Hey guys I'm thinking about getting a 4-6-4 or something of that size for my layout that has a radius of 9 3/4 and wanted to know if that works.
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Famaz00Hey guys I'm thinking about getting a 4-6-4 or something of the that size for my layout that has a radius of 9 3/4 and wanted to know if that works
Without some modifications to the engine, that may be challenging. Bachmann lists minimum radii for its current N scale steamers and all are 11¼” or larger. While some of them might be coaxed around 9¾” curves, the 4-wheel leading and trailing truck versions might be especially finicky. The only real way to know for sure on your trackwork would be to try it – as long as you can return the engine for a refund if it doesn't work.
Some older models may get down to 9-10" radii. There was an old ConCor 4-6-4 that was reputed to go around 9" radii in a Model Railroader review. But that's porbably very close to the limit.
Finding a way to broaden the curves would be a big help in terms of appearance and performance.
I have neither N scale steamers nor curves that sharp to test, but others may have more direct experience to share.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
Edit: I just remembered and re-read an MR (4/96) review for the excellent KATO Mikado (2-8-2), which also claimed a minimum radius of 9". So it may be possible, depending on the quality of your trackwork.
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Famaz00 Hey guys I'm thinking about getting a 4-6-4 or something of that size for my layout that has a radius of 9 3/4 and wanted to know if that works.
I know first hand 4-6-2s,2-8-0s, and 2-8-2s can go around 9 3/4" curves.
I don't think you will have any issues with a 4-6-4..
My first N Scale loop layout feature 9 3/4" curves and I used Atlas light 4-6-2s and several 2-8-2s. That was my one and only steam powered N Scale layout. I built several N Scale diesel powered switching layouts starting in '68.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
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I built several layouts in N scale that used 9 3/4 inch radius curves in the 80s and 90s. Back then I had a Bachmann 4-8-4, a Kato PA-1, and a Model Power RSD-15. These were my largest locomotives, and all of them would go through 9 3/4 inch radius curves without any problems at all. None of my Micro-Trains freight cars ever had problems.
I have been told by current N scalers that all current equipment, except for Scale Trains locomotives, will run through curves as small as 11 inch radius.
Have you experimented with your 4-6-4 on this size of a curve?
-Kevin
Living the dream.
[quote user="Famaz00"]
ave a Christmas display layout
cuyamaI just remembered and re-read an MR (4/96) review for the excellent KATO Mikado (2-8-2), which also claimed a minimum radius of 9". So it may be possible, depending on the quality of your trackwork.
I can confirm that! Also, Kato´s C62 4-6-4 negotiates a 9 3/4" radius curve.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
A trolley will handle that radius no problems
So i talked to my dad a while ago and he told me that the Curves he used where a combination of 9 3/4 and the 11 ish ones but for the most part he used whatever he had plus some he bought for the layout that i was given for Christmas many years ago and needed to do it cheap as it was during the recent days when people where losing their jobs. Also i have tryed multiple 4-6-4 and they do work so that is a good thank you all for the responses