Good Day folks,

I have a simple question about Bachmann HO 2-8-0 Union Pacific 721 (Stock # 11411).

Is this loco DCC ready out of the box?

Thanks in advance for your replies -- Best,  Doug Andrews

I am currently looking at designs for a new HO layout.  One of the plans I saw has an 18 inch radius curve (semicircle flat with no grade).  I hope the group can advise me which Spectrum equipment will negotiate this curve without derailment or other problems.  The locomotive list is Spectrum steamers: 2 truck climax, 3 truck shay, 4-6-0, 2-8-0, 2-10-0, 4-8-2 (light mountain), Diesel SD45 and Spectrum 85 foot Heavy Weight coaches.  Thanks in advance for your replies.  Best, D.

Thanks Hunt -- Found the 8 pin socket in the tender.  Appreciate your help on this one.  Best,  Doug.

Thanks Hunt for your response on this question.  I asked because the original Bachmann Spectrum box for this item says nothing on it about being DCC ready.  Moreover I have not taken the loco apart to inspect it myself.  I am not really familiar with anything DCC.  Anyway thanks again for your answer.  Best,  Doug

I have a Spectrum USRA light Mountain 4-8-2 Item # 81601.  Can anyone advise me if it is DCC ready or not?  Much thanks in advance.  Best,  Doug

Thanks all for your replies.  It looks as though I can safely use a 22 or 24 inch min radius for my new layout design and be safe with my Bachmann 4-8-2's.  As it turns out there are two such curves both of which are going to be hidden so appearance issues are not critical -- just reliable operation and no derailments are critical. 

Makes me think though that I need to check min radius for my other locos and rolling stock.  I've got the NMRA standards for all that around here somewhere.  Anyway thanks again to all in the group and if you have any more insights they will be most appreciated.  Best,  Doug Andrews.

Thx 4014 for your reply.  Appreciate the benefit of your experience.  On the 4-8-2 I noticed it was designed with some lateral play in each of the drive wheel axles -- I think that is what allows it to do a 22 or 24 inch curve as you indicate.  If anyone else out there has experience I would appreciate it too.  Thanks 4014 and the group.  Best,  Doug Andrews.

Good Day Folks,  Doing some layout design decisions and I have two HO Bachmann 4-8-2 Light Mountain Locos.  My question is will these locos perform reliably on a 24 inch radius curve?  Secondly what is the minimum radius curve that these locos will negotiate smoothly and without derailment?  Thanks in advance for your experience and replies on this one.  Best,  Doug Andrews.

Good Day Folks -- Can someone please advise what is the minimum radius that I can assume for my track plan to assure reliable operation of HO scale Bachmann 2-8-0 locomotives?  Thanks in advance  Doug.

Thanks again Irbricksceo for the reply and the great links to 2-10-0 photos and information.  Very interesting history behind these locos and I appreciate you taking the time to provide it.  Since our earlier conversation I looked at the drawings of the Spectrum model on this site and saw that the 3rd axle drivers are blind while the others are all flanged.  Thanks again for the responses -- they are really appreciated.   Best, DAndrews

Good Day Irbricksceo -- thanks for your prompt response.  Most appreciated.  Your 18" radius is actually less than I was planning on so you've answered my question with room to spare.  Given the wheel base of this HO scale 10 coupled loco I am assuming that it must have some lateral movement designed into the axles and or some blind drivers to accommodate a radius of 18 inches...?  In any case thanks for your answer back.  Best, DAndrews

Good Day Folks -- Doing the new layout design and I am asking What is the minimum operating radius for an HO Spectrum 2-10-0 steam locomotive?  In my case the minimum radius will be on a hidden curve -- so appearance is not of prime concern.  However I do want the loco to run reliably through the curve as access will be possible -- but not close at hand.  Thanks in advance for your experience -- and if this has been discussed before please just direct me to the past postings.  Best, Douglas