4-8-2 minimum radius?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am looking to buy a Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2 and would like to know the minimum radius.This would be in HO.Does anyone know if the center drivers have flanges?
Thanks in advance
Gil

2

I run mine on nothing smaller then 22", on 18" it derails.

yes, every single wheel on the loco has flanges.

Sean

3

I have a Bachmann 4-8-4 Niagara, a 4-8-4 N&W #611(Spectrum) and a 4-8-4 Daylight which all run on the BRVRR which has some 18-inch radius curves. They all run alright, just look a little strange. My BLI Heavy Mike (2-8-2) and Hudson 4-6-4 navigate the layout also, without problems. I did encounter a problem with the Mike early on. The draw bar for the tender must be set in the last (longest) position or there might be binding on tight curves. Once I figured that out, no problems.
Try running your engine on a layout with minimal curves. Most hobby shops have a loop of track to try locos on.
I think you can run the Spectrum 2-8-4 on 18-inch radius track.
Good luck,

4

98% of HO is made to run on 22" radii. Exception is more realistic brass steam @ premium prices which (frequently) need 28" + curves.

Manufacturers in order to run on our unrealistic (spelled ‘toy’) curves have to use ‘hinged’ articulated’s, undersized, wheels, blind drivers, or ecessive sideplay (slop) into trucks.

IF you want to run on 18" radius, why would you care if it has ‘blind’ drivers?

5

MR says the Spectrum 4-8-2s will run on a minimum radius of 22". The center drivers do have flanges. I believe one of the axles is also sprung. So far, the only Spectrum steamer with any blind flanges is the 2-10-2, but that’s because it has so many wheels.

6

Gil,
I don’t know about yours, but mine clearly stated on the inner packaging: “Recommended for 22”
radius curves or larger. Dave

EDIT: Darth, you beat me too it…

7

dont go with 18" it causes the problem in the furture and it makes it look fake and cuts down on realism and if you ever get anything longer you cant upgrade ti cause it will be too late

8

I run my Spectrum 4-8-2 on 18" with no problems. Don’t let the rivet counters tell you it looks stupid, because it doesen’t.

9

For what it’s worth, I have a BLI 2-8-2 that runs just fine on 18" curves. I don’t own any Bachman engines, so I can’t comment on how they run. If you have the space for 22" curves then I say go with them. That way only the largest steamers won’t work.

10

Gil;

Which Spectrum USRA Mountain? The Light will do perfectly laid 18" radius curves, the Heavy needs 22". The chassis are almost the same, but boiler and detailing are different, limiting motion on the Heavy.

11

You can improve the operation on 18" curves by using easements and super elevation, It will look a lot better also.