I like my Radius 1 curves and I like locomotives that can run on them. Radius 1 curves are of the radius first used by both Hornby Dublo in the 1930's and Triang in the 1950's and have a radius of 371mm. This permits the provision of an HO/OO oval layout within a baseboard width of 800mm and permits tight return loops at each end of shelf type layouts permiting non stop operations. Hornby trainsets used to have Radius 1 curves as standard up until the 1970s' when a move to Radius 2 trainset curves took place as the norm.
Sadly for whatever reason Hornby and others are producing fewer and fewer new locomotives that can operate on Radius 1 curves. This is probably down to perceived demand for a higher level of running gear detail and a more accurate appearance in these regions and in pandering to those who demand this then they are forced to produce models that cannot run on Radius 1 curves.
However there is something about this that I find curious. See the images below:-
This is the Hornby veteran tender loco in the range the Class B12:-
Now this is where is all gets very curious from a radius 1 curve point of view:-
Yes, the Hornby Class 9F can run on Radius 1 curves!
Now considerable play and lateral movement is required in the axles to achieve this miracle as you can see in the images below. And this is also taking into account the flangeless wheel in the middle:-
Now I challenge advocates of British Outline HO to find almost the width of a wheel (2.5mm) between the outside of the wheel and the outside of the body within which to fit the motion gear for this loco!
And if the Class 9F can run on Radius 1 curves why shouldn't all Hornby locomotives and the locomotives of all manufacturers?
Lets give up some of the "perfect" detail under for the operational side of things. Get rid of centre wheels with flanges!
Happy modelling
Gary
PS to put this into context you need 550 mm baseboard width for the standard Radius 2 N gauge curve. You only require another 250mm for a Radius 1 OO/HO gauge curve!
Sadly for whatever reason Hornby and others are producing fewer and fewer new locomotives that can operate on Radius 1 curves. This is probably down to perceived demand for a higher level of running gear detail and a more accurate appearance in these regions and in pandering to those who demand this then they are forced to produce models that cannot run on Radius 1 curves.
However there is something about this that I find curious. See the images below:-
This is the Hornby veteran tender loco in the range the Class B12:-


Now this is where is all gets very curious from a radius 1 curve point of view:-


Yes, the Hornby Class 9F can run on Radius 1 curves!
Now considerable play and lateral movement is required in the axles to achieve this miracle as you can see in the images below. And this is also taking into account the flangeless wheel in the middle:-


Now I challenge advocates of British Outline HO to find almost the width of a wheel (2.5mm) between the outside of the wheel and the outside of the body within which to fit the motion gear for this loco!

And if the Class 9F can run on Radius 1 curves why shouldn't all Hornby locomotives and the locomotives of all manufacturers?

Lets give up some of the "perfect" detail under for the operational side of things. Get rid of centre wheels with flanges!

Happy modelling
Gary
PS to put this into context you need 550 mm baseboard width for the standard Radius 2 N gauge curve. You only require another 250mm for a Radius 1 OO/HO gauge curve!