Bachmann 4-8-2 lt. mtn

[ras1221]

Will the Bachmann N 4-8-2 Lt. Mountain (item # 81665 for example) run on code 55 track (Atlas flex and turnouts)? Also will it handle 11.25 radius curves?  Thanks in advance for any information anyone has on this subject!

[simkon]

According to the Bachmann product description it has a"minimum radius of 19 inches." It will run on code 55 flex track, but you would want to use at least #7 turnouts if at all possible or #6's if you decide to use code 80. It won't make it through standard turnouts and it would be very close with #5 turnouts.

[Albert in N]

My Bachmann light mountain will run on code 80 11-inch radius.  However, I normally run it on 13 3/4-inch radius Kato Unitrack.  It will negotiate Kato #4 turnouts on my small layout.  However, it will not take Bachmann E-Z track #4 turnouts and neither did my Bachmann Northern.  I switched to Kato Unitrack.  The light mountain has fine scale wheels and I see no reason not to use Atlas code 55, as long as ballast does not cover the top of the ties at the rails.  I would simply try running it on a circle of the track that you need.  You may have a friend or local model RR club with code 55 track that will let you try your light mountain on it.  That Bachmann light mountain is a beautiful locomotive and runs well at scale speed.  I like the metal boiler and the details, like the swinging ornamental bell on front.  It is light years ahead of the earlier N scale steamers.