What is the minimum radius this set up will work under???
My Connie runs perfectly on 4 foot radius (8 foot diameter curves), I do not have any tighter curves, but 4 foot is probably the minimum required.
Yes, unaltered, the Connie needs 8 foot diameter track. Its a pretty big small locomotive in 1:20.3. I do remember seeing where someone had put shims in the supports for the internal drivers so these would have less track contact and could work in a tighter diameter (6.5 ft?). This also provides less tractive effort. If you are looking for narrow gauge locos that work with a tighter radius I would look at the 1:22.5 or 1:24 scale offerings like the Bachmann ten wheeler or geared steamers, LGB (most any), Hartland, or Aristo C-16 (at 6.5 diameter, new version out this year sometime).
shots of the 2-8-0 Connie on my layout
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/obriens.jpg)
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/280turnout.jpg)
-Brian
Thanks for the reply. Great PICS!!!