1. Per John Armstrong's book TRACK PLANNING FOR REALISTIC OPERATION, a small layout with sharp curves uses a 24" radius. Depending on the length of your RDC it may have a problem otherwise you should be okay. 2. I have successfully run my SHS 2-8-0 with scale wheels on their 25" track (which is measured to the outside tie per toy train measuring end, and is 24" to the centerline which is scale measuring). Also their SW1 diesel switcher. Both derail on their 20" track. 3. I don't know 4. A #4 turnout made to NMRA RP12.2 will have a short curve in the turnout of 21". For #5 this is 36". For #4.5 jig from Fast Tracks this is 27". I don't know how exact S scale manufacturers are on following the NMRA spec. Armstrong's book recommends Atlas #4's which are really #4.5 for HO scale and #5's for all other scales as the minimum turnout, the book was written before Fast Tracks existed so presumably their #4.5 would work for those who make their own. Fast Tracks says the minimum length for their #4.5 is 9.7 inches and 12.5 inches for the default length.
Paul Tenney --- 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/
