Toy train operating and collecting

 I would love to add a 736 Berkshire to my layout, but I have mostly 027 track except for my passenger line that has 042 curves and no switches. Can I run this engine on my 027 section with 1122 switches? I notice the two center driving wheels have no flanges. Will this allow it to navagate 027 track? I suspect the problem will be the switches.

 Thanks

Terry,

          I think that the long wheelbase of the 736 will make operation on 027 curves difficult if it is even possible. I've never tried running my 736 on anything other than 031, so I can't be 100% sure.

I have the 726 Berk and it does run on my O27 layout satisfactorily.  Care needs to be observed as it travels through switches -  speed restricted zone is enforced to avoid any derailments.  The 726 is probably one of my favorites of my collection.  1947 vintage is matched up with a 1997 Railsounds diecast tender, so there is a bit of weight going thru those O27 curves...

I have a 726 engine that I use on 027 track with 1122 switches with no problem.  I don't see why a 736 shouldn't negotiate the switches.  

As I stated in my previous reply, I have a 726 which I use on an 027 layout and using 1122 switches with no problem.   The 736 however has magnetraction, and it got me thinking of the cintered drivers.  Using my Greenbergs's Repair Manual, I tried to see if I could determine what difference there may be between a 2035/2046 cintered driver and a 736 cintered driver with regards to flange.   I couldn't.   However reading the section on 736/746, it is under the 746 that it says the motor on the 736 is identical to the 746 motor.   Later it says the size of the locomotive makes it unsuitable for use on 027 layouts, as the collector rollers will short the frog rail to the swivel rail when negotiating curved switch branches.   I haven't experienced this with my 726, but before taking my thoughts based on my 726 experience, I would want to hear from someone who has experience of a 736 using 027 and 1122 switches.

alank:

...before taking my thoughts based on my 726 experience, I would want to hear from someone who has experience of a 736 using 027 and 1122 switches.

I've been doing it since at least 1972, no problems with 1122E switches, sometimes the running gear will bop a housing on an 1122 switch.  No damage, though.

Rob

Generally, steam locomotives have an easy time with the switch machines on 1022 turnouts and 5121-5122 turnouts with the flag removed.  The bottom inch or so is all wheels, which tend to stay with the track.  I run a Big Boy through O27 turnouts with no problem.

The 736's pickup rollers are unfortunately not between the flanged drivers, which is the ideal location for them because it keeps them right at the center of the track, no matter what the curve is.  They are each a little forward of the drivers; so the wander away from the center rail somewhat on curves.  This can cause trouble on O27 turnouts; but I don't know how serious it might be with this locomotive.

my 736 (and all my Postwar steamers) run fine on my O27 tube track and 1121,1122,1024, and manual Marx switches.