Challenger track radius

[jacon12]

A newby question,


The Athearn, HO Scale, UP 4-6-6-4 Challenger , what is the smallest radii curve a locomotive like this should be run on? Is 18 inch muuuuuuch too small?
24 inch hopefully?
I think it's a beauty!
Jarrell

[Anonymous]

Per MR Jan 05, "18", but 22" radius is recommended.
The Athearn manual" Front & rear engines both pivot in order to manage 18". We
strongly recommend to operate on at least 22"

The language is similar for the Lionel Challenger.

[jacon12]

Ok,
thanks Chuck~
Jarrell

[Anonymous]

The Challenger will take 18" ok, but it looks and runs much better on 22" or larger.

[Fergmiester]

I've "squeezed" mine up a 17" radius super elevated curve, which was on a 8% grade .

Needless to say it didn't look graceful but it worked.

Fergie

[johncolley]

48" is good! 72" is GREAT!

[jacon12]

"which was on a 8% grade ."

Wow!

[Anonymous]

It will definately run on a tighter radius than that which looks correct. 18" is doable, from what I've read, but if it's at all like my Lionel HO Challenger, 18" would look way out of place for one of these beasts. The appearance would not be at all prototypical.

[dinwitty]

I think you will find most commercial models will take 18" radius as a standard. But try a Bowser Big Boy,,...sorrrrrry

My South Shore NWSL Little Joe is 26" minimum, and the layout will match to that minimum.
barring restricted areas it cant/wont run where my 700 class will run... 8-}

[Train 284]

I would say no less than 22"