QUOTE (34C @ 13 Oct 2008, 16:11)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>The limitation may be with the C&L flexible track. Ask the retailer or supplier what minimum radius they recommend with this track. For sure it would look nice with the C&L, but for test running purposes some 4th rad curves will do just as well. On the other hand, lay the C&L at 35" rad or greater, and you may well decide not to bother with EM...
***The C&L is OK to about 30" without nipping the webs...
34C, I really like your overview you posted earlier a lot. It is a very good and well explained set of general planning guidelines!
The thing nobody added was how bad the look is with big locos and scale length coaches when radii are tight.
The real limit isn't the ability to take the curve well, but when do they stop looking acceptable!
Tight curves + big locos + coaches makes a model look like a trainset, no matter how good the scenery is! I'd say your analysis is at the small size limit... never less than 36" to look acceptable, with 60" a good "minimum target" for visible areas!
Otherwise, stay with short to medium goods stock and keep it a "pacific & long diesel free zone"
(Yes, I do know its not always easy to find the luxury of space
)
Kind regards
Richard