[arthur]

I have two older passenger HO sets. 1 are the pullmans which are illuminated and the others are the alasken passengers. I forget the radius they need because of the length of the cars. I am going to run both side by side on an elevated monorail platform support type. Each will run above the main layout. the curved section will be on a mountain side at each end of the room and then both straight sections will be on girdle bridges I am building. length from end to end is 14 foot. Does anyone have any idea on the track radius for the curves pertaining to the passenger cars?????

 

[stationmaster]

Minimum 24" for HO but 30"+ looks more realistic and operates better. At 24", speed may cause "The Gomez Adams Effect" take place much more frequently.

 

[Southern]

I am going to run both side by side on an elevated monorail platform support type. ....... Does anyone have any idea on the track radius for the curves pertaining to the passenger cars?????

I have had some trouble with running passenger trains on side by side curved track. There must be separation of the track or there will be a wreck from the overhang on the ends the inside car.

I can run passenger trains on 18" curves I dose not look realistic. If your passenger cars have operating diaphragm you must have 24".

There are some exceptions.

 

[stationmaster]

Southern, 24" or 24'" BIG difference.

 

[Don Chovanec]

I would love to have some long passenger cars, I have seen some great modeled "Private Cars" but it does take a big radious. Any Tunnels and bridges should be straightaways the over hang can really be a disaster. I had a 7' by 13" layout with 26 switches several tunnels and underpasses but I could never run passenger trains because of the curves. Good luck on it and I think it could be a really cool layout.

 

[stationmaster]

I just checked my info, 30" for a more realistic turn on passenger cars. I have a couple of 48"r. turns, the cars really look good on those.