SteveyDee68 Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 I wonder if anyone could advise upon the minimum radius these models can take? Planning a set track radius 1 curve for my dockyard shunting layout, but want to double check before laying and before purchase of said loco ... I realise the originals were ideal for tight curves and hoping the model likewise. (I suppose the same question applies for the Heljan Class 07 diesel). Thanks for any advice. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EWS60065 Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 24 minutes ago, SteveyDee68 said: I wonder if anyone could advise upon the minimum radius these models can take? Planning a set track radius 1 curve for my dockyard shunting layout, but want to double check before laying and before purchase of said loco ... I realise the originals were ideal for tight curves and hoping the model likewise. (I suppose the same question applies for the Heljan Class 07 diesel). Thanks for any advice. Steve 24 minutes ago, SteveyDee68 said: I don't have one myself but I do also have a small radius 1 section on my railway. I would have thought they would be OK on 1st radius, I've seen several videos of them on tight radius curves, and with the wheelbase being very short, you could probably get away with it. It may mean that you won't be able to fit some of the extra details like steps and pipes etc., but it'll probably be OK. I don't think it's a question of whether it'll get round, just how well it'll do it. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 1 hour ago, SteveyDee68 said: I wonder if anyone could advise upon the minimum radius these models can take? Planning a set track radius 1 curve for my dockyard shunting layout, but want to double check before laying and before purchase of said loco ... I realise the originals were ideal for tight curves and hoping the model likewise. (I suppose the same question applies for the Heljan Class 07 diesel)... The problem with this question is sample variation. Both the models mentioned can definitely be got to run reliably round UK set track R1, and I write that not owning either, and only a brief acquaintance with the USA tank model. But they may need a little fettling to get there. Small variations in gauging of the wheelsets, and the parts connected to and around the wheelsets and their assembly, that constrain flexibility - specifically the full side to side movement of each axle - may need to be attended to. You might find there's no trouble at all of course, but I would check very carefully from the underside that all the rods will clear each other, crankpins and fixed structures, with all the wheelsets at their maximum sideways travels, front and rear full left, centre axle full right, and vice versa, before running. An example: when the Bachmann WD 2-8-0 was released (now 20 years ago!) I was asked to see if I could get that running reliably around R1. It would go round, but was noticeably a little rough (audibly grumbling) on the curve. Two of the plastic brake shoe mouldings were a just a little too close to the wheel tyres. An invisible paring away of the concealed face of those brake shoes, and it sailed around. (Several hours running might have worn the clearance into the plastic parts.) 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edge Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 I’ve got a Mehano kids set that I use to test locomotives which has sub r1 curves. Pleased to report that my NCB USA went round without the slightest difficulty- it has a very short wheelbase so there are no issues there. 1 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dublodad Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 My USA's run perfectly on Hornby Dublo standard radius curves. These are 15 inch radius, so are slightly "freer" than radius 1!!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveyDee68 Posted October 17, 2019 Author Share Posted October 17, 2019 Thanks for the replies - I guess my wallet is going to spring a leak to the tune of a USA tank and a class 07 in the next few days! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveyDee68 Posted October 25, 2019 Author Share Posted October 25, 2019 Lovely USA tank in my possession! As reported elsewhere, my overblown efforts have been massively cut back so I won't need to worry about curves for now, but I can confirm that the loco runs beautifully even over secondhand insulfrog points (medium radius) so will be a star performer on my quayside layout (when I build it!) Thanks again for all the advice. Steve 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Graham_Muz Posted November 26, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 26, 2019 (edited) They happily run though Peco small radius turnouts and Ys along with at least one short radius curve on my Canute Road Quay layout. Edited November 26, 2019 by Graham_Muz 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveyDee68 Posted November 28, 2019 Author Share Posted November 28, 2019 Thanks for the information, Graham - have to admit to being a little star struck to get a message from you, as Canute Quay is one of my major inspirations! If my layout turns out half as good as that, I'll be a very happy chappie indeed! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerzilla Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 Ah - an SR one! I waited too long to buy one of those, they sold out and I got a black N class instead. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Graham_Muz Posted November 28, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 28, 2019 (edited) 15 hours ago, SteveyDee68 said: Thanks for the information, Graham - have to admit to being a little star struck to get a message from you, as Canute Quay is one of my major inspirations! If my layout turns out half as good as that, I'll be a very happy chappie indeed! Gosh totally no need to be star struck, feel free to fire me any questions anytime! Edited November 28, 2019 by Graham_Muz 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Graham_Muz Posted November 28, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 28, 2019 3 hours ago, rogerzilla said: Ah - an SR one! I waited too long to buy one of those, they sold out and I got a black N class instead. This is also a Southern one but repainted and modified to represent No 72 as first in SR service with the only modification being the fitting of side windows. 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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