[Sunsanvil]

I know there are plenty of threads about min radius for the proverbial 80' Budd passenger cars, and the bottom line is the bigger the better.

I'm just wondering if anyone has ever done or come across a concise pictorial reference showing/comparing how a basic consist looks like a range of radii.

 

[CTValleyRR]

I know there are plenty of threads about min radius for the proverbial 80' Budd passenger cars, and the bottom line is the bigger the better.

I'm just wondering if anyone has ever done or come across a concise pictorial reference showing/comparing how a basic consist looks like a range of radii.

Yes. There is an excellent article in the inaugural edition of Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine (1Q 2009), complete with numerous illustrations of cars of varying lengths.

Back issues of MRH are available free to subscribers (which is also free) on their website (www.model-railroad-hobbyist.com).

 

[Sunsanvil]

Brilliant find! Thank you!!!

 

[clovissangrail01]

The Silver Streak negotiates Kato track of varying radii --

Inner curve is 12 3/8 inch radius

Middle cure is 13 3/4 inch radius.

Outer curve is 15 1/8 inch radius.

Very innermost curve is only 11 inches, and my passenger cars can handle it as well as the three larger radii, although it doesn't look as good. But that track was closed for track maintenance, so no picture of it today.