I have just start an HO 100 scale on a 5 by 9 platform. Have two main tracks with the inter track having some spurs. Most of the curves are 18" radius or 22" radius but do have a couple that are 15" radius.
I looking for the right type of engine to run. I am going to use DC and would like the basic sound but am not going to get into the real fancy stuff.
I don’t really understand the difference between the engines that have 12 wheels vs 8 wheels. The used train set I purchase several years ago uses an engine with just 8 wheels and I think that would be an ok type. But I think the new engines are better.
I am a retired BNSF person and of course would like a BNSF engine(s) but again am not looking for somthing really fancy.
Any suggestions? Thanks
I would suggest getting rid of the 15" radius track. There aren’t many 8 wheeled locos that will work on it and no 12 wheeled ones that I know of. Moreover, it will severely limit you on what rolling stock you can use. My curves are all 18" radius so I generally don’t run anything over 60’ length.
A small switcher (Alco S-series, or EMD SW) will have no problems with the 18-inch curves. Even an F unit or GP would be fine. I don’t know about 15-inch curves, since my minimum is 22. Smaller than the Alco or EMDs would be Athearn’s “Hustler” switcher, or one of the Model Power ‘train set’ switchers.
Good ole’ Al seems to be back in all his radiant glory!
I added a short spur track to a 4x8 layout about a million years ago. The last part was two 15" radius snap track sections. 40-50’ cars got parked there with no problem and my two axel switcher got them just fine. My GP38 ran up to the end, but if it tried to push a single car to the end the car derailed. I tried to park a passenger train in the siding, no luck with that either.
Most of the MR reviews list a minimum radius and many 6 axel diesels do run on 18" curves but have the same problem of wide overhang. A small layout doesn’t really do them justice(my opinion only). I am actually thinking of putting my very first train set at the back of my layout with a 15" radius loop at each end just to show it off as opposed to running it among the “working” operations segment of the line.
Big steam locos, challengers, Big Boys, etc, would be heartbreakers if you tried to run them on small layouts.
Where’s Al?
I just bought the Broadway Limited SW7 with sound for less than $200. The sound is great and it runs on my tight curves. Though I now run DCC, I have a BL steam engine with sound that I ran on DC and it was great as well.
I agree with above that to get rid of the 15 inch curves would make the future more fun. Either Snap track at 18" or flex track is pretty cheap at flea markets in code 100. You will be glad you switched down the road.
most 4 wheeled truck engines can handle 15 inch radius, my lifelike 0-8-0 is 15 inch friendly.
I may be planning industrial areas using 15 inch. for mainline tho, based on your scheme 18 or 22 inch is better for your main. But if your making a backwoods logging it wont matter much, you’ll go 15 inch on the main thru them mountains.
Hi There
Now since you like BNSF, and have those curves i would suggest a Atlas Mp15DC
With sound this costs $250, but you can get a Quantum Engineer to operate the sound for $60
Atlas is one of the best
Tjsingle