I am going to use my 0-6-0 steamer(ATLAS) on a return loop layout. How about some opinions? Do you think it will handle a 4-foot circle? Or maybe a 5-foot circle? Most of the time this area will be simply one engine and a 60ft passenger car. It will also be built on "EL" type Trolley/Internurban track with no real scenery except signals and such.
I don't want to put it in a bind, but also don't want to make the bridge structure too complex.
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Are you talking about radius or diameter? My 2-8-0's navigate a 4' radius (8' diameter) with no issues what so ever. The tightest radius that I have seen used in 2 rail is 3' and he only used 40' cars and 4 axle diesels.
I know, my title says Radius, But I am looking at a 5foot Circle.?
Here is what I would do were I wanting to findout a minimum radius for a particular engine. Use one or preferably two strips of Atlas flex track and curve it on a surface big enough to support it...like the floor for example. I would power it and run the engine several times using ever decreasing radius until finally the engine has problems negociating it. Then determine what the radius is at that "minimum". I have done this very same procedure and it works. In fact Scott Mann from Sunset 3rd Rail uses essentially the same method in determining a locomotives minimum radius capability for his products. That's a little effort but this will get you the information your looking for. Plus it is for the exact engine your working with instead of someone elses which may be entirely different in it's radius demands.
Bob
Jim,
Why not call Atlas and ask them?
Regards,
Ed
That is what I needed, thanks guys! Now who is going to come over and build this for me?
Simple questions answered, but the rest in up to you!
My Atlas 2 rail o scale 0 6 0 engine can run easily on a 24 in radius.
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