Will MTH Steamer run on 027 track

I don't think it would

0-31 yes but I am almost certain it won't run on 0-27 curves. Of course, there is 027 profile track in curve sizes wider than 0-27 but I'm going to assume we are talking 027 curves. 

A couple of points...

1) I have the Williams N&W J (Postwar Reproduction). It will run on 027 but has a tendency to derail at certain intervals. 

2) I have the MTH imperial Y6B (2-8-8-2). While this is a much bigger engine, it has the exact same tender used in the Imperial J. It barely makes it around 0-31 and no way, no how makes it around 0-27. 

my Rail King M1a calls for O31, but runs fine on O27.

I ran my MTH RK NYC Dreyfuss on O-27 curves under the Christmas tree for years. Did great.....but that is smaller than your 4-8-4. 

Alan,

   It was a good thought to post and ask everyone here if they knew if that particular engine would run on 027 or not, unfortunately it looks as if nobody owns and runs that particular engine.  Unless somebody comes forward and tells you he runs on 027, you might need to run the engine on your own layout, to actually determine what will happen.  In reality it's the best test any way.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks for the replies thus far.  Not looking good.  A try out of the engine is likely not possible as I doubt the dealer wouldn't want me to take a new engine home from his shop, try it and then return it if it won't run on my o27 track.

I have Ps2 4-8-4s that have run fine on the 027 curves.The biggest issue if its new is the drawbar arrangement now used - I think that will be the deal breaker.

Ask your dealer to put it on o27 curve track and see if the wheels or drawbar bind.  If he doesn't have the track, bring a few sections with you.

George

Thanks you all.  Seems my best bet is to talk to the dealer and see if he's willing to give it a run on some 027 track.

Why not use O31 track instead?

AlanWSNC posted:

Thanks you all.  Seems my best bet is to talk to the dealer and see if he's willing to give it a run on some 027 track.

I use 27" curves at times and always question if engine 'x' will handle 27".  You don't really have to run it.  What I do is, which permission of course, take track with me, set up 3 or 4 pieces, put the engine on it with tender, and while taking the pressure off the wheels by lifting very slightly (to protect the traction tire), see what happens as I pull it around the curve.  Sometimes I will take some straight too to use to put the engine/tender on and then lead that into the curve.

- walt

I have the imperial 611 & I dont see how it would take an 027 curve. I have a mix of 036/048 on my layout & it swings wide w/ the wireless drawbar on the 036 curves I have 

I used to ask this question a lot (can I run this engine on 27" curves) and then realized I need to get wider curves, at least in some places.  Last layout had a few 27" curves, but was mostly O27 34" Marx curves and 42" Lionel curves. For the new layout, I picked up some Lionel 54" curves and K-Line 72" curves in the lower profile O27 track.

Just because you use O27 profile track doesn't mean you're limited to 27" curves. You can pick up some 34" or 42" curves and avoid totally switching over to O Gauge.

I suppose I could modify my layout to accommodate 031 curves at least for the track on which the new locomotive would run.  It would take a bit of reworking, but wouldn't require a major renovation.  Thanks.

AlanWSNC posted:

I suppose I could modify my layout to accommodate 031 curves at least for the track on which the new locomotive would run.  It would take a bit of reworking, but wouldn't require a major renovation.  Thanks.

Remember that O Gauge track (31" or wider curves) has a different profile than O27 Gauge track (27" or wider curves). They don't mate easily, meaning you'll not only be replacing curves but your straight pieces as well.  That's why I suggested used Marx 34" curves or Lionel or K-line O27 track in 42" curves.  With these, you can use your existing straight track and just discard the 27" curves.

Or maybe use 027 profile 31" radius as an easement curve track on each side of the 027 profile 27" radius to ease the locomotive into the sharper elements of the curve.

raising4daughters posted:

I used to ask this question a lot (can I run this engine on 27" curves) and then realized I need to get wider curves, at least in some places.  Last layout had a few 27" curves, but was mostly O27 34" Marx curves and 42" Lionel curves. For the new layout, I picked up some Lionel 54" curves and K-Line 72" curves in the lower profile O27 track.

Just because you use O27 profile track doesn't mean you're limited to 27" curves. You can pick up some 34" or 42" curves and avoid totally switching over to O Gauge.

That is correct. 027 is both a designation for a curve diameter and rail profile. Using lower 027 rail profile track you are not limited to 27" diameter curves but also other diameters up to 72" and straight sections up to 3'. For my permanent layout I'm using 027 rail throughout as a backwoods branch line "fine(er) scale" hi rail alternative akin to my old N scale code 55 days. Add ties, paint the sides, ballast and scenery and it practically disappears and the locomotives look massive in comparison.

PatKelly posted:

Or maybe use 027 profile 31" radius as an easement curve track on each side of the 027 profile 27" radius to ease the locomotive into the sharper elements of the curve.

No one makes 31" curves in O27 lower profile track. Next step up after 27" is 34" made by Mar years ago. Only available on used market. For new track from a dealer, next step up is 42". 

raising4daughters posted:

PatKelly posted:

Or maybe use 027 profile 31" radius as an easement curve track on each side of the 027 profile 27" radius to ease the locomotive into the sharper elements of the curve.

No one makes 31" curves in O27 lower profile track. Next step up after 27" is 34" made by Mar years ago. Only available on used market. For new track from a dealer, next step up is 42". 

Thanks for the correction. I had some nagging doubts typing that but didn't have time at the moment to check some bookmarks. This forum discussion on easements discusses in more detail what I was getting at for 027, and what you correctly pointed out.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...plans-with-easements