Gauge 1 track

[ace]

I have been playing around with my track layout this morning and noticed that on the straights my loco rolls freely but when it comes to the curves it sticks. When I measured the gap in the track it is 45mm same as the straight sections, should the curved sections be a little wider. I know that the curve is not to tight but the loco feels that it needs a push all the way round, or is this normal with a new loco?

ace

[redmog]

On the straight the wheel flange is hardly in contact with the rail.
On the curve the flange is in contact with the rail - steering it around the curve - more friction.
It's normal.
And I'm also enjoying the pictures of your V2 build.

Chris

[havoc]

Depends a bit on the radius of the track and the longest fixed wheelbase of the loc. Yes, track should open a bit in the curve, but I have to find the first factory track that does this. Are your wheels according to the same standard as the track? Do you have a bit of sideplay if the wheelbase is longish? Even then, curves will present more resistance than straight track.

[ace]

Cheers chaps, I think that there is ample free side play in the axles so guessing that the track might need adjusting.

ace

[spamcanman]

from experience the minimum radius should be about 71/2 foot your project should be OK on that but larger loco's like my Duchess and 9f need at least 9 foot radius and even that is near it's limit although my 9f has no flanges on the centre wheels.

Your V2 will need a large radius of at least 10 foot and when pulling a rake of 8 coaches the drag round the bends is even greater, this is when you can really hear the bark of the loco

[ace]

10ft radius, blimmey I have to knock down my wife's greenhouse to fit that in, what a shame............ its a nice greenhouse.