Vicar47 Posted April 4, 2014 Share Posted April 4, 2014 I've decided to have a go at making a pizza-type layout as a change from more serious modelling. I'm using a picture frame about 40x50 cm as the baseboard surround. I've seen smaller layouts so I'm hopeful it will work and allow me to try out a few scenic experiments. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best loco/chassis to use for what will be very sharp radii? Is it best to stick to 0-4-0 or will an 0-6-0 be OK? Are there any RTR locos that would be suitable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjcampbell Posted April 4, 2014 Share Posted April 4, 2014 It sounds like you'll be using curves about 7" radius, which are pretty tight even for 009. I once had a layout with similar curves, though not a full circle, so it can be done! You will need short locos without large overhangs - coupling swing will be a big issue. Yes, 0-4-0's will be safest, a vary short wheelbase 0-6-0 might just be OK. You'll need stock (wagons and coaches) with similar lengths and overhang too. There are suitable R-T-R locos but only continental, HOe scale: - The Lilliput diesel, reputed to be an excellent runner: http://www.parksidedundas.co.uk/acatalog/LILIPUT.html - The Minitrains Gmeinder diesel, or Kraus steam loco, both are nice and short so should work well: http://www.parksidedundas.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_Locomotives.html There are other options, such as second-hand through the 009 society sales (at NG exhibitions, or join the society). Also Paul Windle scratch-builds 009 locos to order for reasonable prices. Not quite ready-to-run but there's a good selection of 3-D printed bodies for N-gauge chassis that are easy to put together, and of course the traditional white-metal kits. Do you have preferences for era, steam/diesel, setting? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bécasse Posted April 5, 2014 Share Posted April 5, 2014 The essential feature is that the coupled end of all the vehicles must have as short a distance between the nearest wheel set to that end and the actual buffered end as practical. If you look at photos of 0-4-0 steam locos (narrow or standard gauge) you will find that these have a big overhang at the cab end and therefore an 0-6-0 with decent side play on the middle set of wheels may work better than an 0-4-0. Internal combustion locos tend to be less of a problem (they don't have a firebox that the axles have to avoid) but you still need to choose carefully, similarly with rolling stock. To give a prototype example, the smallest radius recommended for use with 2 foot gauge, small i/c locos (Ruston, Simplex, etc) and simple tipper wagons was 36 feet, which scales at 144 mm or just under 6 inches in 009. Meridian and Nigel Lawton do suitable kits. Oh - and avoid reverse curves, always insert a short straight section. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
edcayton Posted April 5, 2014 Share Posted April 5, 2014 Does it have to be 009? The reason I ask is that there is now a system by Busch that runs on 6mm gauge track. It will be to 3.5mm scale, but then so are most of the rtr "009" models. Ed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicar47 Posted April 6, 2014 Author Share Posted April 6, 2014 Thanks for the advice, guys. When somethings built I might post it - if it works! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 A small 4w diesel perfect for a pizza. I believe there is another kit on the near horison going by the name of "Doris". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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