which locmotive

[der5997]

I can recomend the GE 44 ton mentioned above. It's the Bachmann Spectrum series, so not bad quality. Also, if you are in Steam rather than Diesel, the "Docksider" saddle tank 0-4-0 runs well on the 18" radius you have. (Having said that, "runs well" may mean after some tinkering with the power pick up on the wheels, or providing a tender with extra pickups for negotiating turnouts without stalling out. I justified my scratch built tender for the docksider by requiring it to do work out on the main line asa way frieght hauler! ) I used one of those pump type toothpaste dispensers cut in half as the tender water / oil tank. It worked out just fine.
As locomotive3 says, post before you buy, and you can save yourself some grief. Rolling stock,as motive power, that is shorter rather than longer will look better and work better. Shorty oil cars are one solution, as are ore cars. (These are short in the prototype because the ore is heavy stuff.)
Welcome to the hobby, BTW.
Have fun.

[IRONROOSTER]

Check the NMRA page www.nmra.org they have a Standards and RPs section which covers this topic (RP 11) and others. As others have noted, you'll have to use the smallest/shortest locos and cars. The tightest curve is the determining factor, if possible replace your 15" with 18" especially if it's on the mainline. But hey, if 15" is what you have to do to have a layout then go for it.
Enjoy
Paul

[IRONROOSTER]

Check the NMRA page www.nmra.org they have a Standards and RPs section which covers this topic (RP 11) and others. As others have noted, you'll have to use the smallest/shortest locos and cars. The tightest curve is the determining factor, if possible replace your 15" with 18" especially if it's on the mainline. But hey, if 15" is what you have to do to have a layout then go for it.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

The ones that will work best on small radii, will also look best.. have you considered a GE 44-ton switcher ?
This is by Bachmann.
regards
Mike

[Anonymous]

The ones that will work best on small radii, will also look best.. have you considered a GE 44-ton switcher ?
This is by Bachmann.
regards
Mike

[Anonymous]

Six axles are out, so are the new/longer passenger cars. Once you narrow down your search, post before you buy. They are also LEMONS out there. Pls post and save yourself some grief /money. Let this forum work for you. There are over 15 different diesel manufacturers out there.
When it comes to rolling stock, the knuckle couplers and metal couplers are the best performers.

[Anonymous]

Six axles are out, so are the new/longer passenger cars. Once you narrow down your search, post before you buy. They are also LEMONS out there. Pls post and save yourself some grief /money. Let this forum work for you. There are over 15 different diesel manufacturers out there.
When it comes to rolling stock, the knuckle couplers and metal couplers are the best performers.

[cp1057]

I concur with the others that you should stay with 4-wheel trucks on your locomotives, such as a GP or a switcher engine.

Also take care with your rolling stock. On that kind of a layout try to have mostly 40' boxcars and comparable length flatcars, reefers, stock cars and tankers. Long cars on small radius track can cause the couplers to swing out on curves causing a number of problems.

Charles
Hillsburgh On

[cp1057]

I concur with the others that you should stay with 4-wheel trucks on your locomotives, such as a GP or a switcher engine.

Also take care with your rolling stock. On that kind of a layout try to have mostly 40' boxcars and comparable length flatcars, reefers, stock cars and tankers. Long cars on small radius track can cause the couplers to swing out on curves causing a number of problems.

Charles
Hillsburgh On

[n2mopac]

I assume we're talking about HO scale here. Depending upon your era, I would try some EMD GP's. They are preltiful both in the prototype and modeling world, and their 4 axle configuration will run on your 18" rad. curves.
Ron

[n2mopac]

I assume we're talking about HO scale here. Depending upon your era, I would try some EMD GP's. They are preltiful both in the prototype and modeling world, and their 4 axle configuration will run on your 18" rad. curves.
Ron

[ShaunCN]

I would not go with anything over 4 weels per truck . U-28b or f7 locomotives would work fine. Also any switcher engine will also work.

[ShaunCN]

I would not go with anything over 4 weels per truck . U-28b or f7 locomotives would work fine. Also any switcher engine will also work.

[Anonymous]

I'm building my first layout..when i went to the hobby shop to get track i ask the guy about engines..he said certain engines won't run with certain radius....i have mostly 18" rad.. 4 15" pcs.. which engines would run best? (axle wise). thanks

[Anonymous]

I'm building my first layout..when i went to the hobby shop to get track i ask the guy about engines..he said certain engines won't run with certain radius....i have mostly 18" rad.. 4 15" pcs.. which engines would run best? (axle wise). thanks