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On the fence about buying one. My layout has 36 diameter curves. I think it will take O36 curves based on experience with other Lionel engines like the SRR PS4 4-6-2, PRR K4, and even the PRR M1a 4-8-2 that would navigate O36. I know you have to be careful on what cars you pull behind it (short wheelbase) but the leading wheels are small in diameter and think it will. If any one is in the position to test my theory I would appreciate. I realize you would need the version with the 6 wheel trucks.

Last edited by ns1001
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I have been waiting for this engine to be released again since last offered in 2001. In 2000 the J3a and four passenger cars were sold as the 100 anniversary set of Lionel trains. Thought the tooling might have been damaged or something and as it was most likely made in Korea. The classification light was also argued at that time. I think of it as an O scale version of American Flyer J3a that came out in 1939-1940 in 3/16 scale but ran on O gauge track until after the war. By 1946-47 all the real J3A Hudsons had been updated with larger tenders and a new feedwater system which significant altered its front end appearance. So post 1947 J3a with the originally feed water system apparently did not exit for long if at all. But the bottom line is I wanted on for 18 years so will buy one and wish for the best.  

GregM posted:

I talked with Pat at Pat's Trains today, 11/21/19, he stated that this J3A Hudson with the standard tender will negotiate O36 curves.  He also said that with the PT tender, O54 curves are required, which is why the owners manual lists O54 as the minimum curve.

What I feel lionel should do is list the minimum curve for the 6 wheel tender and have a separate requirement for the PT tender. I think a lot of people (including me) didn't know that the 6 wheel tender model can do 036. Could generate more orders for a model. 

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