Locomotives & rolling stock for 15" radius

[wallywaldau]

Which Bachmann locomotives easily handle the 15" radius? I plan a long L-shaped switching layout and I only have 32" for the loop. I assume the GE 70T and 40T are OK. But is there anything bigger among the F, GP, SD, etc that will still be at home on a 15"R? For rolling stock, I plan to stay in the 40' category and smaller. Are there any older passenger cars that would be OK on the 15"R?

[the Bach-man]

Dear Wally,
The small switchers are clearly your best bet. Possibly you can use streetcars for your passengers.
Have fun!
the Bach-man

[wallywaldau]

Thanks for the streetcar suggestion. But what, if anything, is in the "small switcher" category besides the 44T, 70T, Plymouth and the 0-4-0? Would the SW, NW, RSD diesels in other lines be OK?

[Beatle (TrainBrain)]

Well, if it's logging/mining, a shay.

Other than that, yeah, small switchers.

[SteamGene]

switchers are designed to handle small radii turns, after all. 
Gene

[Conrail Quality]

If you want more variety than just switchers, an Atlas AEM-7 can handle 15" radius. It's been discontinued, but if you serach online, you can still find unused AEM-7's in SEPTA and MARC paint (you have to go to train shows or on ebay to find the more popular Amtrak or NJ Transit versions).

[RAM]

any SD  would be out.  I think any road power would look out of place.  SWs might work.  I think a 4-4-0 would work.

[martin_lumber]

I believe anything that Bachmann makes (70t, 44t, streetcar,) has been mentioned except the Spectrum 0-6-0T and the 4-4-0

Other than that...

MDC EMD Model 40
FDT Trackmobile (Yes, I have seen a trackmobile pull a regular train)
Proto or Athearn SW600, 7, 9, 1200, or 1500

My 2 cents

Phil

[ray46]

Something no one has asked; if you're building a small L-shaped switching layout, why do you need a return loop?  eliminate that and you could probably build curves that would handle almost any piece of rolling stock.  As far as locomotives, since it's a switching layout you probably wouldn't see any C44-9W's anyway.  Stay with switchers, GP's and maybe an SD40-2.

Ray

[kevin2083]

If possible, try to work in a wye instead of the loop, since the locomotive is probably what you need to turn and not the cars.

Just my thoughts. Ignore if you want.

[willb]

you don't have to limit yourself to a logging or coal line if you want to use a shay.   several were used as industrial switchers when their original owners' lines were abandoned.

[Nigel]

Something no one has asked; if you're building a small L-shaped switching layout, why do you need a return loop?  eliminate that and you could probably build curves that would handle almost any piece of rolling stock.  As far as locomotives, since it's a switching layout you probably wouldn't see any C44-9W's anyway.  Stay with switchers, GP's and maybe an SD40-2.

Ray

On the local UP - CP transfer in Shakopee/Savage MN I have seen GP38-2, SD40-2, SD90/43MAC, Dash 8, Dash 9 and GE-AC units.

[RAM]

 The Kansas City Southern used a shay to switch in downtown Kansas City Mo..

[wallywaldau]

The layout is an L Loop with many drop off points. I just like to run the trains around - drop off & pickup - then run around some more. Thanks for the specific suggestions - especially the AEM-7.

[Guilford Guy]

The layout is an L Loop with many drop off points. I just like to run the trains around - drop off & pickup - then run around some more. Thanks for the specific suggestions - especially the AEM-7.

Although an AEM7 may negotiate 15" I doubt amfleets, especially with close couplings will.