Chessie M1 Steam Turbine

[Anonymous]

I noticed that Overland is releasing the Chessie M1. Due to it's extreme size, how difficult would this model be to operate? Or would it be more of a static display?

[Anonymous]

Hello,
I am just recently finding out that precision built (less tolerances built in)locomotives, such as Broadway Lim PRR 4-8-2, do not handle any rail irregularities well. While a Bachmann standard 4-8-4 tootles around the layout without any problems, at all.
Denis[:)]

[Anonymous]

riverhill,

Hello, I prefer to have the M1a (BLI) tool around the track that is in good condition. It is a awesome engine.

Even more awesome is good trackwork.

Cheers.

[bobjgroton]

A number of years ago someone imported a brass C&O turbine (don't know if it was Overland or someone else) and one of our club members brought one into the club and ran it on our layout (42-inch minimum radius, good trackwork). It seemed to run pretty well -- think big diesel in terms of tracking since it consisted of a number of "trucks" rather than a long rigid steam locomotive wheelbase. Provided your trackwork is smooth and meets whatever the minimum radius recommendation is for the M1, you probably won't have any problems. Like any brass locomotive with a "tender" you may need to ensure the locomotive-tender drawbar (if there is one) uses a hole that will NOT cause the locomotive and "tender" to short-circuit by touching. Your biggest challenge may be if the engine tries to meet another train on a doubletrack curve and the overhang at the ends of the engine causes "sideswipes" on the other track.

[Anonymous]

I had witnessed this availible for O Gauge at a GATS several years back. The asking price was way beyond the people that was attending that day.

Also check any signals and trackside objects that may interfere with this engine. Perhaps your power supply as well.. I dont know what it will demand on the electric supply but one can give this a try.

Or even better would be a owner of one of these models can hop on here to give us the low down on the model.

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

A 42" curve is pretty generous so I would think that a 36" or maybe even a 30" curve would work well too. As has been noted before check the drawbar spacing. Enjoy the M1 they haven't been produced that many times and the prototype didn't last long.
If you want to know more about turbines try to find a copy of Classic Trains with a cover shot of the M1

[TrainFreak409]

I would think a minimum 36" and #8 switches. I would say the same things as everyone else, note the drawbar, and the overhang.

It must be nice to be able to afford one of them, I wish I could. I love turbines.

And, technically, it isn't a Chessie M1, it is a Cheasapeake and Ohio M1, numbers 500, 501, and 502. I wonder how the M1 would look with the Chessie cat and paint on her?

~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~