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Hey OGR experts,

 

I see a lot of rolling stock rated to operate on 0-42 or larger curves. I am wondering if they can actually run on 0-36. The difference in the curve is not that much.

 

MTH Madison cars / Passenger cars I am looking at say they will run on 0-42 curves. I have 0-36 Fastrack.

 

To date, the only passenger cars I have are the streamlined 0-27s. They measure about 13-15 inches in length, depending on the set, and they run great on the 0-36 Fastrack.

 

The MTH Madison cars I would like to get are about 17 inches long. Will they derail on 0-36 Fastrack?

 

Hopefully someone can let me know if I should stay away from 0-42-rated rolling stock since I only have 0-36. Eventually, when I have more space, I will upgrade to 0-42 or wider curves. But for now, I am stuck with 0-36.

 

Any advice is much appreciated.

 

Terrence

Coram, NY

Original Post

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I can understand that an 0-42 locomotive might not be able to run on 0-36 track, but it seems odd that a boxcar, tank car or passenger car (etc.) can't. I would expect the ends of the cars might over-hang a bit, looking a bit odd.

 

I might just go ahed and pick-up the MTH 0-42 Madison cars anyway If they run on my 0-36 Fastrack, that would be great! If they do not, I will move to 0-42 eventually.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

 

Terrence

Coram, NY

I've tried some of the larger stuff on my 036(super'O'), and the problem I find is that some cars may 'hit' each other at the end when they go thru a curve. I wouldn't put the rubber diaphrams on both cars, sometimes just on one car in fine. You may be able to mix in a long car with one of the smaller ones if you want, or put it at the end. Sometimes if there are 3 wheel trucks, that could be a problem. It comes down to experimenting and finding a comfort level that works and looks.

You need to consider the fact that they're 6 wheel trucks and all the wheels are flanged. Its not like the engines where they have blind wheels. Also, the distance between the cars can also cause them to collide with one another in too tight a corner. 

I would say the same thing as above, it may work, it may not. I've bought some cars before that said 054 and they worked on 42, but I distinctly remember a pair of lionel heavyweights that wouldnt do 42" curves because the trucks would bind in the curves.

The number of axles per truck is usually a pretty good guide for rolling stock and diesel locomotives.  Diesels with four-wheel trucks are all that I run on my layout due to the tight-radius curves, and I also tend to stick with smaller steam locomotives such as 0-4-0s, 0-6-0s, 0-8-0s, 4-6-2s, and the like.  It's no problem for me because I prefer smaller motive power, all the way down to various type of "critters."

 

Most all of my rolling stock is also of the four-wheel-per-truck variety.

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