Lionel G gauge Polar Express question.

[wm #734]

 Does anyone know if Lionel's G gauge R/C sets will run on Playmobil plastic track? I know that they are both G gauge, but I'm concerned about the tight radius of the Playmobil track.

[two tone]

Hi    It depends how many wheels the loco has  if 0-4-0 it should go around  but 2-6-0 or 2-4-2 or 2-8-0 or 4-6-0    no you will be asking for trouble,  All G gauge locos need metal track  I use LGB had it for over 5 yrs no problems even moving track when I change layout design as layout grows       Hope this helps

[wm #734]

 That's not what I asked. I wanted to know if the Polar Express berk, which obviously is a 2-8-4, would run on Playmobil's RC track.

[wm #734]

 Could somebody please find out what the G-gauge Polar Express's absolute minimum curve is?

[PJM20]

Your question has already been answered, the Polar Express Berkshire will not run well on the Playmobil track. A Berkshire is a big locomtive and it needs large radius' that Playmobil does not offer. Hope this helps. - Peter

[cabbage]

Well I can do the maths for you if you like.... Assuming G1MRA std wheel and 1mm gauge widened track on cornering (as per G1MRA) -gives you a radius of 2.685 metres. This will of course be consistent with a fixed axle chassis -I do not know if there is any side float on the central axles. regards ralph

[Rene Schweitzer]

You might try calling Lionel and asking them, 586-949-4100.

[wm #734]

The polar express berkshire used in the RC set only has the 4 outer drivers flanged. And has anyone that has answered these questions have any experience with playmobil track?

[cabbage]

Well if the central axles have flangless drivers then the minimum diameter, (assuming G1MRA), becomes 2.174 metres. I have no experience with the track mentioned. But from the figures I think you are going to have to accept a 8 foot minimum curve for whatever track supplier you use... regards ralph

[wm #734]

 I don't know about 8 feet. I don't think you guys are taking in mind that this is not an electric train, but an RC train running on batteries. I doubt that a set made for 6 year olds would require an 8 foot diameter.

[ttrigg]

I was going to stay out of this one because I do not know the radius/diameter of playmobile track. I also have no idea as to the track gage, is it 45mm? I have the set you are asking about (or a variation of it) and tried to run it on 32-inch diameter circle. It had a tendency to jump track after a few minutes. It would try to climb from the start, but would stay on for 1.5~6 minutes before jumping. If playmobile is 45mm and has a diameter of over 32 inch, I would say go for it.

[cabbage]

All of my locos are radio controlled and run on batteries. They run on 32mm and 63.5mm gauge track. The longest 32mm gauge loco is 115cm long and takes 60cm radius curves. The longest 63.5mm loco is 82cm long and takes 2.2 metre radius curves. I have done the maths for you based on the information that you provided. regards ralph

[wm #734]

ttrigg

I was going to stay out of this one because I do not know the radius/diameter of playmobile track. I also have no idea as to the track gage, is it 45mm? I have the set you are asking about (or a variation of it) and tried to run it on 32-inch diameter circle. It had a tendency to jump track after a few minutes. It would try to climb from the start, but would stay on for 1.5~6 minutes before jumping. If playmobile is 45mm and has a diameter of over 32 inch, I would say go for it.

The playmobil track is G gauge 45mm track, and is definitely larger then 32 inches. The playmobil track is pretty wide stuff, I'd say around 40 - 50 inches.

[ttrigg]

wm #734

ttrigg

I was going to stay out of this one because I do not know the radius/diameter of playmobile track. I also have no idea as to the track gage, is it 45mm? I have the set you are asking about (or a variation of it) and tried to run it on 32-inch diameter circle. It had a tendency to jump track after a few minutes. It would try to climb from the start, but would stay on for 1.5~6 minutes before jumping. If playmobile is 45mm and has a diameter of over 32 inch, I would say go for it.

The playmobil track is G gauge 45mm track, and is definitely larger then 32 inches. The playmobil track is pretty wide stuff, I'd say around 40 - 50 inches.

Once again I say: Go forth young man and enjoy.

[pimanjc]

I don't know the radius of Playmobil or the Lionel track.  I would guess an easy way to find the minumum radius curves for the Polar Express would be go to Target.  They sell the PE sets and supplemental track sets.  Check out the radius on the supplied track to find the minimum.

JimC.

[vsmith]

I can't comment about Playmobil track diameter as I've never used the stuff, but I have a Lionel "Christmas Story" set which is the same 2-8-2 battery powered engine as the Polar Express set, it runs OK on my LGB R1, 48" diameter track. As most Scientific/ NewBlight track is actually a little wider in diameter than LGB track, I suspect you will not have anymore difficulty using plastic NewBlight track than you would with brass LGB track. Its cheap and easy to find on Ebay and will also run Playmobile stock no problem. 

Heres a suggestion, take your Playmobil track, make a circle, and measure the diameter from centerline (between the rails) to centerline, if it is 48" or greater your OK, if its less than 48" then your going to have trouble.

[kstrong]

 The Playmobil track is around 4' diameter.

Later,

K