I’m thinking of buying an HO Proto 2000 USRA Heavy 2-10-2 but Walthers website doesn’t say what minimimum radius it will handle. Anybody know? I’m using code 83 track.
FYI - Walthers says it will handle 18" but I’m skeptical
IHC says the same thing about their 2-10-2 - I find it (the IHC) runs fine on 22" but has issues with 18". Not sure how similar the 2 locos are though. The IHC has blind drivers.
I depends on the driver wheelbase. If drivers are to a scale 69" in diameter, it will almost certainly not accept 18" radii. If it is a smaller wheelbase, like the decapod (and I just learned this a couple of weeks ago), no probs at all.
I would be inclined to accept Walthers’ claims, but they must expect your tracklaying skills to be pretty decent. If your curves are level, no vertical kinks or horizontal ones to temporarily throw the rates of curvature toward the tighter side, then it will probably take 18" curves as claimed. It will look odd, to be honest, as the overhangs will be glaring, and you may not be able to run it through those curves at more than a scale 30 mph.
The other side of the answer to this question is always to encourage the modeller to find another 2" of radius. Cheap fudge factor, better running, more room to upsize with larger steam later, and better looks…if modestly so.
MRR’s “Product Review” of Broadway Ltd’s 2-10-2 says that 22" is recommended radius for their 2-10-2.