On30 2-8-0

[pjf]

Hello Mr Bach Man, 2 questions please.
I have purchased (with no returns) and just received my On30 2-8-0 loco. While opening the package I found a small note saying that this loco "not recommended for curves less than 22". I also purchased E-Z tracks but not received or set up, all 18" curves and turnouts.

Am I in to a big disappointment?

There is no warning or notice regarding this recommendation found on any advertising, descriptions, outside the box or write-ups on this engine anywhere.

Question 2, there are several extra detailing parts comes with this engine including a small amount of black sand like substance.

What is this and how is it used?

[Tim]

PJF

First you posted on the wrong board, should have been the 0n30 board.

Re: the 2-8-0, it will work reliably on 18" radius curves.  I am currrently
running two of them on 18" radius.  The front (pilot) coupler has a large
swing on 18" radius and may cause problems with short cars.  By short cars
I mean cars shorter than 20ft in length.  I have had no trouble with the Bachmann
freight cars.

Tim Anders
Souderton, PA

[pjf]

Hey Tim are you the posting police? LOL
p.s. I do appreciate your answer, thank you.

[az2rail]

The MSR [manufactures suggested radius] for this engine is 22", but they all over rate the radius to protect themselves. The engine will make it around tighter curves, but like Tim just said, you may have problems with some cars.

The 'sand" is accually coal. if you spray some diluted white glue onto your engines coal load, and sprinkle the dust on it, you will get a better looking coal load.

Manufactures do not put in on during manufacture because it would fall off during shipping.

Bruce

[jestor]

Tim, where was it first posted? I only saw the post on this (ON-30) board.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

[Tim]

Jestor

It was posted on the Williams board, 3Rail moved it here.

Tim Anders
Souderton, PA

[jestor]

Tim; Oh I see. Thanks. I guess we live and learn.  I'm not up on some of the acronyms used on the boards.......what does "LOL" mean?

[Linzthom]

LOL = laugh out loud   

[SideTracked]

PJF

Your 2-8-0 may be happier on 18-inch radius curves if you start and end them with easement sections (to simulate a spiral). Bachmann offers several different larger radius track sections.   

Pete

[Tomcat]

PJF,

right what Pete said - use a "transition curve" as we Railroaders say (I´m working for a big RR...), that may solve the problem. It´s that easy: If you use flexible track, start with more gentle curve radius before tighting it up to the 18inch you mentioned.

This issue was shown in several Model Railroader booklets, best try to google it....

Tom

[Joe Satnik]

Dear pjf,

Here is the pseudo-easement recipe for 18"R curves:

33-1/4"R-12 degree section leading into a
26"R-18 degree section leading into a
18"R curve.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

[pjf]

Thank you for all your great suggestions. Will try when I set up my tracks.