What about the prewar 250e? I know the railchief cars are 072 or larger radius, but what about just the loco and tender? I know they sold the 250e/250w with a freight set as well in the prewar years. I do know the reissue 1-700e scale NYC Hudson will do 042 just fine if the smaller pilot wheels are fitted. Unlike its prewar cousins that are 072 or larger only. AD
In the prewar Lionel catalogs it explains that 0-27 and 0-31 track is measured over the ends of the ties, but 0-72 is measured on the diameter of the center rail. That probably makes 0-27 track closer to a 24” diameter on the center rail. I have no idea how the more modern curves are measured.
Be careful running trains on sharper curves other than what the manufacture suggests. Some time ago, I picked up a good deal on a used MTH premiere PRR Streamlined K4s that the seller sold because the pilot truce left wear marks inside the boiler streamlined skirting by running it on 054 curves rather than 072 that was stated by MTH.
Gene you're lucky that the issue is cosmetic. The driving wheels on MTH steam locos are made of soft stuff. If a loco has a lot of run time on or below its minimum diameter, the flanges wear to a sharp edge, and it begins to derail at switches. I've heard this from a few different reputable sources. The worse news is that would take real skill to replace the front driving wheel(s), or you could buy a whole new "drive block" if one is available. Otherwise, it's a shelf queen!
Personally I find MTH locos to be gauged "tight." Mike Wolf wanted to sell trains, and he was pretty aggressive with the published minimum diameter. If you put a lot of miles on and want best performance and longevity, it would be wise to buy something rated for curves one size smaller than what you actually have. My $.02.
