What radius track would be minimum for F3 AA operating in your opinion?
Thanks.
dkvt87, welcome to the forum!
What does the F3 require? That would be the minimum curve you can use. Depending on how much room you have will give you how big you can get. I think bigger curves look better but it all depends on what you have room for. The biggest I can fit are 54" curves. Know what your minimum is and then see if you have room for anything else.
Tom S
If postwar it’ll probably be ok on O27 but more than likely O31 will be the best minimum. Many of today’s scale engines require O72. I have a set of scale E8’s that I use on O72, and occasionally on O64, and there is a noticeable overhang on the curves.
I believe postwar f3s were designed to run on 027 and 031 but they definitely do look a bit better around the larger curve of 031 or larger.
I really love these engines. THey are so well made even with the growl of the original horizontal motors.
Mike S.
Lionel postwar F3s with vertical motors will just clear the O27 switch machines. I believe that the earlier ones, with horizontal motors, will not.