Narrow Shelf Layout

[wally]

I need some advice as to any diesel or steam engine that will handle 9 inch radius curves. I would like to build a shelf type layout 11 feet long but as narrow as possible. Would 11 inch radius make a great difference? Any listing would be a great help. Thanks Wally

[mhampton]

Most 4-axle diesels should be able to negotiate 9" radius.  What is the minimum width you want to go with your layout?  What do you want to accomplish with it?  To be quite literal, you could go ramrod straight for 11' with only as much width as necessary to clear your widest locomotive.  Granted, just running back and forth wouldn't be terribly interesting, but you could put any locomotive on it you want without worrying about curve radius  .