RSS Fetcher Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 <p>As the title suggests really.</p><p> </p><p>I've been planning a few layouts for a while and the big dream layout I have not decided whether to do in 00 or P4.</p><p> </p><p>Initially I scrapped the P4 idea for this particular layout because the 'minimum'curve radius of 48" wouldn't fit. <br />However, after spending several hours here and there reading posts on here and elsewhere it seems you CAN get a pacific or 9F around a 24-30" curve with a lot of side play and gauge widening.</p><p> </p><p>With that in mind I redesigned the plans.<br />The big plan I now have MUST have a minimum radius of 34" other wise it is perfectly impossible. This isn't an issue of aesthetics but rather restricted space - the usual bane.</p><p> </p><p>So the requirements for the proposed big layout is 34" minimum radius, must be able to use a black 5 and a Gresley A1. That's it. I do not currently believe I have the skill to build them well enough, yet one day if I keep at it there is no reason I can't achieve it eventually.</p><p> </p><p>As I'm still pullijg my hair out whether to do this particular layout in 00 or P4 I decided to conduct some practical tests. In line with my way of thinking there is no calculagions, theory or algebra. Good luck to those who comprehend it.</p><p> </p><p>Using a set of radius curves I brought from the stores a few years back the tightest one was 120cm. A quick online converter reveals it to be a little over 35" radius. Considering I need a 34" curve minimum this is rather worrying.</p><p> </p><p>Using some C&L (underside moulding says K&L so it may be old) flexible track that is sometimes a wee t8ght to gauge I bent it to the curve.</p><p> </p><p>Now I believe the laser cut curves represent the center line to draw meaning the curve I stretched will be tighter.</p><p> </p><p>Other than the P4 Hymek and CoBo I have the tests were done with the rest of my current collection.</p><p> </p><p>1) - LB&SCR E2 as Thomas - Own SCC kit built compensated. Runs amazing.</p><p> </p><p>2) - Furness J1 - Own SCC Kit with a bit of play added. Runs good but teeniest bit jerky.</p><p> </p><p>3) - LB&SCR E2 chassis - South Eaat Finecast. I built it with Alan Gibson sprung hornblocks. Runs good but teeniest bit jerky..</p><p> </p><p>4) - 5700 Pannier as Duck - Bachmann model converted with Ultrascale drop in wheelsets. Runs well, could do with more reduction though.</p><p> </p><p>5) - 5700 Pannier. Bachmann Pannier with kit built chassis. Not built by me, runs well but not the smoothest of starts. Brought in a job lot.</p><p> </p><p>6) - 1400. Old Airfix or Dapol with propeller/cardon shaft. Not converted by me. Didn't run when brought in same aforementioned job lot. After some monking about I got it working. Runs pretty well considering age.</p><p> </p><p>So all these locomotives ran through the mystery radius in both directions (wheelbase considerations) at slow and fast speeds.</p><p> </p><p>Test 1 is green.</p><p> </p><p>Then I bent the mystery radius a bit more. All went through fine although the kit pannier would fall off sometimes in one direction.</p><p> </p><p>Test two mostly green with a shot of amber.</p><p> </p><p>So then I dug some stuff out my box. These....</p><p> </p><p><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='https://i.imgur.com/CPnxYVH.jpg'alt='Posted Image' /></span></p><p> </p><p>I THINK they are 0.2mm gauge widened although maybe 0.1mm? I'll get the track gauges out later and find out.</p><p> </p><p>Slid some rail through and made a test meter.</p><p> </p><p>Everything passed with this track at the first mystery radius.</p><p> </p><p>Test 3 green.</p><p> </p><p>Then I bent it into another mystery radius that looks HORRABLE! No idea what radius it is yet I am sure it is tighter than 34 inches. After smoothing the curve I managed to get all these locomotives to run through at all speeds in both directions.</p><p> </p><p>The Panniers & 1400 have their rear wheel to next wheel as a 34mm wheelbase.</p><p> </p><p>The Hornby Black 5 I have shares this measurement so in theory, considering the wheels are bigger if I build one one day it should go around a 34" curve easily providing it has the same sideplay these locomotives of the tests have. They were not measured but they range from basically 0 to 1mm.</p><p> </p><p>Pics. Look at that horrid tight curve!!</p><p> </p><p><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='https://i.imgur.com/QKFl5yQ.jpg' alt='Posted Image' /></span></p><p> </p><p><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='https://i.imgur.com/ODvkvLO.jpg' alt='Posted Image' /></span></p><p> </p><p>I know full well tight curves are risky and not favoured but unless you fancy bunging me £300,000 or more I got no choice! <img src='http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /></p><p> </p><p>This layout would very much like to build. 10-20 year projected time as a guess.</p><p> </p><p>Any comments or advice very much wanted. I know a box of well smoked pigs ears are likely waiting for me around the corner and avoiding them is desired!</p><p> </p><p>Also please forgive the typo'sas I typed all of this out on a 'phone and editing is awkward and risky. Will clean it later on PC.</p> View the full article Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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