G Gauge Curves

Well I'm not sure of the minimum.

It becomes a question of what do you think will be the biggest engine or cars you will run? As a practice, try to buy the biggest curves you can fit. They start very small but won't run bigger steamers. I used to have a ten foot diameter minimum rule. As I got the bigger equipment, that was too small. 11 or 12 was decent. 14 foot outside or larger on my mainlines.

 The  curves are different per each manufacturer. Most of them state it in feet of radii usually with an R after the number. Some are in the diameter in feet. Aristo says 10' Diameter right on the box, and even the bottom of the track sometimes.

I was able to locate someone asking the same question about your engine on minimum diameter and it stated 6.5' according to the Aristocraft website (no longer available).  As engineer Joe mentioned they mainly have R in front of the number.  Here are a few links.

http://www.usatrains.com/usatraintrack.html

http://www.lgb.com/en/products...ies_track/track.html

http://www.piko-america.com/G-Track.html

I don't have a running layout yet but all my G scale is LGB (99%) and Piko (1%).  LGB and Piko items can accommodate smaller radius but just like in O scale the bigger the better.  8 diameter might be the minimum I would try for on the engine you acquired.   

It also depends are you doing a layout indoor or outdoor.  If outdoor, LGB and PIKO make a great track product.  Others might can chime in on other manufacturers.

Couldn't help noticing your title.  I have trouble with "niece" and "seize".  I literally have to look them up.  Yours is just a typo, since you got it right in your post.

I think that you're getting radius mixed up with diameter. The tightest curves are 4' diameter. 6.5' Radius curves would be a 13' diameter circle. Most popular is 8' & 10' Diameter curves which would be 4' & 5' Radius. Largest pre-made curves are 20' diameter/ 10' Radius. My outdoor layout had 15' Radius/ 30' Diameter curves..all made with a track bender.

I bought my only G scale engine around Christmas last year, spent way more on track.

I ended up with an 8 foot diameter loop of brass track...and nowhere to put it

Actually I do have 1 spot upstairs, I'd have to move furniture out of a room downstairs to display it like I wanted, should have gotten the 5 foot diameter instead (I don't think they make 6 foot diameter do they???).

Thank you for the replies and help.  I should have posted a pic of the curves I currently have.  Does anyone know who makes these curves (black tie, solid silver track) and what diameter they are? 

So for this set to run, I need 6.5' radius curves (13' diameter circle)?  Wow, I should have stuck with O.

It could be USA trains track but not 100% sure.  I know it is not LGB or PIKO track.  Above according to Aristocraft information on another forum it was a 6.5 ft diameter but with current manufacturers you will be at 5' then 8'.  So 8 foot should work with that set that you just bought.  Granted it might be larger than what you need for O scale, but it is fun.  I have been running my LGB in the basement this past week and been a blast.

I keep the following link in my favorites for any questions I have about LGB track:http://theworldoflgb.blogspot....10/08/lgb-track.html

The dimensions are metric.  So keep your calculator handy

@David Case.  Do you have pictures of your setup?  I am thinking the track is made by Aristo Craft, but I am not sure. 

Tyler,

I actually don't have a layout, been collecting for years and never setup a layout.  I have a small 4x8 table that I basically just bench test and extend it with additional sheets when G scale items run.

I have collected N (Kato), O (MTH/Lionel) and G (LGB/Piko) scales plus Carrera Digital 132 slot cars.  I have built some benchwork recently for my n scale and soon will start Carrera.  Then it will be on to O and then finally G.  

I looked on Trainworld and appears the track you have is Aristocraft, but you can get them if you can find enough or any of the other manufactures.  They are good and work well.

I attached a small video of me bench testing the LGB Christmas Mogul.  Engineer Joe has what I dream to build with long runs.

looks like it might be atlas track?

Alan

Tyler, did you get the passenger cars to go with the engine?

I used to own one of these and while I am not sure of the minimum diameter, I do know it will run fine on 8 feet diameter curves. I am not sure the passenger cars will though.

Also, the track you pictured was made by Aristo-craft and is their "America" track version (you can tell by the smaller squared off ties.  While Aristo's European track ties look almost identical to LGB's.  LGB's track always has their logo on the under side of the track.

Happy railroading,

Don

@davidcase

What track are you using?

@DGJONES

Hey Mr. Jones.  Yes, I did get two passenger cars (3 axle version).  I assume they require bigger curves.  If you do not mind, I might need to come over and test them out, as I do not have a way to test them. 

Tyler-

I too, believe you have the Aristo "US" style of track. I had an outdoor layout that was made up of 10' diameter stainless steel curves; I could run just about anything. I had good luck with the Aristo track....do yourself a favor: invest in some Splitjaw rail clamps. Your joints and track work will be bullet proof. 

P.S. if this is to be an indoor layout, brass track is just fine. If you plan to have this outdoor year round, I'd try to use stainless.

Tyler, you are always welcome to come over to run trains.

Hope to see you soon,

Don