Broadway Limited issues with 18" radius on Woodland Scenics Grand Valley

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi, I recently started model railroading and purchased a kit from
Woodland Scenics for a 4 x 8 layout. This will have 18" radius
curves and turnouts and I have read about issues with this small of a
radius. Does Broadway Limited have any steam locos which will work
better on such a small radius layout?
Thanks, Scott

2

The smaller engines from BLI may be able to. Like the Switcher. The smallest BLI I own is a Heavy Mike and that one wont go 18" 22" is about as much as it can stand. The same goes for the M1a and the Mighty J1. These last two has to be 22" or better. And anything bigger always improves operation and appearence.

Maybe the light mike can do it. I will have to defer this to someone else who may already be getting other BLI engines around 22 or smaller radius.

3

If I can run my Rivarossi 4-8-4 around 18" curves, you should have no problem with a 2-8-2 or a 4-8-2.

4

Just because some of these engines will run on such a small radius curve, that doesn’t mean they will run without problems.
On an 18"r curve a 2-6-0 or a 2-6-2 would look a lot better than the larger engines.
It’s the same way with diesels. A SW or a GP-9 will look much better than a C-449W.
Good luck,
gtirr

5

Have a BLI 2-8-2 Heavy Mike and it makes it through 18" radii turns with no problems at all.

CNJ831

6

Some of the larger BLI steam locomotives ship with a spare set of drive wheels with no flanges so they can be adapted for tighter radius layouts. Your best bet would be to check BLI’s Web site and do some research there, or ask them directly. I have heard that they are good about responding to e-mail questions, although this may be a bad time of year to be asking anyone for help.

7

I have 18in power-lock track for several months now. The BLI M1a and Hudson have had no problems operating on it. It helps if your track is smooth and level.

I also have 2 BLI GG-1’s and they do ok also , i had to modify a freight car with a long shank coupler in order to connect to the train.

My Bachmann light and heavy mountains also operate fine even though they say 22in is better. I think more large engines would be sold if they qualify operation on 18in radius curve.

Bob