From: markbr@radian.UUCP (markbr)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Helix headaches
Summary: Mantuas will run pretty tight curves...
Date: 6 Apr 92 17:32:20 GMT
Organization: Radian Corp. Austin, TX

In article <1992Apr6.095429.1@woods.ulowell.edu>, andradee@woods.ulowell.edu writes:
# In article <45460001@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM>, js@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Jon Sawyer) writes:
# > 
# > I am trying to plan a modest sized HO layout, and would like to
# > solicit the wisdom of the net regarding minimum radii.  Adjacent to my
# > "train room" is a small room (the furnace room) in which I have
# > tentatively planned to put a helix (I am planning a multi-level
# > layout).  My motivation is simple:  the train room itself is not large
# > (7'x16'), and if I can move the helix out, I'll have that much more
# > room for scenicked layout.
# <TEXT DELETED>
# 
# 
# You left out some info that would be helpful, like what type of engines are you
# going to most likely run. If it is steam engines, the better ones are made to
# take a mim of 22" curves in most cases. This is for the larger ones (like
# 4-8-4's, 2-10-2's, even a few 6 wheel models although rare) Mantua (?) I
# believe makes a Challenger that can take 18" curves. You would have to shop
# around and ask or read literature but out by the manufacture of the engine you
# are looking at as to the mim radius. They do vary. 
# Athern engines can take 18" radius curves with out blinking. Some can even take
# sharper! So Athern should have no problem taking your 20" radius curves. For
# relatively cheap, good running engines, that can pull a fair amount for their
# class, Athern is the way to go. In fact I swear by Athern. I have a small
# variety of equipment from different manufactures, and Athern is the only one
# that I have found that I can afford, that will last and last and last, and stay
# in good shape. The other driven equipment that I have has been nothing but
#trouble. In fact I have a Boswer (sp? and I think this is the company that made

I have really tight turns - a small area in a small garage, and at least one
of my curves, at one point, is definitely just under 18". My Tyco/Mantua
Mikado has to take it slow; on the 18" curves, no problem. Also, this same
engine runs ok up a slope of about 5.5% (about 2" in 38") pulling about 8 cars.
The Bachman Spectrum K-4 also has little trouble pulling a 3-car passenger
train (yeah, well, 72-footers) up the hill. The dual-flywheel Athearn F7 takes
10-12 cars up the same hill with no slipping, and no problems on any of my
curves.

	mark

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Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad