UNION PACIFIC LEGACY SCALE 4-8-4 FEF NORTHERN

i tried it with mine when i had it, i couldnt get it to run on smaller curves.

Thanks Joker. Good to know. I appreciate the prompt response.

I have an inside loop of 0-63 that this locomotive (a FEF, not a Northern ) will not tolerate.

I ran mine on 0-60 FasTrack without any issues.  It didn't look the greatest, but it worked fine.

I find that with some of the larger articulated locomotives that the centipede tender is the piece that won't make O60 curves, the Lionel Challenger and Big Boy being two examples.

Thank you all. Lionel makes these beautiful locomotives. Unfortunately with limitations.
Thank you all for your input and guidance.

Maybe someday we’ll get a Lionmaster FEF.

Well, I have the MTH RailKing Imperial FEF, and it's really a very nice locomotive.  It's the MTH Lionmaster version.

I have a MTH Premier FEF. The locomotive will do 054 no problem. The tender on the other hand not so much. It'll do 054 going forward running slow. Fast speeds (40 scale mph and up) or reverse and the "centipede" wheels jump the track.

Yep, the tender seems to be a bigger issue than the locomotive for some of these larger locomotives.

My thought is that I would like to have the flexibility of going from O72 to O64 to O54 on my existing layout. Going between O72 to O64 is more than adequate for my needs. Would like some variety as opposed running around infinitely in a loop.any thoughts or input greatly appreciated.

@Lou1985 posted:

I have a MTH Premier FEF. The locomotive will do 054 no problem. The tender on the other hand not so much. It'll do 054 going forward running slow. Fast speeds (40 scale mph and up) or reverse and the "centipede" wheels jump the track.

These UP tenders as well as the similar NYC PT tenders have limited side to side play in the wheelsets. That can be increased for more play by machining the axle bushings thrust face.

Pete

My Lionel TMCC Scale Santa Fe 4-8-4 Northern works fine on my O48 curves. However, as folks are saying the problem is probably the wheel arrangement on that UP tender.

@Norton posted:

These UP tenders as well as the similar NYC PT tenders have limited side to side play in the wheelsets. That can be increased for more play by machining the axle bushings thrust face.

Pete

True. But I have no problem running it on 072.

You shouldn't have issues with any normal production 3-rail locomotive on O72 or larger curves.  Biggest issue I have with large stuff on O72 is slamming into scenery and tunnel portals.