Turn Radius

[stuart_w]

Hi everyone - another newbe with a simple question.

Size is a real issue because I don't have much space, but I don't know what size to go for.

Does anyone know the minimum turn radius for Z and N and HO for comparison?

Thanks

Stuart

 

[Will_annand]

Not sure of Z, however...

N - can be as small as 9" radius, however anything under 11" is too tight in my opinion. Also, if you are planning on running the long passeenger cars, 19" minimum will look better.

HO - can be as small as 18" radius, however anything under 24" is too tight in my opinion. Also, if you are planning on running the long passeenger cars, 36" minimum will look better.

 

[Zman]

It depends on the size of your engines and cars. Several books on N scale railroading suggest a minimum 7 1/2 inch radius, but that's WAY too small for large trains. I have one 8 inch curve on my N layout, but I only run small 2-6-0 moguls and Overton cars.

 

[SmolderZ]

Z - can be as small as 5.7" radius, however anything under 7.7" is too tight in my opinion.