Side Rod Gas Mechanical

[ray46]

What is the minimum radius for the Side Rod Gas Mechanical Locomotive?
Thanks in advance for the answer.

Ray

[ebtnut]

Essentially, as small as you want.  However, on a more practical level, you should check how tight a curve the loco and a coupled car will pass around.  Short (i.e., 36-40 foot freight cars) can probably handle down to about 12" radius, but again it depends on the models.  Those with a lot of underfloor detail may drag wheels on underbody parts.  You may need to experiment with a length of flex track to see what the practical minimum is.

[ray46]

Thanks for the swift answer.  I have not purchased the locomotive yet, but before I do I need to have some idea of the minimum radius.  Mine will be 15". 

Thanks again

Ray

[jpipkin]

I run a gas mechanical on a 6 inch radius with small 4 wheel cars.  No problems negotiating the curve and the cars will stay coupled.  However it is too tight a curve for the cars to couple on.

Jim