Will it negotiate a 15" radius curve?
Nope, it requires 18" radius at a minimum.
I kind of figured that :( Thanks ACY. I'm designing an on the floor, around the walls layout for next Christmas and can't squeeze a reverse loop with anything larger than 15" behind the couch. The rest of the layout will have 18" curves.
While not recommended, I have run my 2-8-0s (2) through a 15" radius horseshoe curve with no problems. I have a loop meant for very small equipment. I don't do it on a regular basis, but they will do it.
I do have easements going into and out of the curve.
For what it's worth.
Regards,
Jonathan
I wouldn't suggest it because some will not even make 15" radius, similar to how some larger Bachmann locos where some may run on 18" radius while others of the same type will not. I got out 3 B&O consolidations and some 15" E-Z track (checked the gauge first), 2 out of the 3 won't make it and the other just plain looks bad. I guess you could try it, but don't be surprised when you have a bunch of derailments.
Quote from: ACY on March 03, 2011, 09:01:07 AM
I got out 3 B&O consolidations and some 15" E-Z track (checked the gauge first), 2 out of the 3 won't make it and the other just plain looks bad. I guess you could try it, but don't be surprised when you have a bunch of derailments.
Funny how that can happen with locomotives. I have the same experience with two late-model Mantua Atlantics. One will take a 15"-radius curve with no problem and the other won't have anything to do with it (I mean it derails).
dp-
Can you go up to 18" radius by pulling the couch out a couple of inches and doing the reverse loop under it?
-- D
Sadly no :( the couch is too low. As far as pulling it out I am going to mock up a loop on a piece of hardboard to be sure though.
The loop I have planned consists of 4 pieces of 15" radius with one piece of 18" on each end. Would a 4-6-2 be a better choice?
If you are going to use 15" radius I would use something like an 0-6-0 or 0-4-0. The 4-6-2 probably would not work either because of the 4 lead wheels and 2 trailing wheels.
The driving wheel-base of a 4-6-2 is probably too long to negotiate a 15"-radius curve.
The only steam locomotives that I've had anything like "successful" running on 15-inch curves have been very small, 0-4-0s and 4-4-0s. I've had some 0-6-0s run OK, others bind at the sharpest point of the curve.
Have you thought of keeping the larger radius and using your woodworking skills to modify the rear of the couch?
Longer couch legs, or boosted couch legs.
I found the main culprit to be the connecting cables
They are stiff and can lift the tender off on turns even on 22 radius
Some have better clearances than others I guess it depends on how the cable hangs
You might try adjusting it
Or in some cases it may be how much play is in the drivers so that they can move side to side somewhat more in some than others
Good news!! I successfully negotiated enough real estate for an 18" radius curve behind the couch :) So I'm going give the 2-8-0 a try! Next up is to find some decent looking coacxhes for it to pull ;)
If you check ConCor, they have a set of coaches coming soon. They are the shorter coaches, have interiors and lighting as well.
Quote from: dpurcell on March 30, 2011, 05:45:05 PM
Good news!! I successfully negotiated enough real estate for an 18" radius curve behind the couch :) So I'm going give the 2-8-0 a try! Next up is to find some decent looking coacxhes for it to pull ;)
18 inches is OK for the 2-8-0 but I would go with the 34 ft Old Time Overtons for coaches
50 fters and up don't look good on 18 inch curves
Quote from: Pacific Northern on March 30, 2011, 07:37:00 PM
If you check ConCor, they have a set of coaches coming soon. They are the shorter coaches, have interiors and lighting as well.
I think those cars are 60-footers? They will work. I have some Rivarossi 60-ft. cars that have no problems on 18-inch-radius curves.
Quote from: uncbob on March 31, 2011, 07:29:09 AM
18 inches is OK for the 2-8-0 but I would go with the 34 ft Old Time Overtons for coaches
50 fters and up don't look good on 18 inch curves
Good point. I love the Overtons--just added a set of the PRR RTR cars to my rolling stock--but I think if you don't have at least five of them--or more--in the train, the train looks awfully puny, especially for a Consolidation. The Bachmann old-time cars, or the identical cars from Con-Cor or Rivarossi, might make a good compromise.
The Overton cars are linked to a specific early period in railroading so they'll be anachronistic on railroads much after the turn of the 20th Century. Sixty-footers aren't too bad on 18" curves and the cars look more like they belong behind the Bachmann Connie.
-- D
I use the Overtons to pull my FanFare excursions
I bought them individually and painted for my RR
I use an Old Time 4-4-0 and a Bachmann modern DCC Sound 4-4-0
(http://bandb3536.com/meo/fanfare/440fanfare.jpg)
(http://bandb3536.com/meo/fanfare/ffairoverton.jpg)
(http://bandb3536.com/meo/fanfare/overtonb.jpg)
(http://bandb3536.com/meo/fanfare/overtona.jpg)
The Rivarossi 'Shorty' Coaches are really great - can be pricey tho - up to $109 for 2. I was luck, I found a previous set, 3 PRR coaches for $95.
In any case the 2-8-0 was a freight engine although they are used today as fanfare passenger pullers