I bought a pack of them (4) the last time I ordered track just to see what they looked like.... for possible use for blocks.

I fitted the B'Man connector to one... it fit ok.... but expensive way to go.... spade connectors should work just fine... if you are making permanent connections a drop of solder should do the trick... I would use heat sink.

Your response to my radius question indicated you are considering joining two main lines.... I am thinking about doing similar effort.... using  blocks of course (don't want DCC) and want automatic ops.

You mentioned different guage wire... you concerned with amps or voltage drop?

yarm35

Been there, done that....  I apologize for not being precise posting my question.

Was looking for any additional info on how they sound while actually running and how loud they are?   (E.g. How far away can you hear them?)  They sound great on computer but suspect site is engineered to produce best sound quality.  Also wondered if there were any problems with operation or reliabiliity?

Was considering adding more than one to our display.  Would there be mutual interference?

Thanks again for taking an interest.

yarm35

Thanks again for the info.... now looks like I will be moving to 26" in the EZ track.    Sorry for the termnalogy gaff.... of course the radius refers to the curve.

Anybody have any experience with the BLI sound cars.... might add to the display for the kids.   (remember I am running DC not DCC.

For JnM:  I too have been thinking about crossovers between two lines... but since I want everything automatic would have to do it by sensor driven blocking.  Check NMRA site for turnout clearance.

Yarm35

Thanks for the information.  Gives me an idea, at least, of what radius I should use... sounds like the 24" is the minimum I should use.

The layout is in shape of an 'L' - outside leg measurements are 15' and legs are 8' thick.... other words, about 200 sq ft. 

There are four levels with two On30 on the lower level and two HO on the second level.  There is a DeWitt Clinton also in the rear on the lower level... lots of tunnels, houses, circus rides, trees, also two street cars.  people, etc....

Bottom line, there isn't a lot of room for expansion (new train will go on a level between lowest and second level) so will have to do some rebuilding.  So need all the ideas and info I can get so I can draw it out before I start messing with it.

Its Just a Christmas decorating  idea that got out of control.  We now turn the whole room into a Christmas room - the tree has a 'G' scale Christmas train under it.

Goes up in November and down the end of Janurary.

Bottom

Mr. Bachman

What is best minimum radius for HO ( 80’) heavyweight cars?:

1.   I presently use 18” radius curves (HO) for our Christmas village setup.  Would like to add a train composed of “heavyweight” Pullman cars.  Have four cars now and 18” radius is obviously too tight for them.  What is recommended radius to use?  I can lay up to 30 inch radius, but would prefer to use smaller radius, say 24 or 26 inches.

2.   Where can I find how many sections of HO EZ track it takes to complete a curve for various radii?

3.    What/which steam engine(I do not use DCC) would you recommend for this train? (Eventually approximately eight heavyweight cars)

Thank you
Yarm35