Not sure what kind of train to get

[Anonymous]

I am opening a shop and plan to install a suspended G scale track around the perimeter of the shop.  I am confused about the differences in the engines.  Some are 4-4-2, 4-6-0 and 4-6-2.  What kind is best for this situation?  The track will be installed around 90 degree corners.  Thanks for your help!

[altterrain]

What to get will depend on your the style and era you are looking to model. You mention steam locomotives and they span over a 100 years of production. Your other consideration is track diameter especially since you are working inside. The minimum is a 4 foot diameter but will limit your choices.

Bachmann and LGB offer a few choices that will work with 4 foot diameter track. Most are narrow gauge 1:20.3 and 1:22.5 scale. Bachmann has their geared steam locomotives - shay, climax and heisler and their ten wheeler (4-6-0) and porter (0-4-0) which do fine on tighter curves. They also offer 4-4-0's, 2-6-0, 2-8-0 and a few others that like bigger curves. LGB engines are all designed to run on tight curves but the german part of the company is having major financial trouble.

Hartland Locomotive Works also makes 1:24 scale narrow gauge locomotives that work well with tight curves.

The 4-6-2 and other big locomotives made by Aristocraft and USA trains are later era standard gauge steam in 1:29 scale. They usually require 6.5 to 8 diameter curves to run.

The 4-4-2 was made by Lionel in 1:32 scale but has long been out of production.

-Brian 

[two tone]

Hi KooKoo As already said you need to think of space small loco`s 0-4-0 will go round radius 1 curves but 4-6-0 or 2-8-0 need min of radius 3 curves. If you put them on smaller curves the wheels screem when they get warm with fricton, so plan with care and enjoy it

[vsmith]

While 4' dia is the minimum, 5' dia is also fairly easliy acommodated indoors.

LGB sells a resonable looking 2-4-0 w/ tender loco set that would be a good choice for an indoor overhead layout using 4' Dia curves.

Bachmann's 4-6-0 will also do the 4' but a 5' dia would be better.

Aristo sells a little narrow gauge2-4-2 thats 4' operable

Best suggestion is to ask, What do you like? Standard Gauge or Narrow Gauge? Steam? Diesel?

When you have a short list of locos and manufacturers, then ask here whether it would be a good choice for 4 or 5' dia curves.

[dwbeckett]

The type of shop you are opening may dictate what era of equipment you use. a candy store would use britely colored cars. an auto shop would use shays or climax's showing off all the gear's. the list go's on & on. So if i may what kind of shop is it ? 

[piercedan]

For constant running, I would try to keep it simple and use the 2 axle type of engines.

 These engines are very forgiving of track defects and imperfect alignment of the track.

 Also, I would use rail clamps even though you are indoors and I have metal wheels to improve the weight of the cars thus decreasing derailments.

 I have the 2 axle LGB D&RGW diesel and find it to be a very good pulling engine.  Also, the USA trains 20 tonner is go

 LGB makes many 2 axle steam engines.  

 Your choices are steam vs diesel, and American vs European. 

 IF it is an ice cream shop, then Trainworld has a great deal on the Good Humor ice cream set with the 2 axle diesel, 1 car and a great looking caboose.

 This deal is so good, you can even think about a repaint of these items.  The set is about the same cost as the #50 D&rgw diesel sold by itself. 

[runawaytrain726]

If your like me, you really like history! then the steam era is the way to go! (but time period?)the old west of course! so engines like 4-6-0 for passenger cars and Porters for the minning railroad of Calico. but if you like things that help out and freight trains, the diesel or modern railroads, freight cars and flat cars, live stock, and box cars, and then some.

i hope my advise made your (discion?) a lot easeir to decide,

Steven