Large Scale Central

So, uh, about that "minimum radius" question

http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=339228&nseq=0

Any discussion?

Ok, so that’s a 9.5 ft diameter curve in Large Scale. My Mallet might object a bit, but if I was careful, I could probably coax it around. Not so sure about a Dash 9, though. An SD-70 would probably derail, or worse. Aristo’s so far vapor-ware Consolidation or the tried and true Mike would take the curve no sweat. EaseyPeasey for a two Truck Shay, even one in 1:20.3. For those like me too lazy to go look… This does not violate any of the “rules,” as the site and copyright owner are listed at the bottom left of the photo.

(http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/6/5/1/6651.1285650079.jpg)

Mallets run fine on 8’ diameter…as do Bachmann K-27s and MTH Big Boys.

Yup, tried 'em all.

Steve Featherkile said:
Ok, so that's a 9.5 ft diameter curve in Large Scale.
I's say your darn close Steve! .....I have a 9' diameter and my USA SD40-2 negotiates the curve just fine. Now whether it looks right or not is a different topic.

So Andy’s covered hoppers will do 4’ diameter curves. :wink:

Randy McDonald said:
So Andy's covered hoppers will do 4' diameter curves. ;)
NOPE.....but they will probably do a 4' radius?

Some 2 axels could probably make it around the curve alone… They would probably drag a car off the curve, the reason for using the trackmobile… Santa Fe had a caboose that had couplers that stuck out about 7 feet on both ends that they used as a handle… The couplers could swing from one end of the ties to the other end… This let them go in a get cars off of spurs with tight radius curves…

Traction curves.
Trolleys’ and interurbans’ freight operations had been using those kinds of curves and radial couplers since decades well before any of us were born.

Cool. Must be kind of hairy pushing around that curve though, knowing that if it derails it’ll end up in the drink!

Measuring from Google Earth, 260’ diameter. Translate that to your particular scale, but in 1:29, that’s a 9’ diameter! That’s impressive!

Later,

K

I know that place VERY well - that’s the berth about fifty metres north of the Steel Bridge in Portland OR!!!

tac
www.ovgrs.org
Supporter of the Cape Meares Lighthouse Restoration Fund

Very cool!

And just how tight a curve will they handle?

Nice picture.

OKAY, Fess up. This is a photo of your own layout. I know realistic railroading when I see it.