15-inch radius for geared locos?

[Whatlep]

This is a repeat of a post in the old forum which I can no longer access - apologies if this ends up repeating data.

Does anyone have experience of using Shay or other geared-type locomotives - or a Forney - on curves of less than 18-inch radius?   In particular, anyone successfully using European standard 14.625 inch radius curves?

Thanks for any information.

[Rich R]

Someone posted a table that gave most, but not all the minimum radius curves that On30 loco's could traverse. I may have had the brains to save that. If so I'll repost it 

Nope, no brains! I didn't save it so that I could find it. 
Lemmee look once more.


I think you mentioned you wanted to use a Shay on those curves but you hadn't bought it yet? My thought was to go ahead and give it a go as it would be a new engine and bachmann would take care of it if there were problems.

Cheers,
Rich R

[Rich R]

You've got mail! 
I wish I could give credit to the original poster but I cannot recall who that was.

Cheers,
Rich R

[BIG BEAR]

       
     I wish I'ld have saved that chart, or at least printed it out. OH NO!
all the the old forum stuff is lost. I did find the Photo bucket still works, &
had the "old forum" pictures in it.

             Barry,

... all the Live long day... If she'd let me.

   

[Rich R]

Barry,


Check your email!   

Cheers,
Rich R

[BIG BEAR]

         
        Rich,
     I was down loading it to my trains folder, when I got this message.
Thank you so very much.

[Tim]

Hey Guys

I am the one that posted the radii for the On30 Loco's

I will repost it again tommorow.

Tim L. Anders
Souderton, Pa

[Rich R]

Hi Tim,

I guess I owe you for more than just the measurements huh?  Believe me I would have given you credit had I been able to remember who posted that table. Good to know that you’ll rework it and repost it. I was going to but as it was your post …. I tip my hat to you.


Thanks again,
Rich R

[Tim]

On30 Minimum Radius Guide

Published in On30 Tracks Magazine


Locomotive         Practical   Absolute
                   Radius          Minimum
Bachmann

2-6-0 Mogul           18”          12”

0-4-0 Porter           12”           6”

0-4-2 Porter           15”           9”

0-4-0 Diesel           12”           6”

2 Trk Shay           18”           15”

2 Trk Climax           18”           12”

Street Car            15”            3”

2-8-0 Baldwin  O/F         18”            15”*

Railtruck              18”            12”

Precision Scale

K27   2-8-2           26”+           26”+

Broadway Limited

C-16   2-8-0           18”           15”

* Perfect track.

Tim Anders
Souderton, Pa

[Whatlep]

Stupendously quick and efficient!   Many thanks to all.  Anyone care to guess about the Forney's abilities?   18 inch radius seems safe....

[David(UK)]

18" ain't safe!
I did an experiment using EZ track with straight into curve, reverse curve and full curve. If the Forney ran in reverse ( i.e. tender first) pulling stock through that configuration, you were ok, but running engine first then the rear overhang would cause derailments.
22" is the safest.

[Hoople]

Tim's got a good point, but I would stay with at least 22"s.

[Whatlep]

Thanks for that - good job I didn't order a Forney yesterday then!   No room for 22 inch curves, so looks like it's back to the drawing board on loco acquisitions.   I wish Bachmann would bring in another diesel model.  Perhaps an On30 version of the double-ended rod drive made in G scale?