Mimimum radius for articulated 2-6-6-2

[Ianw]

Hi,
Will the Bachmann Spectrum HO DCC-Sound Equipped 2-6-6-2 Articulated - Chesapeake & Ohio® H5 #1523
run on track with 18" curve radius

Thanks,
Ian

[ACY]

Bachmann recommends a minimum radius of 22 inches for this locomotive. I would not run it on anything less.

[Pacific Northern]

Hi,
Will the Bachmann Spectrum HO DCC-Sound Equipped 2-6-6-2 Articulated - Chesapeake & Ohio® H5 #1523
run on track with 18" curve radius

Thanks,
Ian

I have a couple of the Spectrum 2-6-6-2's and they will run fine on 18" radius curves. Until a few months ago I had two 18" radius curves on my layout and they were never a problem. I have since modified my layout with 22" radius curves.

When Model Railroader ran their review on the first Spectrum 2-6-6-2 in June of 2004 they mentioned that the engine ran fine on 18" radius curves and later when they reviewed the latest mallet in July of 2010 they again mentioned how well the engine ran on 18" curves.

Remember that the engine is really a pair of 2-6-0 engines and that each set of drives swivel so the wheel base of this engine is not that long.

The engine would certainly look better with larger curves, however if your layout has 18" curves then you can run this engine.

[GN.2-6-8-0]

No matter that both front and rear sets of drivers swivel or that the manufacturers claim of 18" radius even 2-6-6-2 Articulated locomotives really really need large radius' trackage,yes they will negotiate 18' curves but they will look absolutely just horrendous doing it......
On the other hand as shown here 32"radius curves look so much better.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6JZggW4Mac

[Pacific Northern]

The question posted was "would" the 2-6-6-2 locomotive run on 18" radius curves.

The answer is yes. I think most readers realize that the wider the curve the more realistic the view is.

I would note that the Spectrum 2-6-6-2 has very little overhang due to the articulated driver sets.  If you want to see overhang, check out a Spectrum Mountain or Santa Fe engine, now there is overhang.

There are a lot of model railroaders who are restricted in their layout size. It is nice to know if they wanted a specific engine for their layout it would work. Not saying it would look great. Besides, I have seen a number of smaller layouts using 18" curves that have the curves hidden for the very reason it looks better for viewing.