Excuse a newbie for asking a question that probably is simple, but here goes!
I am starting a new layout, (have not had one in 30 some odd years, was a child then) My 4x6 space can only use 18’ radius track, before I waste money,
what types of steam loco`s and rolling stock will work well on this size layout?
Thanks in advance.
stay with small loco’s no bigger than a 2-6-2 and 40’ rolling stock…they handle 15" and 18" rather well…anything longer and your asking for a derailment…my layout has nothing less than 24" and the norm is 30" radius but i like running SD equipment and rolling stock in the 50’ + range…chuck
Overton passenger cars in the earlier steam of the 1900 time-frame, 40’ boxcars, flat cars, etc. and HO scale locos with RP-25 wheels of in the range of 0-6-0 to 4-6-4, theoretically. You will probably have little trouble with some smaller-drivered 2-8-0s a 2-8-2’s, but you won’t be able to use the 69" and larger drivers on eight-coupled locos.
[#ditto] You can fit 22" on a 4x6. If you buy deisels, stick with 4 axle units.
ok, do I even have the radius correct? I am using atlas sectional track, and the curved ones have 18" printed on the bottom. There are two parallel ovals, the outside oval will have a 9" straight section between the curves. Where can I read about this? Most books I have read seem to take it for granted that you know this info?
Thanks again
go to www.atlasrr.com and look at all their track plans…you are ok with the 18" radius and you can go as low as 15" but be aware that these radii are minimum and longer rolling stock won’t work with radii under 18"…
Thank you for the response! I have learned so much in just one day!
Depends on what type of rolling stock you are going to run. I have a Trix 300 ton hot metal car ,with 16 axles that will take a 18" to 24" radius. Thats in the mill of coarse, outside the mill track radius {was…in the process of rebuilding the mill and layout} 24".
Go with what brings joy,after all thats what this hobby is.
Patrick
Beaufort,SC {In the bowels of the southeast }
Dragon River Steel Corp {Served by Norfolk Southern }
{ In the process of making even more HO scale steel by the mega-ton !!! }
Go with a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 or IHC 2-8-0 or IHC 2-8-2 for your first steam locomotive. The Spectrum model has much better detailing.
For frieght cars, stick with 40’ and under; Athearn, Bachmann Silver Line, Accurail, MDC-Roundhouse are good for starters.
22’ for me and 2-6-2’s are good and my favorite.
I’m doing a mining layout in HO and run 18" curves on a 4x8’ layout.
No six axle truck I’ve tried will stay on the curves. However., all four axle rolling stock, up to an 11 inch military flatcar with dual four wheel trucks on each end has no problems with the turns.
In some cases, the scenery (tunnel walls) will cause a problem through overhang, but not the turn itself.
I run steam and diesel, up to a 2-8-0 Spectrum Consolidation, and all four axle diesel, without problem. In fact, all the locomotives, with the exception of the Consolidation, will traverse the 15 inch radius spur system without problems as well.
With long pieces you will see potentail overhang problems, but with four axle trucks, and/or medium to small steam locomotives, they track itself won’t be a limiting factor. Appearancewise, it’s your call, but physially, it will function.
I just got my track laid and have 18" radius thoughout. I bought an engine online and it ended up being 6 axle. I didn’t really think about it… It will sometimes make it around my layout but not consistently. So if you are using 18" I would definately stick with 4 axle engines. (that is 4 axle in diesel, I’m not sure in steam)
Thank you all for your advise! These forums have been awsome! I have got the answers to questions I did not even know to ask!