| All trains must have a track to run on. Therefore; it is | | | | General Electric Amtrak locomotive all need an O-31 |
| very important that when you build a model train track | | | | diameter curve. Whereas, the FA-1, F7, F3, Baldwin |
| layout that you use the right track for the right job. If | | | | Shark, GP9, General Electric Dash 9, GP38, Bl2, NW-2, |
| you are modeling in the steam era, you will need a turn | | | | General Electric 44 Ton, locomotives all need an O-27 |
| table or a Y track to turn your locomotive around. | | | | diameter curve. Now let's look at the steam |
| Diesel Electric locomotive can run in any direction. | | | | locomotive track diameter curves. The 4-8-4,2-8-4 |
| When it comes to the radius of the curves is all | | | | locomotive can negotiate a O-31 diameter curve. |
| comes down to the gauge you are modeling. | | | | Whereas, the 4-6-4 locomotive really needs an O-42 |
| When modeling in N gauge track, the main line curves | | | | curve diameter track to negotiate the curve without |
| should have at least a radius of 11.25". The larger the | | | | any problem. |
| radius the better the locomotives will negotiate the | | | | The G gauge or Large Scale trains need at least a 4' |
| turns, especially at full speed. If the curves are too tight | | | | diameter curve. Theses radius are the minimum for the |
| the locomotive could bind or even derail. | | | | locomotive that is operating on that track. Even though, |
| Now let's look at HO scale train track. If you are | | | | this is the recommended minimum curve, you can |
| modeling in steam all 4-8-4 engines need at least a 22" | | | | always model your train track in a larger radius that will |
| radius. Also the 2-8-4 and 2-10-4's need at least 22" | | | | make the trains look even more realistic. Also, just |
| radius. The 2-8-0s, 2-6-2s, 0-6-0s, and 4-4-0s | | | | because the locomotive can negotiate the curves you |
| locomotives must have a minimum radius of 18". Most | | | | have to take into consideration that some long |
| of the diesel electric locomotives in HO gauge must | | | | passenger cars may need a larger radius than the |
| have at least a radius of 18", except for the EMD | | | | locomotive. |
| DDX40AX must have at least a 22" radius. Also, most | | | | Remember to make your track look realistic you must |
| switchers in HO gauge can negotiate a 15" radius | | | | ballast the track and install culverts and ditches so that |
| curve. | | | | the water can be carried away from the rails. You |
| The O gauge tracks are not measured by radius, but | | | | also need to make sure that you have great electrical |
| by diameter. For example, 0-27 means the track has a | | | | connection on your entire track to keep your trains |
| 27" diameter. Most O gauge street cars can handle an | | | | running smoothly as they should. As always remember |
| 0-27 curve. The PA-1, E7, General Electric Dash 9, | | | | the main thing is to always have fun when it comes to |
| Fairbands-Moses, U33C, FP45, SD45, SD90, and | | | | building your model train layout. |