Steam for an 18" radius

[Margaritaman]

Hi,

What steam engines equipped with DCC and sound can handle an 18" radius?

I have one 18" curve in a tunnel, absolutely love steam, love Tsunami sound, and now need some options.  Oh ya, lazy and prefer an engine with everything installed.

Thanks!

[Guilford Guy]

Spectrum-2-8-0, 4-6-2, 4-4-0/4-6-0 when they arrive.
P2k- 0-6-0/0-8-0, I've heard the 2-10-2 will but I wouldn't recommend it.
Athearn- 4-6-2, 2-8-2
IHC, pretty much any steam, although they won't track on code 83, and the 2-10-2 may have some trouble.

[SteamGene]

Anything larger than 2-8-X will look poorly on 18".  Of course if it's in a tunnel, appearance doesn't matter.  OTOH, avoid something that might derail in a tunnel. 
Gene

[Margaritaman]

Thanks for the quick responses gents.

That was the reason for putting the 18r in the tunnel was to hide it.  I saw the Spectrum 2-8-0 with sound today.  Almost bought it, but hesitated.

So if you guys think it will handle the turn the we'll go for it.

BTW, the trackwork is perfect.

Thanks

[grumpy]

A Challanger  from Athern runs very nicely on 18" curves.  A Bachman 2-10-2 runs well on 18" curves . Most of the geared engines will run on 18" .
Don 

[Yampa Bob]

I have several Spectrum 2-8-0, they run and look great on my 18" track.  Of course I'm a Bachmann fan.
Bob

[SteamGene]

Grumpy, the Athearn locos, like the Rivarossi, and some of the BLI, I think, are designed to take 18" radius to improve sales.  So will the Bachmann 2-6-6-2.  But they look awful on such a tight radius.  Notice I mentioned that.  I'm not sure the Bachmann 2-10-2 will take 18" - the 2-10-0 does, but it's a much smaller engine.
You are right, geared locos will eaily take 18" radii.  But remember, those are not designed for mainline service at all. 
Gene

[Margaritaman]

What about the Spectrum 4-8-2 Heavy?

[Pacific Northern]

What about the Spectrum 4-8-2 Heavy?

The Spectrum 4-8-2 Heavy will not, however the Spectrum 4-8-2- Light will take the 18" curves.  I have a pair of these and they are great engines both in running characteristics and their appearence.

I am unsure if the Bachmann newly released 2-8-4 Berkshire will take the 18" curves as well. Perhaps one of the readers will advise on that aspect.

[SteamGene]

If I had an 18" radius to test it on, I'd let you know.  However, I don't think I saw a 22" or bigger warning on mine.
In a tunnel you will need to consider overhang.  It may track, but can it traverese? 
Gene