I've been interested in acquiring an MTH Premier Shay, either PS2 or PS3. However, I need some information regarding exactly what diameter Gargraves/Ross track it requires.
My layout is Gargraves track with Ross and Gargraves turnouts. Two of the loops are O54 and the third is O42. The MTH Shays are rated as follows:
- 3-Truck Shays with PS2 are listed as O42
- 4-Truck Shay's with PS2 are listed as O72
- Both 3-Truck Shays and 4-Truck Shays with PS3 are listed as O72, which seems to contradict the above, since the PS2 and PS3 3-Truck Shays appear to be exactly the same physical model.
I know for a fact that MTH O42 RealTrax, which is used for MTH's O42 rating, is actually about 1 or 2 inches tighter than Gargraves O42 curves. In the past, I purchased an MTH Swiss Crocodile that was rated for O54 which has no problem at all on my O42 Gragraves curves.
While I have no idea if this holds true for RealTrax O54 curves vs. Gargraves O54 curves, as well, I tend to think that it does not, since I also have an MTH L-5 which is rated for O54 and will not tolerate anything less than an O54 Gargraves curve.
This brings me to my question. What diameter Gargraves curve does an MTH Premier Shay, 3-Truck or 4-Truck, really require?
I'd speciate any information in this regard that anyone can state with authority.
Thanks!
