need help with BIG mistake

[newto gscale]

To start off with iam new to g scale trains.I just purchased a bachmann 2-8-0 no 81296 it is a great engine one that i wanted. my problem is  the train layout that i put in this summer i used lgb track and all of my curves are r1's the 4ft radius curves and this mobel will not run on this tight of turn.which i did not know when i made the purchase. i bought the engine on ebay and now i have a great looking engine and no place to use it.my side yard is only 25 ft by 30 ft that is why i used the r1 curved track.that being said my side yard is too small to use the larger curved track. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated like what is the tightest or smallest curve track that can be used for this engine also i have a lgb mogul that runs just fine on the 4ft curve track.HELP

[GearDrivenSteam]

Resell the engine and buy an appropriate one for your layout.

[tangerine-jack]

You could resell the engine.  Or you could reconstruct the railroad with larger curves.  The first choice is easier, but the second will give you more opportunities in the long run.

Doesn't sound like too big of a mistake to me. 

[Rastun]

The area of 25 by 30 feet isn't to small for larger curves.  If you could redesign your layout with 10 foot diameter curves as your minimum you would be able to run almost anything that is available today. but your basic options are resell it on rebuild one of the two.

 

[ttrigg]

newto gscale
"my side yard is only 25 ft by 30 ft that is why i used the r1 curved track"

25x30 is a Large space.  I vote to rebuild with larger diameter curves.  Large curves will open up a wide range of available equipment that may be used.

[Anonymous]

Mate;

You have been given some good advice, i am with the rebuild your layout group. But i have a couple of things to add.

1/ there is an article around that will tell you how to turn curved track sections into straight track sections. I don't know where the article is but i do know how to do it. That being said if you buy an R3 curve you can use it as a templateand possible turn your R1 curves into R3.

2/ You do have pleanty of space and if you look at using an american double dogbone configuration for your layout you will get the most track practical into this space.

Rgds Ian

PS I would also consider switching to LGB as well their loco will go around anything.

[two tone]

The only bit extra I would add to all the help you have had is to remember how much over hang there is at the front of the loco when going round R1  R3 curves so always allow for this when construting your layout. I can not comment on R5 curves as I have not used them  You have nothing to loose by putting an R 3 template down ans seeing if it will fit     Hope this helps  so keep the trains running

[kimbrit]

Remember that the 2-8-0 consolidation is a big loco at 1:20.3 scale, the majority of other stuff around is 1:29, 1:24 1:22.5 etc. If you are going to stick with narrow guage then the 2-8-0 is grand and rebuild your track - it will represent 3' guage at that scale. However, apart from the new Bachmann box cars that have been built to this scale everything else represents standard guage track and is dwarfed behind the 2-8-0.

If you are going to go for the smaller scales, Aristo, USA, LGB, majority of Bachmann then sell the loco and start again. If you go with LGB then the track you have is fine, personally I use Aristo track because it bolts together for electrical continuity and my curves are 8' diameter. Whatever you do, don't get disheartened, we have all been here.

Cheers,

Kim

[Marty Cozad]

I agree with Raston, its time to grow in the space.  Sale the R1s to another biginner to help them and buy 10 dia. then you can run most anything on it.
Also its NOT called a mistake, its called growing pains.

[Anonymous]

Newto, I was able to cram R2 (5' dia) into my much smaller area than yours.  You might consider Aristo 6.5' dia. (approx. R3) for your layout.  I'll bet the consolidation will run on that.  By the way, in case no one has pointed it out to you, R1 is 4' in diameter, not radius. 

[devils]

i used lgb track and all of my curves are r1's the 4ft radius curves and this mobel will not run on this tight of turn.

R3 4ft Radius (8ft Diameter) should fit in your space ok and the 2-8-0 will run fine on those. Go with what the others say and upgrade the track, you may not fit as much in but it does make it look better. If the loco sits on the mantel for a bit while you afford the track then so be it. Upgrade your curves first and then points later you'll just need to live with it running on the main at first.

With this engine make sure to check the screw in the centre of the main crank regularly, 3rd driving wheel - it's in the hole in the centre of the balance weight when you look at it side on, a small crosshead screwdriver will do. It comes loose and can cause nasty damage to the siderods if the crank comes off, don't overtighten it!

If you have any threadlock you can carefully remove it, don't disturb the quartering though!, and dip it in threadlock and re-secure. Don't try this last solution unless you are 100% confident

[markperr]

a 25 x 30 foot space will handle the largest curved track available, the Aristo 20ft diameter.  That's bigger than anyone would need to run that loco.  As a matter of fact, you could run two ten foot diameter loops side by side in a space that size.  I'd highly suggest getting rid of the smaller curves and moving up in size and this leads to this segway.  This month and next, Aristocraft is offering a buy four boxes, get the fifth for free (actually for shipping).  There is no better time to purchase track, if it's in your budget.  Check the aristocraft website for details.

Mark