I am looking into the Bachmann 2-8-0 Consolidation as my next engine purchase. What is the minimum radius of the 2-8-0 wheel arrangement? All that I have on my layout is 18" radius since it is only a 4X8 Layout. Any answers would be appreciated!
[(-D]
An 18 radius might be a bit tight for that one!
I have one of the Bachmann 2-8-0s. It runs very smoothly and goes right around an 18" radius without a problem.[:D] If you get one, it should serve you very well.
I have several Bachmann Spectrum Consolidation and they do 18" radius technically fine. But you should know it looks awfully!
May be an early diesel (e.g. Atlas H600) fits your layout better?
Trainzman, should track fine. I am guessing this is your first steam engine? One thing I will warn you about. Steam Engines will find every flaw your rails may have. Some people when they have a problem with a Steamer tracking figure it because the turns are to tight. Make sure the rails are even at joiners, try to make sure there no dips in the rails.
Most manufacturers will list the radius there engines will handle. I have followed there guide lines and have ran big steam around 18 inch turns. They do look better on bigger turns, but you do what you got to do.
All so welcome to the site.
Cuda Ken
I originally had an 18–22 set up
The 2-8-0 ran on the 18 no problems as did my 2-8-2
BTW You can easily get a 22 inch radius on your 4x8
I had a 4 x 9 1/2 and ran an 18 and a 22 with 2 inside sidings off the 18
Hi!
Lots of good comments so far, and let me add…
I got my first Bachmann 2-8-0 decades ago! At that time, I was running 22 inch radius with some 18 inch, and a lot of # 4 turnouts. The loco ran great, but of course looks better on wider radius track, and as someone indicated, it will be more finicky than the typical diesel. They are usually harder to maintain, and if you have any track problems, a steam loco (with lead/trailing wheels) will find them.
That being said, I’ve got two of the newer Spectrum 2-8-0s now, both DCC. For the money, they look and run just fine. I can’t find any fault in them, and enjoy watching them move cars around.
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
I second Ken’s comment. I have a 22" minimum and a friend’s 2-8-0 found soldered joints out of gauge on a curve in my flawless trackwork. I am now (1) waiting for my P2 2-8-2 with baited breath, and (2) rethinking “flawless.”
Rick Krall
My first attempt at a layout included 22,18,and 15 inch radius curves. Though the 15 was tight, the Bachmann loco went right around it. The rolling stock behind it looked a tad silly but hey, you do what you have to do. I wouldn’t worry about that locomotive going around 18’s.
I have a couple of Spectrum 2-8-0´s as well, one of them is 12 years old now…
I ran them on my previous layout that had 16,5" curves with easements and had no problems with them.
I have noticed however that the newer Spectrums require a lot more running in to perform good than the older ones.
I’ve got a Spectrum 2-8-0 and can attest to it handling 18" curves without too much drama. The only problem I had was with the front truck of the tender derailing. A little fiddling with the drawbar and some weight over the front truck took care of that. My trackwork is far from flawless, closer to horrid but hey it’s the PC…
I have had some problems with Peco # 4 right hand trailing point turnouts. For other reasons, I am converting to # 6’s but, I am pretty sure my problem was one off and correctable. Peter Smith, Memphis
Most comercial RTR locomotives are built for 18 radii or less.
I have several of the Spectrum 2-8-0s and I have to say you will not have a problem with 18" curves. These are great and smooth running locos. I had one with a troublesome pilot truck. I added a little weight to it and loosened the screw just a hair. It runs fine over my less-than-perfect track.
I have run a consolidation on 18" radius fairly well, unfortunately it does not look very realistic though
Hi!
The Bachmann 2-8-0 has been around in one form or the other for a good 40 years. It is a good buy for the money, and has come in many formats over the years. I currently have two with DCC, and they are fine.
You know, I believe this is the most produced model steam loco out there, and its longevity attests to its desireability over the years.
Yes, they can easily do 18 inch curves. They do much better on larger radii, but you should have no problem with the 18 inch.
ENJOY!
“Awfully”! Maybe awfully good would be a better description. Yes, that’s a tight radius, from a prototypical stand point. However the guy was asking if it would work, not if he should skip buying the Bachmann 2-8-0 and buy a diesel.
NP2626,
Good comment,buddy,But I believe,‘‘faraway’’ is indeed,faraway,at least three years away…He He…
Cheers,
Frank
TRAINZMAN,
My one friend recently purchased a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 that he converted into a Ma&Pa locomotive. (As I recall, he made it into a model of the first #26, which was then sold to the C&IW.) His 4x8 layout has 18" mainline curves, and the locomotive runs fine.
If you’re referring to the Bachmann Standard 2-8-0 that has the same frame as the 2-8-2, I believe that Bachmann’s recommended minimum radius is 18".
S&S