I went searching for information on locos vs radius allowance and found some information here and there and got to thinking for quick information for people who may be looking for this info also. We can post opinions and facts of what and what not can be done with engines and the radius they can handle

Hearing the Los Angeles Junction Ry had a place w/ 85 degree curves laid down a 1/4 curve of 10" R . Was able to run an Atlas ALCO S-2 & Athearn CF7 around it plus a 40' boxcar. Had no problems going forward or backwards. But couldn't do it w/ a 50' boxcar. Here's a table showing Degrees of Curve to Radius in O, S & HO scales:
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lajry Wrote:Hearing the Los Angeles Junction Ry had a place w/ 85 degree curves laid down a 1/4 curve of 10" R . Was able to run an Atlas ALCO S-2 & Athearn CF7 around it plus a 40' boxcar. Had no problems going forward or backwards. But couldn't do it w/ a 50' boxcar. Here's a table showing Degrees of Curve to Radius in O, S & HO scales:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.railwayeng.com/Track/Curves.htm">http://www.railwayeng.com/Track/Curves.htm</a><!-- m -->

Ouch. That would be a real flange squealer in any scale let alone 1:1. Better get your ear plugs and re-railers ready.
Mark

Andy and I have a personal friend who is a conductor as well as engineer on the LAJ. He has told me that the guys complain about the bad track on the LAJ, and the response from the company is to "be careful." He also told me that they often need the rerailers to get the train back on the rails.

According to the ALCO S-1 operators manual the turning radius on the S-1 is 50 feet. Some of the switches in the mill were tight but I dont know what they were.
Charlie