Forney question

[adlake]

What is the minimum operating radius or diameter for the new 1:20.3 Forney locomotive?

[Jon D. Miller]

On page 21 of the Forney Owner's Manual, Bachmann states the following:

"Bachmann's engineers recognize that some large scale model railroaders do not have the space for wide radius curves.  To accommodate the Forney on layouts with tighter radius curves they have come up with a solution that will allow operation on track diameter as little as four feet." 

So the answer is four foot diameter (2 foot radius) curves and switches.

The Forney, in addition to having a set of drivers that will pivot under the locomotive, uses a unique arrangement on the rear truck.  For tight radius curves not only does the rear truck pivot on its king post it can also be set up to slide side to side.  There is a locking pin on the rear truck that will allow the truck assembly to be released to slide side to side.

So kiddie curve diameter track work should be no problem for the Forney to negotiate.


One of the "Enthusiastic Children"

JD