How many operators run on 0-31 or 0-36 curves?

     You may have dirty track, inside the tube may be tarnished. Dirty wheels (scrape once/look close). The gunk can look like steel, and be nearly as hard. An intermediate short between ties and center rails? Possibly a smoke unit or other wire shorting too.  It may just need the brushes and armature cleaned and dressed.  Or the e-unit fingers pressure may be weak/ overheated along the line.

The front truck derailing, clean them. Or pay attention to the pilot truck's guide slot and arch direction.

  Do you have other open frame locos that run well?

O-31 limits engine choices??? Not on my layout that has lots of O-31 curves. Every MTH Railking will run on O-31 curves. Modern MTH Railking in the "Scale " or "Imperial" are very close to true scale dimensions and most also run on O-31 curves. Some diesels in the Premier (scales sized) also run on O-31 curves. Just follow the MTH recommended curves and usually there is no problem. Real large steamers are the most likely to not like O-31 curves. As for older Lionel, unless you have a catalog the tells you the minimum curve size, it becomes trial and error.

O scale trains are big and take big spaces to use big curves like O-72. I only have room for a 7 x 9 layout and have to use O-31 curves. Such is life.

LDBennett

LDBennett,

No way I can run my Scale GG1 JLC, TMCC/Odyssey thru 036-031curves, it does limit what engines you can run.  If you do not have the space for 072 you must purchase engines that can handle those curves.  

In reality it's testing each different engine and rolling stock that tells the actual running story.  Many run thru much different min curves, than is noted on the Box.

PCRR/Dave

Inner rail is Atlas O-45 Outer rail O-54  2 axle truck, Dash 8's

I run O-31 on my inside line, and O-42/54 on the outside.  Al switches are O-31.  But I don't purchase any scale equipment (Okay, I do have an ALCo RS-11 and a Pre-War semi-scale boxcar).  And even if I had a "O-72 Basement", I'd still buy non-scale trains because they look even better on wide-radius curves.  Scale engines and cars look silly on anything smaller than O-98.

Jon

Small layout = 027 curves. I'm running post-war, MPC and some modern stuff. I just keep it within the limits of the curves.

Still better than no trains at all. My PE Berk stays packed away except for Christmas on 036 under the tree.

Ditto on space limitations dictating curve sizes. My new layout (mock up pic and construction attached) will have O-36 outer and O-31 inner loops.

It should be mentioned that some of Lionel's new Legacy offerings will also run down to O-31, like the 2017 Signature Edition F3-F7 AA diesels; the E6 Atlantic's with whistle steam; and the SD40T-2 diesels.

Hats off to Lionel for recognizing that many of their customers do not have room for a large layout and making high end products for those enthusiasts.  

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

LDBennett,

No way I can run my Scale GG1 JLC, TMCC/Odyssey thru 036-031curves, it does limit what engines you can run.  If you do not have the space for 072 you must purchase engines that can handle those curves.  

In reality it's testing each different engine and rolling stock that tells the actual running story.  Many run thru much different min curves, than is noted on the Box.

PCRR/Dave

 

That's exactly the path I have taken.  Trial and error for the most part.  While I believe all of my locomotives will handle O31 curves, some, even though they are meant for the tighter radius, just don't look right to me.  They will be on display, waiting for the day that a large layout can be built.  

It was a huge sacrifice in space and money.  But I did my new layout in 072 minimum outside and 060 minimum inside.  And from on operational standpoint Im VERY glad I did.  My 0-8-0 Linchief engines would slow down in corners on 036 and a little on 048.   With many power drops and no track binding.  They look 100% better and run 100% better on the larger radius curves.  Same with my 2-6-2 Wabash and passenger set.  Use the largest radius that you have room for.  You wont regret it. 

Jim

Mike CT posted:

Inner rail is Atlas O-45 Outer rail O-54  2 axle truck, Dash 8's.

Mike, may I ask what the center-to-center spacing is in the first photo? For some reason I thought your curves were wider than O45 and even O54. I'm still vacillating between GarGraves O42 and Atlas O45 with O54. The Atlas C2C is 4.25" while the GG is 6.25". And the Atlas requires only 2 cuts while the GG requires 18.

My layout is 4x16 and I run O36 superO track. I run mostly Railking imperial and some Railking scale. I like to make it as scale as I can. 

Yes I did have a large layout some years ago using O80, O72. All my trains at that time were scale, but times change and if I want to run trains the size I have now is the best I can do. 

Don't get me wrong I'm having fun and enjoying the trains I have. 

Dave

DoubleDAZ posted:

Mike CT posted:

Inner rail is Atlas O-45 Outer rail O-54  2 axle truck, Dash 8's.

Mike, may I ask what the center-to-center spacing is in the first photo? For some reason I thought your curves were wider than O45 and even O54. I'm still vacillating between GarGraves O42 and Atlas O45 with O54. The Atlas C2C is 4.25" while the GG is 6.25". And the Atlas requires only 2 cuts while the GG requires 18.

The numbers would indicate 4.5" C to C.  I just measured and as you indicated 4.25" Atlas C to C. Interesting. 

Mike CT posted:

The numbers would indicate 4.5" C to C.  I just measured and as you indicated 4.25" Atlas C to C. Interesting. 

Thanks. The reason I ask is because I'm thinking of a grade similar to yours and I like the way yours turned out.

I built a "big" micro layout using Atlas O27 sections on the mainline.

Tight curves were common on electric trolley lines. Small switchers were used after dieselization.

Claremont&Concord RR ... must be the equivalent of O18 !!!

Patrick Jean

my layout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00VdxDv89Ew

I use 036 as the minimum radius on a large double reversing loop layout that goes up every Christmas in our living room.  My MTH Railking Hudson and ABA F3's as welll as a 1947 Lionel Berkshire have no problems going through those, even when passing through the extended curve sections of the loops.   

I use 0-31 curves on my reversing loops, which works fine running all semi-scale engines and rolling stock.
- Bruce

My layout is in a room that will not allow anything any bigger. It is two larger areas (4' x 7') with a one foot by two foot piece between them at one end for a total size of 9'x 7'. This was made out of two 4' x 8' sheets of plywood. The layout is two parallel main lines with twin folded dog legs. Both mainlines have to use O-31 track to fit in these tight spaces.

This small of a layout is not done by choice but by space limitations. In California houses don't have basements (Concrete slab construction on grade) and the attics are not accessible except by a crawl hole. The roof support is trusses which blocks attic access other than crawling around and through the trusses. The bottom line is there is no bonus area for train layouts. Mine is in the living room along with an HO Trolley layout. Fortunately I have a family room that I live.

The idea that some of us can just use larger diameter track section overlooks our individual situation in the terms of space for the layout. We have to have space in our homes to live. With more than enough RailKing engines (and some Premier) that will run on O-31, I hardly feel cheated. I have a working small layout that runs trains just fine.

LDBennett

My current layout is a 5x9 PW-style toy train layout with traditional tin track and I have 0-31 curves only. So by definition my layout choices have me running Lionel PW, some MPC, and a sprinkling of newer stuff (LC+). In other words the layout dictates what I run but it’s what I like anyway so all is well.

One other thought came to mind as I read through the comments about track size: tunnels. When building this layout I quickly discovered that one needs to be careful when curved track pieces enter and exit tunnel openings, especially with tighter curves. I guess it’s all part of the “geometry” of layout design where some larger locos (think a PW Rectifier) may present clearance issues with tunnels. Just another part of the sizing equation.

Tunnels? How about bridges! I have a bridge with super structure that is entered from a curve and exits on a curve. The bridge is scratch built and designed by me to fit the allotted space. If it is not set exactly right over the track then cars and engines with lots of overhang on the rear or front hit it.

LDBennett

   I have two "crooked" bridges near curves to clear pilots too. Though my worst overhang offender is really up high on the cab roof for a Berk Jr.

I love seeing what you all have! I have a floor layout right now. It's about 10 x 5.6, and I run 4 loops 027, 031 036.

I have an outer O36 loop with a passing outside siding with two o36 switches from the add-on Lionel Fastrack kit. That outside loop has two 10" straights before the switches on the 5.6' curved side. I can run two trains on that.

Next loop is 036 with one 10" straight. I can run one train. Next after that is MTH 031 loop with a one half straight section at the curve to get it into the 036 second loop. 

Last is an 027 tubular loop, no straights on curves. I run old postwar on that mostly, and on the MTH loop I run a subway in auto mode, and the 036 2nd loop the same, or perhaps another passenger train. The outer loop with the passing lane always runs two passenger trains.

I run some postwar, but mostly MTH Railking and Lionel LC starter sets.

I could build a table, but I'd have to go down to 4 x 8 or 4 x10. I'm looking into ways to get at least three loops including the passing lane on that. Don't know if I can, maybe with an elevated section. I run almost all passenger trains/Budd Cars/subways. Thank goodness for tight turns.

I have a crooked bridge also!   But its 072 and 060. 

Jim 

johnstrains posted:

My current layout is a 5x9 PW-style toy train layout with traditional tin track and I have 0-31 curves only. So by definition my layout choices have me running Lionel PW, some MPC, and a sprinkling of newer stuff (LC+). In other words the layout dictates what I run but it’s what I like anyway so all is well.

One other thought came to mind as I read through the comments about track size: tunnels. When building this layout I quickly discovered that one needs to be careful when curved track pieces enter and exit tunnel openings, especially with tighter curves. I guess it’s all part of the “geometry” of layout design where some larger locos (think a PW Rectifier) may present clearance issues with tunnels. Just another part of the sizing equation.

I'm a charter member of the lopsided tunnel portal club 😁 My RS-3 Alco did me in. 

Wabash AB F units emerging. 

Made it by that much!

Interesting topic. If I can locate my r/r pics will send some up for view.

Thanks, C.Sam !!

I like the looks of lower profile 027type track better, so my go to track is Marx 034.

Steve

Sorry, Sam, but I drank the cool aid and liked it so much, went back for seconds (or was that a lot of fine Irish sippin' whiskey???)    

As a lover of big steam (among other scale-ish items), I need O-72 and O-84. In fact, recently passed along all of my old O-27 and O-54 track to a new, deserving home - there is no turning back!!!

@Ted S thanks for that info !  I wondered if it might be a problem unique to 8304.  My alcos run fine through those 031 curves.  Will also explore some of the newer equipment options that you mentioned. It had been decades since I had run anything on 031 and even back then I had quickly abandoned it for Fastrack, which I retired because of the noise complaints coming from the other side of the bed. Saving the 773 for when I finish the permanent layout (7 x 12) with 072 and 054 to run my Lionmaster stuff on. Am tempted to lay a loop of Super O inside the 054. Better to use it than leave it sitting in a box under the table......next to a box of 027.... plus an old clock work train. Not a collector by any means but an accumulator of a little bit of everything without a focus or modeling skills.  Modern electronics are nice but secretly I wish I had just stayed with small tin plate. 

@bmoran4  you are correct about the track. An investigation revealed some track distortion that has been replaced. I need to review the tutorial for posting pics here. 

So........ not surprising that multiple contributing factors were out to steal my joy.  Thanks everyone !

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

I like the looks of lower profile 027type track better, so my go to track is Marx 034.

Steve

    Me too on profile, but the standard O puts the smaller scale Sante Fe Hudson at the same height as the taller ones  For three track types, I have pretty even rooflines among them 

I'm only missing T-rail. 

(Offset bridge lower right; crooked bridge under 12 o'clock. 4-lines, 440w in 6 small transformers...."lots of junk" )   Pulled the Super O siding turnouts to run tinplate too. 52" x 109"(?), it won't get any bigger unless is hits the basement.

036 Fastrack on my little 6' x12' layout.

My 5x9 is all O36  - the only way  could accommodate the swing bridge. The only loco I can't run is my Lionel Also PA1A-B

Great looking Layout, Dave. Good example of lots of fun in a small space.