DCC and radius requirements for locos

[mcfly5040]

Can you run DC locos and engines on a DCC  layout, and can you run a 4-8-2 locomotive on an 18 inch radius turn? And if you can,t, what is the largest loco you CAN run on a layout with 18 inchradius curves? Thanks mcfly5040

[grumpy]

Yes you can run a 4-8-2 on 18' curves . I am running the Athern Genesis 4-6-6-4 Challenger on my layout which has only 18" curves but some other mfg may not run on 18" curves.
Don

[TonyD]

no idea about dcc, but each steamer takes curves differently, and remember that blind drivers have a purpose -in HO or 12" to the foot...on 18" snaptrack -gosh 40 year ago??? My tyco ten wheeler couldn't do it, my dad and an old uncle had the idea to 'bank' the curves like the real thing, or a race track. Did the trick- laying flex track to 20 inch cured it on the flat. Bought a 2-10-2 latley, took the 18" I still have in sidings no swet. The stiff looking mallets might take a 15", never tried it, but I bet in every lot of models, some will, some won't, but I still bank all my curves, my mainline is 26", still bring one home now and then that can't deal with it without fiddling around with the wheels or pivots-and get an NMRA guage tool- good luck- tony 

[SteamGene]

As stated, some 4-8-2s will handle 18", others won't. The Bachmann USRA light will, the Bachmann USRA heavy won't.  Brass is a whole new trip.  I have a PFM C&O K3 that has a difficult time with 40" radius!  However, to make the locomotive look good, the bigger the radius the better.  I have Walthers heavyweight passenger cars which don't look that good on 32" radius turns when inspected closely.
Merry Eighth Day of Christmas
Gene

[topsir2]

The instructions that came with my new 4-8-2 HVY MNT. that 22" radius is recomended.

[grumpy]

I have a Bachman 4-8-2 heavy with dcc and sound and it runs just fine on my layout . I have only 18" curves.
Don