Mike: 1. I use 36" as a minimum radius, which is more like 37-1/2" due to the fact that I use the outside edge of s couple of old Tru-Scale 36" lengths of wood roadbed for a template. It works well with my equipment, but I do not run any full length passenger rolling stock
2. I can't answer that, but I'm sure someone, especially SHS, can help you with that. 3. I have tried to teach myself to use CadRail to no avail, so I still use my "analog" drafting tools for serious track planning. 4. Since many of my switches are modified for certain situations, I can't give you an accurate "footprint" but an Old Pullman #4 switch measures 8 inches from the tip of the points to the rear of the frog. Figure a couple inches on either side of that is about twelve inches A #5 measures 9-1/8" tip of points to heel of the frog. A re-gauged Atlas #6 measures 7-13/16", but has the benefit of the smaller angle of a #6 frog. Atlas switches are as easy to do as a switch kit. 5. You didn't ask, but I'll tell you anyway. Consider about half as much layout as you envision, especially if you're a lone operator. My original intent with SHABBONA RR was a small layout for five brass engines that I had assembled. However, the equipment rosters grew, and the layout expanded accordingly to accommodate them. A long single track main line is better than a pumpkin vine with shoots and sucker spurs to every corner of the known universe. Bob Nicholson _______________________________________ --- In [email protected], "cke1st" <mfischer7@...> wrote: > > Thanks for all the answers about the turnouts and couplers. Now I know S > scale is something I can do. But now comes the real issue: determining how > much layout will fit into my available space. > > I love trackplanning; it's one of my favorite aspects of the hobby. John > Armstrong's "squares" method is a great starting point, but before I can > define a square, I need to know: > > (1) What do people typically use as a minimum mainline radius on a small > layout? I'm thinking 4-axle diesels; for freight cars, nothing bigger than a > grain hopper; no passenger equipment except maybe an RDC. > > (2) What is the minumum radius for the SHS 2-8-0? > > (3) Is there a trackplanning software package with S scale track templates > included? > > (4) What is the length, in inches, of a #4 turnout made by [fill in your > preferred brand of turnout here]? > > Thanks again! > Mike F. > Cke1st > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
