I would like to add a short O scale 2 rail trolley line to a future village module. A turnaround space may be a problem.

What is the minimum radius used for 2-rail trolley tracks?

Charlie, will you be using a 4 wheel Birney or an 8 wheeler? If an 8 wheeler, the minimum turn will depend on the length of the car and the distance between truck centers.

Even at that, a small 2 rail 8 wheel trolley can usually take a very tight turn (perhaps even down to a 12" radius) if the trucks can turn enough under the car. Care is needed hanging the trolley wire to make sure the pole will also track the curve.

Ed Bommer

Ed
Thank you for the information. 12 inch radius is about what will be available.
Seems like a trolley line will then be feasable. Will just have to pick equipment that will tolerate available space. Thanks again.

The Western Hobbycraft double truck cars will handle 12" radius easily.
Even 10" is OK with them....but watch the overhang!

Lee

Use a pitless turntable?

n the layout I had in Connecticut about 10 years ago I had a nine inch radius return loop and used to run 8 car interurban freight trains behind a Pittman box motor.The freight cars all had radial couplers.This was just part of normal operation.

Love Traction...