Got the “G” layout in for the grandson and I to enjoy, so now I am in search of enlightenment. Basics are it is somewhat of a funky dogbone with 48" curves and a couple of R1 swtches to facilitate a passing siding. Currently the loco roster consists of an older Bachmann 4-6-0, displaced from Christmas ops by my “O” scale, and a LGB 0-4-0.
I want to add a couple of more locos, preferrably steam, to the roster but find ones that work well with the small radius and have a proven track record. Potential config’s are:
4’ diameter curves, forget the 2-8-0 unless it’s LGB. As you wll probably gather fom this I do like LGB and I can recommend the LGB starter set that contains their 2-4-0 and a couple of coaches or goods wagons, the loco is superb, as is their forney, I have the C&S 2-4-4, again superb. There’s still plenty around so you should have no trouble finding some, it’s also made with kids in mind, very robust. I hope you both enjoy, get it out into the garden as quick as you can, if it’s not already there.
Both LGB and Bachman are great recomendations. Lgb is rather pricie, (from MY experence) but well worth it. Bachman is exelant quality (from MY experence) but olny there shay’s, the 45 tonner, and a few others will fit your curves, and run well. And at the cost of being taunted outa here, Lets not turn this one into a company debait, please?
I would recomend that before you go into more building of layout you change your points/turnouts to R3 this will allow at a later date if you wish to run large locos IE Bachmann 2-8-0 or LGB also with larger curves you do not get so much over hang of coaches or wagons on curves. This is my point of veiw but you may be happy as you are [:)]
As a result of the location where I set up the track, w/o major hardscape changes I am limited to the 48" curves. The two I already have perform flawlessly, I would just like to be able to add a couple more for variety. Actually this can be considered a blessing in disguise. I already have a mini-fortune in my “O” scale loco’s, this way I won’t be tempted to buy the hi-end “G”. This will be strictly an analog system with the smaller loco’s and rolling stock that my grandson and I can enjoy. If they ever put in a “G” layout at the museum then I might be in deep kim-chi. [:D]
0-6-0, Who makes one today??? the old Lionel will work, the Accucraft one is over a grand and need wide radius, USAs is also a grand and need wide curves, there pending small tanker also is something like 5 foot diameter recommended, but we dont know if it will work on R1, thers no logical reason WHY an engine this small shouldnt, but logic is often a 4 letter word these days…
2-4-0, LGBs? Yes , HLWs Dutchess Yes
2-6-0, LGBs Mogul yes but I’ve heard it prefers 5 foot diameter. Bachmann’s Indy, Yes, if you can find one! Bmann’s Spectrun 2-6-0, no way.
VSmith wrote “…Anything by LGB but smaller models always look better.”
This may be the single most important statement posted to this thread. With 4 foot curves, a tight area in which to operate your layout, small (read that - “short”) cars and engines will definitely look better and have more “charm” than trying to run American standard gauge profile main line engines and cars. The longer cars will overhang terribly if they can negotiate the curves at all. The longer engines (other than LGB) won’t even negotiate the curves for the most part *(exceptions have already been posted above).
All I wanted to do is echo VSmith’s statement and emphasize the “Short” aspect. European narrow gauge style freight and passenger cars (a la LGB and a few other mfrs) were custom-tailored for such layouts. LGB starter sets always have the shorter cars whether European or American outline. There are also a limited variety of short cars from other mfrs which others have or will tell you about.