rookie question here.does you switches have to be the same size as an engine rolling stocks minimum curve.ie. can you run a big boy through an 036 switch?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Your switches need to be at least as broad as the curved track you are using. An engine as large as your Big Boy will no doubt require a minimum of O-72 curves, so your switches will need to be at least O-72.
Well, you can run the K-Line or RailKing Big Boy through the O36 switches, but forget about sending a scale Big Boy through anything less than O72! I tried the MTH and Lionel Vision Line Big Boys through O60 curves, the Lionel engine will make it, but the centipede tender derails. The MTH locomotive or tender wouldn't make the O60 curve.
thank you for the info.i am grateful that you old hands are so generous with your knowledge.so for I run my scale stuffe on n oval with 072 curves.everything looks better.if I had more room I would use bigger curves.
sorry to bother you with these type of questions.i have a love of trains but a lack of knowledge.i am running 3 simple unconnected loops.once again thank you all for the information.my knowledge is limited to military subjects and concrete construction.i have spent my life as US marine and concrete worker.now retired I am putting a layout table for grandsons.they rekindled my love of trains
No bother, remember that each one of us started out in the same place. 
BTW, thanks for your service. I was in the Navy, you know, the guys you used to hitch rides on our ships. 
