best size steam loco for 18'' radius turns

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have a small model railroad I am building and have 18" radius turns. My son wants a steam loco and I would like to know what would be a good size loco to run on the 18" radius turns. Thanks Joe

2

Since 18" is small I’d recommend a 2-6-0 or a 2-6-2. A 2-8-0 is another good possibility, but check the manufacturers description to make sure. For passenger engines a 4-4-0, 4-6-0, or a 4-6-2 should work. Bigger engines are often manufactured to work on 18" but don’t look right and may have to be run at slow speeds.
Enjoy
Paul

3

These will all do 18":

Spectrum 2-8-0
Spectrum Russian 2-10-0
IHC 2-8-0
IHC 2-6-0
Spectrum 4-6-0
IHC USRA 2-8-2A
IHC USRA 4-6-2A

4

I have some tight turns and questionable track especially at the top of my mountain. I have found the Rivarossi Heisler to be very sure footed and reliable, not fast but lots of rod action. The MDC shay is also a good performer but you have to build it yourself.

5

And that’s a problem? [:-,]

I’d probably stuck to a 2-8-0 or smaller on an 18" radius. it also depends on the type of Steam you want. are you interested in early wood burners, mid coal or late coal burners? Personally I think the early wood burners are great for kids, they’re usually very colorful and brightly decorated, of course there’s also the mid-coal Circus trains that are lively colored, but just don’t seem to have th flare of the early wood ones.

Jay.

6

You don’t mention either the age of your son or the scale of the layout so I am doing a bit of guessing. If you are in HO and your son is over the age of about 10, I would say any 4 or 6 coupled power would be alright for operation and looks.

Stay away from anything larger, though the manufacturers say they will negotiate 18" radius, children tend to operate engines at high rates of speed and derail frequently on tight turns.

Good Luck

Randy