Model Diesel Locomotives Having The Front And Rear Platforms Move:

[lionelsoni]

There are a number of prototype locomotives whose pilots were attached to their trucks:  steam-turbine-electric UP1, gas-turbine-electric UP50, the verandas, GE diesel-electric U50, and the GG1.

[Train-O]

Thank you, Lee,

You, also added something to consider.

Ralph

[phillyreading]

This may be but I thought that I would throw this in anyway, I have a set of Amtrac 21 inch passenger cars by Atlas that don't like the MTH FP-40 Amtrac diesel, I put a Reading Lines SD-45 with them and I have no problem. It don't look 100% prototypical but it don't derail on 042 curves, guess it goes back to why do I need a six axle diesel to pull a set of 21 inch passenger cars instead of a four axle diesel? It has something to do with the swing of the engine and the truck assemblies.

Lee F.

[Train-O]

Thank You, Gentlemen for your answers.

I am not experienced at model railroading to know about the technical involvements with this hobby.

I just wondered why the prototype equipment and model equipment differed, regarding the platforms.  I didn't take into consideration the amount of room needed for the models to negotiate curves.

Ralph 

 

[DMUinCT]

I collect Lionel "O", I operate "G" gauge outdoors.

My tightest "G" gauge is made with 8 foot diameter curved track, all main line switches are #6 (3 feet long).    In "G" gauge, MTH supplies for there diesels, two sets of Pilots in the box.  One set can attache to the trucks and swing the coupler for tight curves.  As in my case, with all wide curves, I use the other set that mounts directly to the body giving it a more realistic look.

For Display or wide radius track "G" scale operation, it shure looks better, and what does two hunks of plastic add to the total cost.  It was a great idear by MTH that has never been extended to the "O" gauge product line.

[fifedog]

Quick answer - with a "fixed" pilot, there isn't enough coupler swing to allow operating on smaller radii.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Train-O

Hi, Everyone,

Would someone, please explain:

Why can't model diesel locomotives have their front and rear platforms stay stationary when negotiating curves, like most of the prototypes?

Thank You,

Ralph

Here's a hint:  The famous horseshoe curve has a radius of 637 feet and is probably one of the tightest mainline curves in America.  Divide 637 feet by 48 and that equals about 13 feet.  Not too many people have room for a curve with a diameter of 26 feet, therefore the O gauge track diameter was decreased and the manufactures modified the...................

[Train-O]

Hi, Everyone,

Would someone, please explain:

Why can't model diesel locomotives have their front and rear platforms stay stationary when negotiating curves, like most of the prototypes?

Thank You,

Ralph