What size Radius Should I use for a 4-8-4[?]
Which 4-8-4 model? Bachmann GS-4? Rivarossi FEF-3? BLI 3751? Bowser fictional? Brass?
Bachmann’s Northerns can take down to 18", but this stresses the hell out of them and it looks rediculous. Try 22" or larger.
I run my Rivarossi FEF on 24" radius. No less.
BLI ATSF 3751 is scheduled to be able to take 18". Thats what the website says. But minimum should be 22".
Brass would vary. I think in the area of 32" radius or somthin’.
The bigger the better!
According to an old book I have, a N&W class J can be coaxed around a 477 ft radius at slow speed with 3/4" gauge widening.
A Santa Fe 3765 takes 573 ft, while a CNR U1f will take 360 ft (but it’s only a 4-8-2)
(477 ft is over 65 inches in HO scale).
Check the NMRA website for recommendations for eight-coupled engines. Will also depend on whether the locomotive has blind drivers.
Randy