dogbone

I'm planning for my first layout in 40+ years, and looking at a dogbone plan*. I've read lots of posts on minimum/recommended curve radius and didn't find too much consensus, so wanted to get some expert opinions, in particular for the turnarounds at each end. I'm currently thinking about steam...

I've gotten the "wife approval" to take over half my basement ! I'm looking at a long-term project (years) but would like something basic up and running in shorter time so I can have a continous run while I work on the rest. I've got about 18 feet x 10 feet (HO scale) to work with, but I want...