Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone knows the overhang of a big boy going around 22" radius curves.
I would like to know because when I get one I DON’T want it to run into a wall on a curve.[banghead]
Thanks in advance,
Mark
Depends on who made the model.
Rivarossi/Hornby.
The absolutely best way to find out is to put it on a track with equal curvature and measure the overhang - ideally with the exact loco you intend to run.
A true Mallet-type semi-articulated is the worst-case scenario, since the rigid rear engine shoves the smokebox WAY out there. Big Boy, with its long (for an articulated) rigid wheelbase, might be the worst performer in this respect.
In my case, the worst overhang on the roster belongs to a GG-1, so that’s what I use to make sure that relay boxes, fenceposts and so on are sufficiently clear of the curve. If that monster can get by, anything I own will be happy. (For the inside of the curve it’s a tossup between an auto rack, a container car and a DD51 class diesel-hydraulic.)
Chuck
Count on one inch from the outside edges of the rails, both inside and outside the curve. I just measured my Lionel Challenger’s overhang on a true 22" curve, and it is very nearly one inch at the rear corner of the firebox on the outside of the curve, and is just over 5/8" on the inside. The Big Boy will probably be somewhere around that figure, too, but err on the side of caution and make your clearances 1.6".
I do agree with Chuck, though, there is no real substitute for an actual measurement.
Another thing…if you change the portal opening to accommodate the Big Boy’s overhang, remember the portal at the other end of the tunnel and also remember to measure for running the loco in the reverse direction.
Yeah I know.
The portals are on flex track tho, so I dunno if it will work.
I think I’ll go ahead and build the tunnel, then I’ll use part of a brace/wall thing that holds dirt back (sorry I don’t remember the name…) and I’ll splice it in between the halves of the tunnel. That SHOULD work…
Two ideas, create the portals out of paper till the B.B. arives or band a pair of Mikes tohether (lead w/out tender to get an idea.) Don’t forget you need more room if your track is at any kind of lateral tilt which shuld be there if you are running B.B.s, try to save you a bit of living he**, never fun to wach one be dragged out by Funits becouse it derailed in a tunnel where they couldnt reach it. Cause of derailment high speeds and 27degree curves. I love train shows where they let the public run trains.[B)]
I already have one portal.
Lateral tilt? do you men superelavation? (AKA outside rail higher than insde rail?)
Mark