Bachmann 2-10-0 & 4-6-0: run well on 18" curves?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone tell me how well Bachmann's Spectrum 2-10-0 Russian Decapod and 4-6-0 run on 18' to 15" inch radius curves? I am using 18" curves but may got to 19" or 20" inch curves. Do the two engines operate well on 18" curves and all sizes of HO scale switches? I do not want to buy any of them if they appear to be too big for 18" curves.

[Anonymous]

The 4-6-0 should be o.k. But the 2-10-0, I'd don't think it could manage them very well. If a 4-8-4 can barely make, I really don't think a Decapod could do it. Maybe you should try 22" curves.

[nfmisso]

The Bachmann Spectrum "Russian" 2-10-0 is a very small locomotive, actually smaller than the Spectrum 2-8-0. It will do okay on 18" curves, but that is the about the lower limit.

I suspect that you will have trouble with either on 15" radius curves.

It is rigid wheelbase and clearances that govern how tight a radius a locomotive can make. The wheelbase of the Spectrum 2-10-0 and 2-8-0 are about the same, the 2-8-0 has drivers that are about 20% larger diameter.

[AggroJones]

The Spectrum Decapod has a blind center driver, so it can take 18" radius. It does make it around the 18" areas of my layout. 15" might be a problem.