Radius recommendations

Also, I did buy the "sweeps" that Track Tools LLC makes for laying flex track. I bought 3 packs so that will include everything from 28" clear to 62" radius.

It also has straight sections as well. They are very handy when laying the flex track

In S gauge radius is radius. Double it to get the diameter. I have 30" minimum radius with easements. Can run anything except larger scale steam engines. 

So Tom,  just so I'm clear, a 30" radius curve will need alteast 60 inches of space if your making a half circle?

Radius is half diameter.   My SD70/ES44s tend to push the car coupled to them off on the smaller radius (R20 - 20" radius; 40" diameter) curves without fixed pilots.  They do ok on the R27 (27" radius; 54" diameter) curves. 

Brendan

The number (30") radius I refer to is centerline to centerline. It requires about 64" of space for a 180 degree curve. I think it is possible to run all the highrail equipment on 27"r curves. They sure look better and run better on the 30" curves. 

Got it. Thank you for clearing that up guys.

Anyone running the Lionel sd70 or es44 with fixed pilots? If so, what kinda radius do we need for them on a 180 degree curve?

snowmanw900 posted:

Got it. Thank you for clearing that up guys.

Anyone running the Lionel sd70 or es44 with fixed pilots? If so, what kinda radius do we need for them on a 180 degree curve?

With fixed pilots, minimum 29" radius.

Rusty

Depending on where you are going with Your Hobby, say running the larger articulated locomotives, not Lionmaster, but the longer wheelbase Locomotives, I use 072 as my minimum circle, 081-091-099-0120...The larger the diameters, the better the Locomotives look on the track.  Actually O Scale looks good at 0120 and up curves....SD70's, SD60's, ES44's, and AC6000's look better in 072 and wider. If one is considering a permanent layout, plan for the very widest curves possible and then you can run almost any equipment you want....Track is the leading factor to Fun in the Hobby......Good Luck...

I have a couple of older American Flyer engines that I run on 42 inch curves in A.F. 2 rail track. Have found that the larger the engine the larger the curve size, I am not running anything too large, my largest is a 4-6-2 steam engine.

I bought some smaller diameter A.F. track at a hobby shop one time and it was a disaster because the track pins quit staying in place and the track sections broke near the ends of the tracks. I think it was 30 inch diameter track from A.F. 

Lee

Thanks for all the help. I think I'm gonna do 32" on my tightest curve. That should put me in good shape. Thanks again!