On30 Powered Equipment Minimum Radius

When I initially was considering modeling in On30, one of the first areas of research was the minimum radius required to operate the various commercial products. I am modeling in a very small space (102 inches x 30 inches, or approximately 260cm x 76cm) and I wanted to ensure the commercial On30 products of interest would be a reasonable fit. Around the internet I found a number of pieces of data. From these various web sites/pages and other sources, I put together the following table that I use as a reference -- perhaps it will help other modelers as well. Below the table you will find links to some of the major sources I used to assemble the table -- in a few cases, I have made adjustments based on my experience and/or data from other sources not listed.

Also please note that there is a separate entry coming on this blog that provides minimum radius information on On30 powered equipment kits that use HO mechanisms as donor chassis for On30 powered equipment.

Manfacturer	Model	Manufacturer Recommended Radius	Reported to Operate at (may need adjustments)
Bachmann	On30 2-6-0 Mogul	18" or greater	12"
Bachmann	On30 0-4-0 Porter	12" or greater	6"
Bachmann	On30 0-4-2 Porter	15" or greater	9"
Bachmann	On30 2-4-4-2 Articulated	18" or greater
Bachmann	On30 2-6-6-2 Articulated	18" or greater	18"
Bachmann	On30 Baldwin 4-6-0	22" or greater	17"
Bachmann	On30 14-ton Two-Truck Stearns Heisler	15" or greater
Bachmann	On30 1890's 4-4-0 American Inside Frame	18" or greater	15"
Bachmann	On30 Modern 4-4-0 American Outside Frame	18" or greater	15"
Bachmann	On30 2-4-4 Forney Inside/Outside Frame	22" or greater	18"
Bachmann	On30 28-Ton Two-Truck Class B Climax	18" or greater	12"
Bachmann	On30 Two Truck Shay	18" or greater	15"
Bachmann	On30 2-8-0 Outside Frame	22" or greater	12"-18"
Bachmann	On30 0-6-0	18" or greater
Bachmann	On30 Rail Truck	18" or greater	10"
Bachmann	On30 Rail Bus & Trailer	18" or greater	18"
Bachmann	On30 Closed Street Car	15" or greater	3"
Bachmann	On30 0-4-0 Side Rod Gas Mechanical	12" or greater	6"
Bachmann	On30 Whitcomb 50-ton Center Cab	15" or greater
Accucraft Trains	On30 Plymouth Diesel Switcher 0-4-0 Model No: AM55-013 (unpainted, yellow)	6" or greater	6"
Accucraft Trains	On30 Diesel Switcher 0-4-0 Model No: AM55-033 (D&RGW #50) AM55-034 (Sumpter Valley RR #101)	6" or greater	6"
Broadway Limited	On30 C-16 2-8-0	18" or greater	15"
Precision Scale Co (MMI)	On30 K27 2-8-2	26" or greater	26"

(more entries coming)

Where to find additional information:

• On30 Practical Minimum Radius Guide (2009) - although now dated, this document has the most comprehensive information that this blogger has found.
• On30 Scale Minimum Radius - Locomotives & Rolling Stock (October 2014) - on FineTrains blog