Hi all,
This is my very first post here!
I haven't touched an HO train in about 15 years...
However, I've recently decided to build an indoor HO layout of modern New England-area trains such as the Amtrak Downeaster, MBTA commuter rail, and Guilford Rail System.
I have quite a bit of room for the layout (apx 13 x 23). So I was wondering what the general rule of thumb is for prototypical curves? (min radius? etc...) I'm going to be using the Walthers 85' coaches and I want to be able to push-pull without worrying about derailing and I want them to look good in the curves.
Another question is track...I'm considering using Atlas code 83...Is this a good choice? The prices are great and the track seems to look fairly nice. What is typical for turnouts...#6 and higher?
Also, since I'm going to be doing the downeaster I'm going to need a couple of F40ph locomotives to kitbash into non-powered cabbage units. I see that bachmann and kato make nice versions of this engine, but I hate to severely kitbash a new engine over $50! So how would you describe the detail level on the Walthers trainline F40ph in comparison to the other 2 brands? Are there handrails...etc...?
Thanks for any input,
Jeff
This is my very first post here!
I haven't touched an HO train in about 15 years...
However, I've recently decided to build an indoor HO layout of modern New England-area trains such as the Amtrak Downeaster, MBTA commuter rail, and Guilford Rail System.
I have quite a bit of room for the layout (apx 13 x 23). So I was wondering what the general rule of thumb is for prototypical curves? (min radius? etc...) I'm going to be using the Walthers 85' coaches and I want to be able to push-pull without worrying about derailing and I want them to look good in the curves.
Another question is track...I'm considering using Atlas code 83...Is this a good choice? The prices are great and the track seems to look fairly nice. What is typical for turnouts...#6 and higher?
Also, since I'm going to be doing the downeaster I'm going to need a couple of F40ph locomotives to kitbash into non-powered cabbage units. I see that bachmann and kato make nice versions of this engine, but I hate to severely kitbash a new engine over $50! So how would you describe the detail level on the Walthers trainline F40ph in comparison to the other 2 brands? Are there handrails...etc...?
Thanks for any input,
Jeff