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N Scale Questions

These questions are from readers with N scale layouts. They are asking advice from anyone who can help.

Arthur asks readers:

Sections Of Track

“How many sections of curved track does it take to make a 180 degree turn?”

Marshall asks readers:

Power Box

“Hello, my train track is only getting about 3 volts and my power box says that its supposed to put out about 15 volts and my train is barely moving on the tracks. Does someone know what the problem is?”

To help either of these train enthusiast with their N scale questions please use the green Comments & Feedback link to add your thoughts. It takes only 2 minutes to register and you only need to do it once. Then you can participate in future discussions.

3 Responses to N Scale Questions

  • Tim (Kalyr) says:

    All sections of curved track will state the number of degrees on the curve – typically 15deg, 22.5deg, 30deg or 45deg. You need curved pieces adding up to 180 to make a half-circle.

    They don’t all have to be the same radius – most set track systems come in multiple curve radii, and some people use a larger radius curve as a transition curve from the straight track leading into a sharper curve in the middle.

  • Tony P says:

    Hi Marshall, Did you measure volts at the source? If not, do that, your transformer (power pack)
    may be bad. Or your connections to the track are poor, also you need to make sure these are all good, your tracks all need to be soldered together at the joints, your track is dirty and needs to be cleaned, your loco needs to be maintained (cleaned and oiled). Add additional power to the tracks at different locations. All that being said go back to the source, that sounds simple but could be the whole problem based on your question. Tony P

  • Stressedoutmom says:

    I see n scale track with a 9-10″ radius. What train set would be best suited for that right radius‽

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