Reply To: EM Gauge 90 degree Radius 2 curve

Not sure of the meaning of “radius 2 curve” in the context of EM Gauge track. We talk radius in terms of feet, or millimeters.  Did you mean something that will take large main line stock, like pacific locos and BR Mk 1 coaches?

John has given you much guidance, but I would add…

• Exactoscale’s exhibition stand used to show a four wheeled tank loco running round a curve of about 7 inch radius, IIRC.  But buffing and coupling arrangements are crucial when considering extreme cases like this – there’s a reason why industrial locos had unusually large buffer heads.
• The limiting factor for main line stock is often side swing on bogies and pony trucks, rather than sideplay in the fixed wheelbase.  My Black 5 4-6-0 would go round a 3ft curve – usually – but the bogie wheels rubbed against the rear of the cylinders and would sometimes derail. Footsteps can also be a problem.

Bob

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by Bob Allison.