j white posted:... When I designed my layout, I tried to make it so that none of my switches used the curved leg as the main line. As a result, almost all of my running of the above engines is through the straight portion of the switches. My last layout wasn't planned like that and derailments were more common ...
J White
That is definitely a good idea, although I haven't strictly adhered to it on my O27 layout for the sake of saving space. Some of my switches needed adjustments for reliable operation. Correct wheel gauge and flange profiles are also factors for locos and trains whizzing through O27 curves and switches.
I favor smaller locos for O27, mainly the common 2-4-2 types. My #333 Marx 4-6-2 does OK on O27 but it would prefer O31 or O34. My 4-axle diesels track well on O27. I would avoid 8-coupled steamers for sure, and anything else with a longer rigid wheelbase, unless you strictly avoid mainline passage through the curved leg of O27 switches, and provide easements for all O27 curves.
