Curve Radisus?

[Scottew7]

New to N scale or any other scale. I have all six axle engine suck as SD70M, AC4400, Dash 9, etc. I want to do and intermodal and ethenol type layout. What would be the best radius curve or minimum I could go? I don't want to ran into to problem later running maybe longer rollingstock. thanks

 

[lmackattack]

http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/rp-11.html

this is what NMRA recomends as a practice. I have found that this list will note what cars and locs will operate to a near flawless standard on specific radius track and switches. It does not mean you cant go below the reccomended radius but you may not have the same results if you do so..

Trent

 

[UP2CSX]

I'd say 18" radius curves are what you should try for if you want to have good operation and have those long engines and cars look good, without too much overhang. As Trent said, you can probably go smaller if you have to but you'd better make sure your trackwork is absolutely perfect. Nothing like a set of spine cars to find every flaw in a curve.

 

[vato loco]

For intermodal no less than 15"radius......You will have some overhang but nothing you couldn't live with. But best advice get a piece of plywood and with some cheap flex lay a 15" radius 1/4 curve and a 16.25" curve and put your longest car on it. If the over hang with your longest car doesn't effect the inner radius equipment...your good. But Like jim said tighter radius......make sure your track is flawless!