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model scale railroad houses to construct ho scale n scale oo gauge

Tightest Radius for N Scale Circle?

Charlie sent in this question:

“What can be the tightest radius (in inches) of an N scale circle? I want to create a ‘pizza box’ layout but I want it to run reliably.”

4 Responses to Tightest Radius for N Scale Circle?

  • larry Young says:

    I don’t think your cars would be able to make the turn in the corners, in other words I think your cars would derail because it would be too tight of a turn. I am only familiar with “”o” gaige and I know that you can’t run a car that is designed to fit on a 72″ radius on a 36″ radius because it would bind and cause it to derail. I hope I made since i tried to run ho gauge but became to frustrated and went with the O gauge

  • Mark says:

    Good Luck with that ! For now my Minimal Radius in N Scale is 24 inches, but most of my N Scale Fleet prefers 28 inches. Not wanting to brand you as Delusional, let me suggest instead > Take a look at Japanese Bandai Locomotives and perhaps Unitram by Kato.

  • Kevin says:

    Firstly I would not use N scale but consider Z scale for such a small area or even smaller the tightest N scale track is 9 inch radius but that is suited to the smaller 040 type locos and short freight cars only or consider running trams.

  • steven neely says:

    Kato makes small radius curves that will fit into a pizza box , 4 5/8 ” , their 4 wheel drives will make this tight of a turn , you will also need to stay with short 4 wheel cars .

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