You know… In the long run Bachmann EZ track is almost the most expensive track out there.
To the original question, I have 3 of the BLI AT&SF 51xx class Northerns and a NYC Mohawk. I haven’t tried to run them on anything as small as 22", but they do look a little too large (as in goofy) when going around the one 28" radius curve on the club layout.
The tighter a radius a big model is designed to go around the sloppier the drive mechanism has to be.
If you want a steam big engine to run on 22", why not try a bachmann 2-6-6-2? They have 2 types, a USRA and a C&O H-4. Supposedly they can go down to 15"
Well I don’t know the details of all the regulations or laws that may have been in place over the years, but here in the US passenger steam trains often traveled at much faster speeds than 79 MPH. That was kind of the point to taking the train - it was fast and comfortable compared to cars or buses.
In 1927 the PRR’s Lindbergh Special hit speeds of 115 MPH between Washington DC and New York on this very same line near me that the Acela runs on today.
http://www.rrmuseumpa.org/about/roster/e6.shtml
Even our local Interurban line that ran between Washington, Batimore and Annapolis ran at speeds above 79 MPH from the teens until 1950.
Sheldon
Let’s get back on topic for a minute, guys. 
Here’s the final question…(keep in mind that BLI’s webpage says that the minimum recommended radius is 18")…Does anyone have any proof, whether it be from using the engine yourself, or through pictures/videos, or just from plain experience in model railroading and BLI engines, that the Broadway Limited Imports J Class 4-8-4 engine can handle Bachmann EZ Track 22" radius curves easily without derailing?
I’m literally going to the hobby store tomorrow. The guy only has a few of the engines in stock and he said that they are selling like crazy at his store and from his main suppliers. I need to make a decision tonight. Thank you all so much for the help you’ve given me so far, but it comes down to the question that I just posed above. Anxiously awaiting responses! 
Go for it. If all else fails and it does derail, just rework your curves to 28".
It has to do with the classification of track. I don’t know exactly what is used to determine rail class other than weight of the rail. I do know that class 4 track is the one limited 79 mph. I don’t know that there is any class 5 track left other than in the NE corridor. The former Santa Fe’s class 5 from Trinidad Colorado through Newton Kansas (during the days of the Super Chief this was known as the race track) was downgraded over a decade ago.
I have two (older) BLI J’s that run fine on tight curves (not sure if they’re exactly 22" because I use flex-track) but some appear pretty close to 22". I do know the J has a drawbar between the engine and tender that EXTENDS around sharp curves. This can make a helluva big difference in some cases!
If You like the engine and can afford it,go ahead and get it,Then,you can find out first hand,about any pit falls you may encounter,what anyone thinks,or knows really doesn’t matter,Your the one that will have to live with your,decision,…
Cheers,
Frank
Portions of the NE Corridor are currently Class 7 track good for 125 mph.
Design speed is related primarily to horizontal curvature and superelevation of the outside rail. Also, proper compaction of the subgrade (which can be measured with nuclear density gauges), type and spacing of ties, tie plates, etc. all play a role.
The former PRR from Harrisburg to Philadelphia was recently upgraded with concrete ties to allow 105 mph running. The state of PA spent $80 million for the upgrade.
John
I have the following list of BLI engines and run them all on 22in radius EZ track, at all speeds with never a problem.
4-6-4 Hudson
N&W J
Prr T-1
ATSF 4-8-4
PRR M1A///M1b
So far if they say 22in radius they will.
Bob
Bob, The J Class that you have…does it ever have problems where the driving wheels grind against the curves?
I’ve got a BLI 4-6-4 Hudson and it handles all of my 18-inch curves with no problem. This is an older one I bought 6 years ago.
Hey guys!
Thanks to everyone for your advice and pictures. I just wanted to give y’all a heads up on what I ended up doing
I went to the hobby store today and saw the J Class (in all it’s glory). As much as I wanted it, I was too concerned about the radius of my track curves. So I decided to just buy some new track. I bought 4 packs of the 26" EZ Track to use on my outer mainline. I was going to go with the 28" curves, but I didn’t want to get them and then not have room for my 2 crossovers and power tracks to go in between the two ends of the oval. If it looks like the 28" curves will fit without any problems then I will buy 28" curves to use on the outer mainline and then replace the 22" on the inner mainline with the 26" I bought today.
All in all, I’m definitely happy with my decision. And to make it better, I was able to put a firm down payment on the new BLI 4-8-4 Niagara engines that are due to come out in August. I can’t wait to get it in!
Thanks again for all of the discussion provided here. I’m learning more every time I talk with you guys, and I know I can always count on solid information from everyone here.
I think you made a wise decision, anoles. [tup] Hasty ones - more often than not - come back to bite you in the rear end. (Been there; done that) And the broader curves will really enhance both the operation and look of your layout.
Keep us posted on your progress…
Tom
The S1b Niagara is one of my favourite steamers. BLI did a good job on their original Paragon model released in about 2004 or so. They released a BlueLine series with only a DC sound decoder in them in 2006, but then returned to Paragon2 for their third (?) run. I think you’ll grow to admire and enjoy this 4-8-4 very much. Good decision on the wider curves, BTW.
Crandell
Thanks guys. I’m really looking forward to getting home and installing my new curves. I remember when I first saw the Niagara engine…I thought it had a “grand” look to it. I didn’t realize that BLI was releasing one so soon. So I’m extremely excited about this purchase. I’ll make a new post once more of my purchase comes in.
Good choice on the bigger curves. You’ll be much happier, now that you won’t have to worry if any steamers will derail or not.
Good choice on that Niagra too, its a good lookin gal.