N Scale steam on 9 3/4" radius.

[Idaho83815]

Hello,

I have built the Scenic Ridge layout and want to use a Steam Locomotive.  I would like to add DCC and sound.  I have looked at the 4-8-2 Light Mountain but heard they are iffy on the tight radius.  I heard the heavy mountain might work better, is this true?  I suppose my next choice would be the 2-8-0.  Any input or suggestions that would help better define my choice?  Again the radius is my key concern, 4% grade would be next issue. 

Thanks!

David

[taz-of-boyds]

The 4-8-2 might look pretty awkward on 9 3/4" curves, the 2-8-0 and shorter loco's should not look so out of place.

Charles

[GlennW]

You may want to modify the layout to take 11" curves & grades below 4%.

You will be restricted to 4axle diesels. You may need 2 motors for the steep 4%, or use a cheater boxcar.

[TCWORLD]

the 2-8-0 is a great puller. The one i had could pull 5 box cars up a 6% grade. And it shold be fine on the radii you are using

[Idaho83815]

Thanks for the replies so far.  Glenn, I appreciate your input, I only wish I could modify it but I have laid the scenery etc....  This was my first project and I am learning a lot.  Next time I will go for less grade and larger radius.  Cant tell my wife I am starting another project quite yet....

[James in FL]

Of the two, the Connie is the better puller out of the box.

The 9.75r for the Light Mountain is really not a problem but combined with the 4% grade it would be.
A paper shim or small piece of tape under the bearing blocks of the traction tired driver will make it a much better performer.

[Robbie]

I run a Kato Mikado on 9.75 with no issues.  Athearn Big Boy does it, but if the 9.75 is more than one or two Snap-Track curves long, front tender truck comes off.....

If I can get my 4-8-2 fixed, I'll let you know how that is.  As it is now, it appears to track pretty well.

I can confirm that a 2-8-0 runs well on 9.75--the local Ntrak club has a module with a 9.75" loop(possibly even less) and a 2-8-0 runs constantly around it.  Nice solid little engine.

[Idaho83815]

Again thanks to all for the help.  I went with the 2-8-0 and am having sound and DCC installed.  I cannot wait to run it.  I have a dcc diesel but my scene cried for steam and having sound is going to be great fun. 
Thanks again, i will keep you updated.
David

[GlennW]

You could always use a diesel helper. Check out any of the LL cab units, either the Alco FA 1 or 2 or the FM units. An ABBA set will pull anything on your layout. You could also use them for your heavy coal/grain trains. Just be sure to get a split frame unit. (For the money you get 4 motors pulling a freight).

If you prefer EMD power, you could also find ABBA sets from the FT, F3, F7, etc from MTL, IM, Kato.

[brokemoto]

The consolidated is the better puller and will look and function better on the tight radius.

Walthers sells a USRA 0-8-0.  I do not like mine, but others like theirs.

Athearn sells a nineteenth century 2-8-0 and 2-6-0.  They are copies of the old MDC design. They are good on tight curves, but the four per-cent grade is going to be a problem for those.

The SPECTRUM 2-8-0 is the best pulling of the small to average sized steam locomotives.