These photographs show my MTH Premier ATSF 2-10-4 Texas-type #5012 steam locomotive on Atlas O-54 curved track. I used a plastic triangle set against the side of the engine and a steel rule to measure the overhangs.
The 2-10-4 Texas-type cab overhang is 1-23/32 inches measured from the (outer edge of the) outside rail compared to 1-13/16 inches for the 4-8-4 Northern. Thus, the cab overhang of the 2-10-4 is 3/32 inches less than on the 4-8-4.
The 2-10-4 overhang at the pilot truck is 1-3/16 inches compared to 1-3/8 inches for the 4-8-4. Thus, the pilot overhang of the 2-10-4 is 3/16 inches less than on the 4-8-4
On the 2-10-4, the third driver is completely off the inner edge of the outer rail on the O-54 curve. This is consistent with the longer rigid wheelbase of the 2-10-4 compared to the 4-8-4.
It appears that the front and rear trucks have adequate range of motion for both models to operate on Atlas O-54 curved track.
Thus, based on cab and pilot overhang, it appears that the 2-10-4 has better turning performance than the 4-8-4 on Atlas O-54 curved track.
MELGAR
