Lionel PWC Super O Hudson Set- Anyone have it?

[LS1Heli]

Quick question for you operators of this wonderful set. Lionel states that this engine is for 042 or wider radius.

This set has the same 773 that ran on O and Super O (31" and 36") in the PW era. My question is does the engine really need 042 OR is the only reason it needs that is because of the diecast 700E tender that comes with the set? I doubt there have been changes done to the design-but you never know?

I never ran the engine and do not to scuff or break anything by trying it on FasTracks 36". I do have the optional 773W tender so thats not an issue.

Any thoughts?

[Jim Rotella]

I purchased this set last winter and I tried to run the engine and tender through 022 switches a few times to see if there would be a problem. The problem is not with the tender but with the pilot truck. The pilot truck doesn't swing out as far as the original 773s' does and this can cause the pilot to jump the track on 031 curves. The slot on the bottom of the pilot can be filed and opened up a bit more to allow the truck to swing farther out which will enable the engine to travel through 031 curves. I'm not sure about running this engine on 36" FasTrack curves, but I did run mine on 038 Super O curves and had no problems. I like to mention that I've really enjoyed this set. I think it's well worth the money.

Jim