Minimum turn radius (shay/climax)

chopperusa

New Member
I am thinking of building a layout for a small logging operation.
I am intending on using the bachmann shays and their climax locamotives.
Is a 12" radius to tight and if so when does any binding or track jumping start radius wise?
Also has any real problams developed with these locamotives?
I am also wondering about how distance would be needed at these tight turns to claer another track.
Thank you for any info.
 

ukon30fan

0n30 Rail Baron of Leeds
The practical Operating radius for the Shay is 18" - the minimum reported radius is 15"
The practical Operating radius for the Climax is 18" - the minimum reported radius is 12"
You'll need to set your track centres at 3" apart.
No major problems with either locos, except that the Shay surges as it goes down a gradient - theere is a cure for it should yours do so.
Regards
David(UK)
 

chopperusa

New Member
minnumum radius

Thank you , i was afraid of that . Will still look at possabilities of a 4'x12'
layout . Thankyou again for your response and honesty.
 

fsm1000

Member
On my website I show my On30 t-boiler shay doing a 12 inch inner rail radius [about 12.5 inches to centerline] with no problems. Other shay types may be more restricted.
As for climaxes I am not sure.
My porter [0-4-0] can do 8 inches inner rail radius but starts slideing when pulling two cars.

Personally, I would not do more then 15 inches for my shay and 12 inches for my porter.
But that's me.
If you have them, then make a trial run WITH the cars you plan to use. That really is the only way to do it.

While my shat can do 12, I don't want it on my layout.

Hope that helps.
 
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