I just purchased my first Lionel train set the Santa Fe Flyer Steam Locomotive. I would like to add a diesel locomotive to my set. I understand you have to consider turning radius. Does anyone know what if any diesel loco’s will run on the current fastrack layout I have it is 40 by 60. ??
Thanks.[:)]
Most Lionel diesels can negotiate O-31 curves, so your 40" x 60" oval should be sufficient. Most Lionel, MTH, K-Line, Weaver, and other Atlas diesels will list the minimum radius required. There will be some larger engines that may not make it around a 40" curve, but most O-gauge diesels will. Be warned that larger engines may look a little less realistic making sharp turns on a tight curve.
I would strongly recommend getting a Lionel and K-line catalog before purchasing anything. Some hobby shops give them away free (others charge the retail price of about $5) That way you can decide what you want and get it locally if available or mail order it in.
K-line makes a nice switcher for about $70 street. You might also consider the “Beep” from readymadetoys.com for an inexpensive “toy” looking diesel.
Good luck and have fun!
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A crude rule of thumb you can follow is the price point. An $800 diesel is a lot less likely to be able to negotiate your Fastrack’s O-36 curves than a $150 diesel. You still want to double-check the specs, but the $150 diesels are designed to be sold as upgrades to people like you who just bought a train set and want another engine; whereas the $800 locomotives target the person whose primary concern is scale realism and detail.
That said, even a lot of the diesels in the $600 range can negotiate O-31 track. Anything that can negotiate O-31 or O-27 will have no problems at all on your Fastrack. I don’t think you’ll have any trouble at all finding a diesel that you like that can run on what you have.
Many, if not all, of the manufacurers have their catalogs available on-line. Here are some sites:
www.lionel.com
www.mthtrains.com
www.k-linetrains.com
www.atlasO.com
www.weavermodels.com
www.williamstrains.com
Welcome to the Forum, and enjoy your new train![:)]
I agree with DAVE F, the more or high end deisels cost the less likely they will negotiate that curve. Lionel has the Lionmaster series that is real good at that curve and they are able to take tighter curves. Most K-line engines can take that curve and if you buy into their club they have a very good SD70 with TMCC cruise control all the bells and whistles for about $275. Also try Williams they have a bunch of diesels to take various curves.
Laz57
Here’s to consider, those who buy $800 diesel locomotives probably have the money to buy more track than someone who buys a $100 diesel locomotive, thats why they try to make cheaper locomotives negotiate the tight turns.