An Empire State Express on 0-31 Track?

[Anonymous]

I loved the Empire State Express shown on this months issue of CTT. However, the $1000 price tag is a bit much so I looked at the older model of this made by MTH in '99. The engines look much the same, with the exception of protosounds and some minor details. However, I noticed that the '99 model can run on 0-31 curves and the one on this months cover requires 0-42. Can someone explain this? Is the 0-31 train just smaller in scale? Or do the trucks operate independently? I should also note that I have seen allegheny's, MIkados and berkshires made by K-line that run on 0-31 track as well, but from looking at the engine in the ads, I just can't see how it can be done. The engine looks too long!