times it was driving me nuts, especially with the turnouts as they're insanely fragile. But now everything's in place (after replacing two turnouts) I must admit it does look really good.

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