2-8-0

[dpurcell]

Will it negotiate a 15" radius curve?

[ACY]

Nope, it requires 18" radius at a minimum.

[dpurcell]

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.

[jonathan]

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

[ACY]

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.

[Johnson Bar Jeff]

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).

[Doneldon]

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

[dpurcell]

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?

[ACY]

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.

[Johnson Bar Jeff]

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.

[Burto]

Have you thought of keeping the larger radius and using your woodworking skills to modify the rear of the couch?

[Joe Satnik]

Longer couch legs, or boosted couch legs.

[uncbob]

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

[dpurcell]

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

[Pacific Northern]

If you check ConCor, they have a set of coaches coming soon. They are the shorter coaches, have interiors and lighting as well.