Confused

[maczimb]

I am totally confused.
A short while ago I was informed that I should not consider a radius of less than 22". Also I was told that a grade of more than a 1.5 percent was not workable.
I have recently viewed several layouts which violate both of those rules???
Some guys get to elevate to another track level (at least 4") with, what looks like a 36" spiral.
Do the math???
A few days ago I looked at a layout that had some great features, unfortunately I didn't save it in my favorites, all I can remember is that he apologized for the scan coming out with a blue background, where did I see this layout???
I grew up in Rhodesia, in the 40's and 50's they ran Bayer Garrett"s, I would love to get hold of a Garrett HO, I don't believe anyone makes, or has ever made, them.
There are still a few running today in darkest Africa. if you are interested. On your browser, type in "The Garrett Locomotive" some great pictures of the monsters.
Mac

 

[CP9302]

The minimum radius for your railroad would be determined by what you want to run on it. If you plan to run small cars (40' / 50') and small engines (Switchers, GP's small steam), 18" or even 15" are workable. If you plan to run larger equipment (89' cars, SD's, or long steam engines) you'll need a larger radius to have reliable operation. On a large layout, I'd recommend 22" radius minimum.

Grades can be over 1.5% if you plan your trains to deal with the steeper grade. The steeper the grade, the shorter the train, and/or the more engines you'll need to crest the grade. As an example, my club has average train length at 15', we have a grade of 2.5% in one section. The average two engines on a train can't crest this grade, which was our intention. This forces the use of helpers to get over the hill. Two engines on point and two pushers can crest the grade no problem.

There are a lot of things you can do in this hobby if you plan according and/or are willing to sacrifice some reliability. I would not recommend more then 1.5% grade unless you plan to use helpers or run 3 or 4 engines, or very short trains. As a modern modeller running long cars and large engines, a 22" radius would be my minimum. Your minimum needs may be different.

 

[CBCNSfan]

I am totally confused.
A short while ago I was informed that I should not consider a radius of less than 22". Also I was told that a grade of more than a 1.5 percent was not workable.
I have recently viewed several layouts which violate both of those rules???

Ah! don't be confused, there's always exceptions to the rules. However there's always drawbacks for breaking the rules. Yes you could use a radius less than 22" lets say 18" rad. The drawback is large locos may de-rail, or when pushing may push the consist cars off the rails. Passenger cars begin to look ridiculous on these curves. Small locos and short trains will work fine most times. If you have the room, go for the large radius curves.
I have an incline on my layout about 5 deg (roughly around 6%) One night while testing I used one Athearn GP to pull 9 hoppers up it. It slowed, but made it to the top and smelled a little stinky. It now needs the motor replaced. The grade reflects the terrain around here and two locos will do the job, in this case only time will tell. At the top of that grade there is a curve to the right. An 18" radius, it took a long time to get it right, because as the track curves on a grade it takes on a propeller like twisting of the rails.
The info given to you by the members was in their opinion the best option for your enjoyment. I enjoyed building mine, but I'm seriously considering starting over again with less challenging trackage and inclines so I can enjoy just running some trains.
Cheers
Willis

 

[UP2CSX]

As the other guys have said, you can break most of the "rules" but at you peril. 18" radius curves work fine for short engines and cars but, no matter how short, trying to back a train through an 18" radius curve on a #4 switch will not be a fun experience. Just try to plan for the biggest curves and lowest grades you can and learn to live the restrictions. We all do that, as do the real railroads.

They Beyer Garrett has been produced in model form in most scales except N and Z. There's currently the Australian versions at http://www.interhobmodels.com/id18.html, which is very similar to the South African/Rhodesian units. There were models produced in brass in HO, O and 1:18 scale many years ago and they occasionally show up for auction but the prices are almost beyond belief.

 

[maczimb]

confussed

Thanks for the info guys and Jim thanks for the bit about Garrett, I guess at those prices I won't be having a Garrett in my collection.
Mac

 

[lmackattack]

Here is just an example of the tightest part of my layout.
it has 18" radius with a few 12" strait sections . I can run any 4 axel diesel and medium steam engines (4-8-2 / 2-8-2 etc...) I can pull about twenty 40' freight cars up the grade before an engine or lightweight cars have trouble.

6 axel diesels, 2-10-2 or longer steam, longer and taller freight cars, passenger cars, all dont like the 18" radius with the steep grade. They will run but often they have issues with the over hang and body mounted couplers.

a tipical freight train I run has a 4 axel diesel or 2-8-2 steam pulling 9-15 freight cars. I dont have any issues with running on them in the 18" radius up the 5% grade.

The rest of my layout is 22" radius and I would have gone larger if I had the space to do so.

Trent