EDIT: Full Scale NYC Steam Engine (O42 Curves)

FWIW, the Williams GG-1 is rated for O42 curves, so I'd probably actually measure the diameter to verify what will and will not run.  There are a lot of steamers that will run on O54 that will choke on O42.  I'd be looking at the MTH stuff for good smoke.

Ponz posted:

I wouldn't mind having a full scale steam engine for my perimeter track.  It's approximately 054 give or take a couple of degrees.  I bent the Gargraves around my stomach and hot water heater during the build. My full scale *Williams* GG1s round the curves just fine, except for one curve that's borderline tight.  Good smoke, whistle and pulling power are most important, along with PRR or NYC road names.  It doesn't have to be high tech.

  

Thanks - Ponz

You could always find a guy with a bigger waist to bend your curves around. At one time I could have helped but I've been dieting and dropped 33 lbs. I'm only good for H.O. curves now. 

The K-Line Scale Hudson will do 031 with the included longer drawbar. Looks terrible doing it but it works.

Pete

Get a RDG T-1 !!  It will run on O-42 and everyone knows the RDG was better than the NYC or Pennsy anyway!!

Just kidding - but I would still follow up on Gunrunner John's suggestion to check the curves!

Important question, command or conventional?  Also, if command, TMCC/Legacy or MTH DCS?

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Important question, command or conventional?  Also, if command, TMCC/Legacy or MTH DCS?

That is still somewhat over my head John.  A good sounding chuff and whistle at the very least.  I'm using one of two original ZWs that I rebuilt.  I also have the additional bell buttons to operate crew talk with my MTH engines.

Ponz

gunrunnerjohn posted:

FWIW, the Williams GG-1 is rated for O42 curves, so I'd probably actually measure the diameter to verify what will and will not run.  There are a lot of steamers that will run on O54 that will choke on O42.  I'd be looking at the MTH stuff for good smoke.

John

What is the formula and how do I go about measuring my curves - please?

John

Ponz posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Important question, command or conventional?  Also, if command, TMCC/Legacy or MTH DCS?

That is still somewhat over my head John.  A good sounding chuff and whistle at the very least.  I'm using one of two original ZWs that I rebuilt.  I also have the additional bell buttons to operate crew talk with my MTH engines.

Ponz

That would be conventional.

Ponz posted:

What is the formula and how do I go about measuring my curves - please?

Formula?  I use a ruler.   If it measures 42" from center to center (or close), then they're O42 curves.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Ponz posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Important question, command or conventional?  Also, if command, TMCC/Legacy or MTH DCS?

That is still somewhat over my head John.  A good sounding chuff and whistle at the very least.  I'm using one of two original ZWs that I rebuilt.  I also have the additional bell buttons to operate crew talk with my MTH engines.

Ponz

That would be conventional.

Ponz posted:

What is the formula and how do I go about measuring my curves - please?

Formula?  I use a ruler.   If it measures 42" from center to center (or close), then they're O42 curves.

But John - it's not a circle. It's more of an oval

Ponz

You are concerned about the sharpness of the curve, so the measurement would be of the curve, here's an example.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

You are concerned about the sharpness of the curve, so the measurement would be of the curve, here's an example.

I get that, but unfortunately I actually have 4 straights and 4 curves adhering to my 8x8 layout

gunrunnerjohn posted:

You are concerned about the sharpness of the curve, so the measurement would be of the curve, here's an example.

I ran a 21" string line and drew an arc on a piece of cardboard.  Brought the drawn arc to the layout and came to find out my curves are only O42, possibly O43

Thanks - Ponz

Norton posted:

The K-Line Scale Hudson will do 031 with the included longer drawbar. Looks terrible doing it but it works.

Pete

Pete - is there any modification that can be done with the drawbar?

Ponz

jhz563 posted:

Get a RDG T-1 !!  It will run on O-42 and everyone knows the RDG was better than the NYC or Pennsy anyway!!

Just kidding - but I would still follow up on Gunrunner John's suggestion to check the curves!

I like the looks.  Can it be had in NYC or PRR?

Ponz

As Pete mentioned, the Kline Hudson will navigate O31 curves with the included drawbar. However, they look silly doing it. Scale Mikados will navigate O42.....but again, IMHO ...they too look silly on tight curves......But, for what your looking to do, most of the scale Mikes will run on O42 and be the lessor of the evil as far as size and track radius is concerned.....there are a couple other scale locos that might make that turn too, it’s all going to be your taste....there is no modification required to the Kline Hudson to make it run on O31 but to replace the drawbar with the longer one included in the box.............Pat

harmonyards posted:

As Pete mentioned, the Kline Hudson will navigate O31 curves with the included drawbar. However, they look silly doing it. Scale Mikados will navigate O42.....but again, IMHO ...they too look silly on tight curves......But, for what your looking to do, most of the scale Mikes will run on O42 and be the lessor of the evil as far as size and track radius is concerned.....there are a couple other scale locos that might make that turn too, it’s all going to be your taste....there is no modification required to the Kline Hudson to make it run on O31 but to replace the drawbar with the longer one included in the box.............Pat

Thank you Pat.  I did a down and dirt measurement and my curves are O42 give or take a degree.  If you happen to stumble across a PRR or NYC Mikado pleas let me know and I'll take a look.  I'll search in the meanwhile.

John

....There’s a blue million different Mikes on the bay John, ......take your pick buddy! ....should be able to find one you like! ....the MTH Premier Mikes sometimes can be had at descent prices..........all my Mikes serve duty on my road, so I’m not ready to send them to oval duty just yet!.....😜...........Pat

harmonyards posted:

As Pete mentioned, the Kline Hudson will navigate O31 curves with the included drawbar. However, they look silly doing it. Scale Mikados will navigate O42.....but again, IMHO ...they too look silly on tight curves......But, for what your looking to do, most of the scale Mikes will run on O42 and be the lessor of the evil as far as size and track radius is concerned.....there are a couple other scale locos that might make that turn too, it’s all going to be your taste....there is no modification required to the Kline Hudson to make it run on O31 but to replace the drawbar with the longer one included in the box.............Pat

I'm wondering if it would be possible to shorten the drawbar?

Ponz posted:

harmonyards posted:

As Pete mentioned, the Kline Hudson will navigate O31 curves with the included drawbar. However, they look silly doing it. Scale Mikados will navigate O42.....but again, IMHO ...they too look silly on tight curves......But, for what your looking to do, most of the scale Mikes will run on O42 and be the lessor of the evil as far as size and track radius is concerned.....there are a couple other scale locos that might make that turn too, it’s all going to be your taste....there is no modification required to the Kline Hudson to make it run on O31 but to replace the drawbar with the longer one included in the box.............Pat

I'm wondering if it would be possible to shorten the drawbar?

It comes with two drawbars. The shorter one has two holes. You are overthinking this.

Pete