| If you search online you will be able to find all kinds of | | | | This means that sharper or more gradual curves are |
| different hints and model train tips, from how to | | | | possible with the same amount and length of pieces. |
| choose the right model train scale, to how to create | | | | The trick is also to making sure that you trains are |
| realistic looking model train scenery. | | | | designed to work within a certain turning circle, with |
| In this article I am going to bring some of the lesser | | | | four axle trains being able to get round tighter turns |
| known tips to your attention though. Now, in the | | | | than those with six axles. It's also worth noting that |
| introduction I mentioned model train scale and by typing | | | | older trains and freight wagons which, often have |
| those words into any search engine it's relatively | | | | shorter wheel bases are going to be able to handle |
| simple to find tips as to how to determine model train | | | | tighter turns much better than newer, more modern |
| scale and what the difference is between scale and | | | | passenger trains. Therefore, if you are designing a |
| model train gauges. | | | | layout for small space with tight turning circles, this will |
| However, do you know what the implications of these | | | | lend itself better to a freight yard theme than an |
| size differences are? Now I'm not talking about the | | | | Intercity passenger set up. |
| fact that different scales can't be used together (well, | | | | My final tip is to remember, although we want to make |
| not without modification, but that's a different whole | | | | sure that our model railroads are as realistic as |
| different story!). | | | | possible, we also have to remember that we have to |
| Instead, I'm talking about a consideration that is rarely | | | | be realistic about the amount and size of space that |
| thought about with much level of detail by newcomers | | | | we have available. Just because you may not see a |
| to model railway building, which is the curve radius or | | | | turn of such radii in real life, if your lack of space |
| your model railway trains. More importantly, I want to | | | | dictates that you must then there really isn't much you |
| look at how to avoid derailment, which let's face it, is | | | | can do to change this. |
| an extremely frustrating problem. | | | | If it is something that bothers you though, I've learnt a |
| It comes down to calculating the tightest turning circle | | | | neat little trick and that is that you hide this in your |
| available that allows the locomotives and carriages to | | | | scenery in some way, such as in a tunnel or behind a |
| get round safely. A simple guide for this is that the | | | | hill, row of trees or building for example. |
| layout width must equal at least the minimum turning | | | | A word of warning though, relating to the point I made |
| circle your train can make without derailment. For | | | | earlier about derailments and that is that even though |
| example, in HO a tight 180 degree turnaround takes | | | | you may have managed to hide the tight turns, your |
| 86cm / 34", whereas on a TT scale model railways, a | | | | longer locomotives will still not be able make it around |
| tight 180 degree turnaround takes only 53.4cm / 21". | | | | these turns and this may limit the choice of train |
| Another tip that I feel is worth mentioning here is that | | | | available to you. You will therefore have to choose |
| many people who are new to model railroading (and | | | | between more rails and smaller trains. |
| even some experienced ones too!) are unaware that | | | | Of course these are just a few tips and tricks that are |
| model train track curves can be bought with different | | | | available and there are obviously far more model train |
| radii, with track pieces possibly be available in 15, 22.5, | | | | tips than can ever been written in a single article! |
| 30, and 45 degree arcs, depending on manufacturer. | | | | |