4-8-8-4 curve radius

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have rivorriosi big boy and I am not sure of the curve radius I can run her on if anyone can help I would be thankful atsf1

2

[#welcome]

Big Boys are hogs and though they can do 18" you will find that they are more realistic on a 30" + radius.

Hope your here for the long haul

3

Yes, BB’s can take 18"s, but 22" would be better. 18" will strain it severly, and if I can barely get my 4-8-2 around an 18", I’d say a Big Boy’d be better on 22" or 20".

4

I have a book that gives minimum radii for various prototype locomotives.
The Big Boy is shown as 288’, with 3/4" gauge widening. This is assumed to be at dead slow speed in the shops. (HO equivalent about 40").