The Doc Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 People on this site don't normally recommend using first radius curves because some of the newest models won't run on them, but I decided to see how tight a radius some of my locos could cope with. The results can be seen here: and here: I was pleasantly surprised that my J15, J50, D16 and even the latest A3 (Minoru) could manage first radius curves, and that a Bachmann class 20 could manage Jouef 12.75" curves (Zero radius?). Even better though was the class 21/29 (chassis made in China) that could just about cope with 10 inch radius. So how about it, guys, who is going to create the first "continuous run" 00 layout on a 6' x 2' board? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkingthedog Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 Surely a zero radius curve by definition is a straight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Radius zero is the centre point if we make the numbering system increasingly larger as the radius grows. A straight is radius infinity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyneside emu Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Smaller models will be fine, those with a close coupled tender haven't a hope. It's a shame really as I've needed a tight curve to resolve an issue and a raiload pacific (mallard) won't have it,along with many others, so had to resolve it other ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkingthedog Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Isn't that one of the really good things about modelling a railway. If you have a problem you have to find a way to resolve it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2e0dtoeric Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 The biggest one being - "How do I get a thirty mile long stretch of track that is ten feet wide, into five feet by two?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Mennell Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 My layout is on a 6 x 3 board and has 1st radius curves. The Duchess of Sutherland and Mallard, (both from1979), cope with it although they are seldom used as they look rather incongruous on such a small layout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The son of Triangman Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 1st radius was the standard curve found in train sets in 1979 and the locos you mention Jeff were designed to run around 1st radius curves. Things have changed a lot since then sadly. Today's Railroad range locos generally are older models so most can handle 1st radius as a rule, there are exceptions of course such, as the Railroad A4. As for super detail, most large locos need 2nd or even 3rd radius curves to run on. If you are limited to space and have to have 1st radius curves it's often a case of 0-4-0's, Railroad, short wheelbase super detail locos and older locos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Mennell Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 I'm happy with that! Things actually worked out in my favour for a change! I will have to choose locos carefully..... ta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81F Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I once had a BEC tram kit that would go around a 4" radius with a lot of slipping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 My only practical use for R1 curves is my short DC tram auto-reverse line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Mennell Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 If the older Hornby Mallard and Duchess can manage 1st radius, would a 9f cope? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Doc Posted February 21, 2017 Author Share Posted February 21, 2017 Hi Jeff,The old Made in England Evening Star was fine on 1st radius curves, and my Railroad version could just about cope, but it made a bit of a scraping noise as it did so (a bit like real locos did on sharp curves) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoacIslandRay Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 One of the advantages of a US layout is that most 4-axle diesels and bogie freight cars can with ease handle tight curves, that only my Peckett can manage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 Just tripped over this on another forumhttps://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51106Just goes to prove minimum radius is not necessarily minimum radius. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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