Using a back-to-back gauge for your model railway ensures that the wheels on your rolling stock are spaced correctly...
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What is the smallest radius Peco curve for N gauge?
The tightest N gauge Setrack curve presently produced by Peco is a first radius curve (228 mm radius).
Getting to know your curves is an important part of planning a model railway, however, the jargon used to describe many track sections can sometimes leave new modellers a little confused. So here's a little information that may help.
When it comes to radius 1 curves, the first thing you need to know is that they are tight, even by model railway standards. Using only first radius curves, a circle of track will produce a footprint measuring just 473 x 473 mm. That's less than half a metre! Granted, that makes them great for fitting ovals or circles of track into really small spaces, but always check if the locomotives you're planning to operate can negotiate such a bend before committing to using them.
Once you are sure that first radius is a viable option, you'll find them available in three sizes. The smallest by Peco is called an ST-4 Half Curve. When used on its own, a single section of ST-4 track will alter the direction of travel by an angle of 11.25 degrees. It would take 32 sections of track to make a complete circle.
The next size up (but in the same radius of course) is called an ST-3 Standard Curve. This section will alter the direction of travel by 22.5 degrees and requires 16 tracks to make a full circle. This is also the track section you'll need to use with a 1st radius turnout to return the diverging route to a straight and parallel course.
Next, is the longest radius 1 curve and is called an ST-12 Double Curve. This track section will alter the direction of travel by 45 degrees and requires only 8 tracks to create a full circle making it ideal for longer bends.
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