Trains.com

MPC 783 Hudson minimum radius question

2229 views
7 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Austin, TX
  • 10,096 posts
Posted by lionelsoni on Thursday, March 1, 2018 8:57 AM

Railroad curves are conventionally described by the direction change in degrees for a 100-foot chord.  This means that the 12-1/2-inch radius of O27, corresponding to a 100-foot diameter in 1/48 O-scale, would be called a "180 degree" curve, the sharpest that can be specified.

Bob Nelson

  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 8,955 posts
Posted by Firelock76 on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 10:12 AM

For what it's worth, I've read almost NO O gauge curve radii match real-world railroad curves, neither 031, 054, 072, or 084 for that matter.

So it you like that 783 and can afford it, go for it! 

Hey, I just got a Rail King Y6b 2-8-8-2, it's 25" overall and I run it on 031.  Maybe not totally authentic on tight curves like that but to me it looks just fine.  I'm havin' a ball with that behemoth!

I found some further information on 783's, but I hope the good folks at CTT don't get mad at me for linking it!

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/lionel-mpc-783-hudson-in-action

 

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 9:06 AM

The 773 was designed when 031 was king. It will run just fine, buy one and enjoy it. One thing to mention here is that it's geared to operate at scale speeds so don't expect it to be a road runner.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • 1,786 posts
Posted by cwburfle on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 6:30 AM

alcofanschdy

Does it look that bad?  Will it not run that well on my layout?  like I said it is 031 and not ever to be bigger radius curves.  I have a train show coming up in my area in a couple of weeks and would be on the lookout for one but if its not going to run right I won't bother

 

All a matter of personal opinion / preference.
I felt there was too much overhang when I ran my postwar 773 on my layout with 031 curves.

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Hopewell, NY
  • 3,230 posts
Posted by ADCX Rob on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 12:09 AM

alcofanschdy
Does it look that bad? 

The "look" is subjective. Only you can answer that. 

alcofanschdy
Will it not run that well on my layout? 

It will run well on your layout.

 

Rob

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 251 posts
Posted by alcofanschdy on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 6:00 PM

Does it look that bad?  Will it not run that well on my layout?  like I said it is 031 and not ever to be bigger radius curves.  I have a train show coming up in my area in a couple of weeks and would be on the lookout for one but if its not going to run right I won't bother

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Hopewell, NY
  • 3,230 posts
Posted by ADCX Rob on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 5:55 PM

O-31 is fine operationally. Aesthetically, O-72 is MUCH better.

Rob

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 251 posts
MPC 783 Hudson minimum radius question
Posted by alcofanschdy on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 5:13 PM

my layout has only has 031 curves, would the 783 be able to run on it or does it need wider radius curves?  Thanks

Bruce

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month