Hello All,
CapnCrunch
I am interested in using intermodal with well cars but am limited by 18" curves.
Welcome to the dilemma of "selective compression."
On my 4'x8' HO pike I am limited to curves between 15- and 18-inch with a single section of 22-inch radius.
The turnouts are Atlas Snap Switches and PECO #2s.
Because I cannot incorporate larger radius curves or turnouts I am forced to "compress" the locomotives to four (4) axel diesels, 0-6-0 steamers, along with rolling stock limited to 50-feet.
This is also another reason I chose to set the era of my pike between the 1970s to 1980s.
Running intermodal cars does not fit within this time frame.
In my livery, there is a Royal Gorge excursion train headed by an F7 A-B-B consist and a trailing F7 A with 85-foot passenger cars.
The 85-foot passenger cars have "Swing Type" couplers. The cars can negotiate the 15-inch curves but they look ridiculous.
Most intermodal sets have proprietary coupling that limits the radii of the trackage.
I'm not suggesting that modifying these cars to run reliably on smaller than recommended curves is not possible.
It might not be worth the trouble/expense. (See my signature.)
The early 60-ton well cars were a precursor to the modern well car.
I have not found any in HO scale.
I actually scratch-built one to accommodate the transportation of early double-stacked containers to fit my era.
Sorry, I don't have a better suggestion.
As always...
Hope this helps.
