RADII FOR A 280' ARTICULATED TRAIN

mfc102069 · **Joined:** Sat Mar 04, 2006 5:13 pm **Posts:** 10

Hello,

Does anyone have any knowledge of what the minimum radii might be for a 280' long articulated train.

Im considering acquiring one; Im trying to maximize space due space constraints.

Regards,
Mario

Bob Kutella · **Posted:** Mon Mar 06, 2006 6:53 am

It can vary a lot depending on how the engineers designed and built the equipment. For instance the almost that long ELECTROLINER can negotiate 90 foot radius curves. Our articulated Nebraska Zephyr routinely was pulled SLOWLY through a wye of about 350 foot radius.

If I am reading between the lines correctly you might be looking at the Mark Twain Zephyr trainset. Another thing to consider is that the "design limit" only works in an ideal situation. Uneven track, worn wheels, dry or stiff drawbars, etc all conspire against us in a preservation context.

A typical passenger car of 85 feet, it is said, can negotiate maybe 250 foot radius - again in an ideal situation. But it is one thing to negotiate a tight spot like that for an included angle of arc of say 15 degrees, and another to turn a 90 degree corner. Easements into the curve also help, but of course any of these remediations also take up more real estate.

Bob Kutella

mfc102069 · **Joined:** Sat Mar 04, 2006 5:13 pm **Posts:** 10

Hello Bob,

I dont know if I responded to your reply.

Im sorry if I didnt.

You're correct, its the Mark Twain Zephyr., that Im looking into restoring/preserving. I live in L.A. & real estate is insanely expensive. I own a 285' x 135' lot that Im trying to do miracles with, but I might be out of luck.

If you have any other information, I can check out, or if you know anymore about the Mark Twain, I would welcome the info.

Thanks again.
Mario

Bob Kutella · **Posted:** Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:47 am

I think we exchanged a lot of info on our various PM messages so I will not add any more here and bore the rest of the group.

But I am sure all will be interested in your eventual decision and any progress you make along the way.

If you are most interested now in how you might fit the trainset within the limits of your lot, there are many options and I could layout a few plans quickly using AutoCad; or I am sure any number of folks closer to you on the west coast use and are proficient with CAD software. It really is only about a 10 minute job to play around with this but tough to do long distance. You really need to be there looking over the shoulder to pass on your vision and concerns.

Good Luck

Bob