Doughless
This has become a really weird thread.
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Anybody who has been in the hobby understands that 50 foot cars negotiate 18 inch radius curves.
Well, at least before the more recent trend for some manufacturers to move closer and closer to high fidelity, closer to scale models, I agree, that has been true.
If that standard is changing, maybe other standards are too.
Based on this discussion, I'd say things, they are a-changin.
Does 18 inch radius mean a toy train layout. Why 18 and not 36? Because some guy taken as an authority on the subject wrote a book about it decades ago?
Not 36" simply because toy train sets, as a rule, don't come with 36" curves, logically. Toy trains sets (Tyco, LL, or sets using Atlas sectional track) are provided in a format that typically uses 18 and/or 22" curves.
Prototype fidelity suggests that any layout with a turnaround blob of any thing less than 48 inch radius, if even that, is also a toy train layout.
If it makes you happy to call any layout with less than 48" curves (an arbitrary number), go ahead. But my guess is by convention, most won't be in that same boat with you on that label. Why? Because by traditional convention, most associate the term toy train layout with trainset out-of-the-box type curves (as mentioned by John in the above post which was based on the "traditional" idea of what toy train sets are typically set up as in a temporary or more permanent and typical 4x8 format.) It is what it is. I wouldn't get too hung up on labels.
Again, when these Mfgs design their product, I wonder if turning radius is even thought of? Maybe they are simply really proud of themselves for getting the brake rigging right that they don't even think about turning radius.
In some cases, manufacturers are pushing the envelope with some of their models in terms of scale fidelity of some details. In some cases the few concessions left to out-of-scale features are trucks, wheels and couplers, and most else is done to scale as much as possible.
That suggests that some manufacturers are prioritizing scale details over things like minimum curves, much like has been the case with brass models for many years. Those manufacturers are probably aiming those models at customers who are, shall I say, less likely to be operating on small layouts with tight curves - I'm guessing.
Perhaps they purposefully do it. Since elitism is a commodity that can be marketed and sold to those who desire it, maybe Mfgs think if they build their cars to run on 18 inch radius curves, it will turn off those buyers who are proud their cars won't run on the layouts of the great unwashed.
Well, if the shoe fits. Whatever. It's a simple fact that there is a wide variety of products and they may be aimed at different market segments. Like I said, brass is manufactured to more scale standards and it does limit operation potential in many cases. Does that mean they are being elitist? Does that mean those who can't use them are "unwashed?" As my wife would say, now your simply taking the mickey, or having a laugh. Enjoy yourself.
Markets are full of different customers with different desires and priorities.I say simply disclose.
That is probably the most reasonable and constructive comment to which this topic could have been boiled down to. A lot of the "editorial" commentary IMO is why this thread has become "really wierd". Again, welcome to ModelRailroader forums! Where wierd is the new normal.
