"big boy" radius

[blueriver]

I am designing a new layout and will be purchasing some HO scale "Big Boy" locomotives. Before I do, I need to know the minimum turning radius of an HO scale big boy locomotive so I can plan accordingly. Will someone let me know what it is?

Thanks.

blueriver

[Anonymous]

According to the April 02 edition of MR, the Trix BB can operate on
"18 inch radius although with considerable overhang as the instruction
booklet warns".

www.trixtrains.com

Other MR reviews also state that the the Riv Allegheny & LL 2-8-8-2
will also operate on 18" however IMO this is too restrictive.

Since you are in the planning stage, the bigger the better. Don't settle
on the Minimum.

[Eriediamond]

Blueriver, We operate bigboy and other articulateds on our club layout routinely. We have 22" radius curves on it and they give no touble there but will say they have a lot of over hang even on 22" curves. A thought for you here. Make sure you make considerations for this over hang when doing your senery[:)][:)]

[Fergmiester]

I also have a Rivarossi BB and it can negotiate 18" curves. However the track has to be perfect and as stated by all above it doesn't look good.

If you have doble track you will also have to account for the the overhang and body length so you don't take out any cars/engines on the other track.

[Eriediamond]

Good point Fergie!!!!!!!!!!!!

[blueriver]

Thanks for all the responses. I will plan for as big a curve as possible in the room I have. Thanks for the information.

One more question for Eriediamond. Where is your club located? If it is in the area close to me, is it possible for me to visit and see your layout?
Thanks.

blueriver

[Anonymous]

Big boys look horrible on anything less than 36" curves.

[Budliner]

I have 18'"
I have the cab foward I say go with 22" or bigger

[AggroJones]

Yup. If you have a 22" loop and 24" paralleling. You won't be able to run anything on the adjacent track.