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S curves in S gauge

ChessieFan72ChessieFan72OGR Forum Member

Hey Gang,

 

What I love most about this forum is the wealth of knowledge that is shared. So now I am turning to you guys for some more information that you could provide as I am not an S gauge afficianado...

 

Below is a picture of the current track plan I am working on for a felow forum member. It is represented in green. The track planning software I have does not have S gauge track in a radius larger than 20", so I am representing 24"r curves with O gauge O-45 track. Basically, it is a dogbone that loops over/under itself. My concern is the loops located at each end. I try to shy away from S curves if at all possible, but due to space limitations and the O gauge mainlines, they are there. How well do S gauge engines and rolling stock handle S curves? With the 24"r, do you guys think a train moving at a medium or slower pace would be fine on the S curves? I know the modeler has American Model rolling stock and engine. Will the couplers be stressed on the S curves? Any input would be appreciated.

 

 

 

 

Thanks in advance for any help!

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RT Rusty TraqueOGR Forum Member

A sharp radius s-curve is somewhat a problem in any scale, but, as long as you're dealing with truck mounted couplers, 24" radius s-curves should work OK. 

 

I've had 20" raduis s-curves on my "Christmas loop" sidings and the only real probem I encountered was when backing up through one with the Lionel/Flyer Mikados.  Sometimes, the Mikes liked it, other times, it didn't.  Forward was no problem.

 

Rusty

AGHRMattAGHRMattOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERMEMORIAL SUPPORTER

With truck-mounted couplers, you can pretty much get away with any reverse-curves that support the equipment's size. That said, just because you can doesn't mean you should on a mainline. At speed, there's still a jolt from the sudden shift in curve direction. It would be better to have that car-length of straight track in between if you can squeeze it in.

Rayin"S"Rayin"S"OGR Forum Member
The size of your radius curves should pretty much eliminate s curve problems.
I do have some s curves on my layout done with AC Gilbert track which is about twenty inch radius. I have run both my Big Boy and my Challenger through these in addition to the Gilbert Northerns and Pacifics  and Atlantics with minimal problems, all these both forward and reverse. These reverse curves are in yard areas and crossovers using the Gilbert switches so traversing them is at reduced speeds but not much trouble at all. As Matt states if you can fit a straight in between that will be to your advantage.
Ray
 
 
Originally Posted by ChessieFan72:

Hey Gang,

 

What I love most about this forum is the wealth of knowledge that is shared. So now I am turning to you guys for some more information that you could provide as I am not an S gauge afficianado...

 

Below is a picture of the current track plan I am working on for a felow forum member. It is represented in green. The track planning software I have does not have S gauge track in a radius larger than 20", so I am representing 24"r curves with O gauge O-45 track. Basically, it is a dogbone that loops over/under itself. My concern is the loops located at each end. I try to shy away from S curves if at all possible, but due to space limitations and the O gauge mainlines, they are there. How well do S gauge engines and rolling stock handle S curves? With the 24"r, do you guys think a train moving at a medium or slower pace would be fine on the S curves? I know the modeler has American Model rolling stock and engine. Will the couplers be stressed on the S curves? Any input would be appreciated.

 

 

 

 

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

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