'Toy' train set radius?

[Raton Bob]

A quick HO-specific question regarding small layouts. What is the typical curve radius of a ready-to-use HO train set, like those from Bachman?

 

[jbaakko]

18" **message too short**

 

[Raton Bob]

Thanks. I've been reading many of the posts here discouraging such small radius curves so I wondered what the sets actually included.

Playing with the layout software I've noticed that a 5x8 layout has just enough room for a 22" U-turn. But if I cut down to 18", there's plenty of room for the curve, plus a 9" straight section to break the "U". Not only does that look better, it opens up more space within the ovals.

Not that I'm building any time soon, just something I was curious about.

 

[brubakes]

just remember that with an 18" radius you won't be able to run som of the longer locomotives and rolling stock.

 

[Raton Bob]

Thanks, that's what I've been reading. For that size of layout I don't think large cars or engines would look good anyway.

 

[Selector]

Hi. You mentioned an area 5X8. If that is the case, you have a width of 60", which means that you can use a safe radius (functional and safely away from the edges of the surface) of about 24-28". Keeping your curves that wide should be a clear advantage to you, particularly in terms of eventually wanting that fire-breathing monster locomotive and passenger cars, but also because the now wider inner oval surface is available for a rudimentary yard...almost a must if you are going to enjoy making up and running operational trains.

We all come to the hobby dreaming of trains running around spectacular layouts, but the process palls after a while (nope, no typo). Eventually we yearn for some variety, and if the trackplan never offered it.....

Just a suggestion to you.

 

[Raton Bob]

That was actually a typo - I meant 4x8, a more standard size, and a size used heavily in published examples.

I have read the anti-4x8 articles that explain how a 4x8 actually uses 8x12 worth of space. But if the layout is in a room corner, then it's only using 6x10 or even 6x8. Of course then the layout must be designed so that most of the switching is reachable from one or two sides...

A bit more work on the layout and I'll post a picture for critical analysis.

 

[GJ@PARR]

Just a thought. If you have a room you can devote to your model railroading, why not go around the perimeter of the room rather then confining yourself to a sheet of plywood? It will feature longer runs, easier access and you can make nice wide radius turns. If I was starting over, that's what I'd do.

Jim

 

[Raton Bob]

I haven't decided the best location yet. The house size is above average, but all of the rooms are rather small and scattered over 3 stories. There are actually very few usable 8' sections because the walls are divided by so many doors, low windows, and heat radiators.

I think the best idea for me will be something like a 4x8 on wheels that could roll into a corner and then pull out for use.