Rhett: I think there are two separate issues here: technical and visual. On the technical side, using spiral easements will ease cars through tight radius curves: 30 - 33 - 36". They will run fine but visually they will still look like they are going around a tight radius curve. What I have done is tried to balance the two elements by using 48" radius curves with spiral easements and going larger wherever possible. The only place I might shave on that is on a (hopefully) somewhat hidden, very slow speed track for turning around trains.
I was taught years ago that every layout should have a "photo curve". The gentleman who told me had a 70+" curve on a layout of minimum 42" radius eased curves, but the views and photos in that spot were stunning. Again it relates to technical what works reliably with full length passenger cars versus visual - what has "the look" you are trying to capture. Generally bigger is better, but that is something for you to decide, I've never found a magic formula just opinions (like my own... <G>). As model railroaders, we are reminded over and over of the places we make both small and large concessions to 12" to the foot railroads. Track curvature certainly ranks right up there! Jim Kindraka Plymouth, WI --- In [email protected], "rhettgraves" <rcandamoonpie@...> wrote: > > I'm trying to design a layout for a 14' wide room and I'd like to be able to > operate 85' passenger cars. I know from my HO experience that 85' cars will > go around a 30" radius curve. They don't look good doing it, but they'll go > and go reliably. When I look at the NMRA RP-11, you technically need 40" > radius curves in HO for 85' passenger cars. > > So my question is this: Do I really need the RP-11 54" radius curves for > full-length S scale passenger cars? Or will a minimum radius of 42" > (corresponding to my 30" HO experience) radius work? > > I'm trying to keep my minimum radius at 48" and go larger where I can, but > with only 14' room width, it's hard... > > Thanks, > Rhett Graves > ------------------------------------ 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/
