Vision Line UP BB

I couldn't see anything less than 072.     This one makes me wish i had bigger turns but i ll have to live with it and i dont run mine to fast.     I do have to say they really look awesome on a layout

Seems people should spend their money first on a larger  trainroom and some wide radius track and then buy a vision line bb. Simple laws of physics would tell you a nearly 36" loco will not run on smaller than 072...jim

My layout is 14x26 and I have 0-80 as my main line and the Bigboy doesn't look good on it . I bet you on 120 it looks good ) 

I passed on the Vision Line Big Boy until I heard it and saw it.

Out came Mr. Credit Card.

Yes, you can run this on O-72, but you will rearrange anything within 5 inches of the track on curves. It really needs O-99 +

It's great to see old threads be born again.

While we're sort of on the topic, can anyone chime in as to whether the VL Challengers look acceptable on 0-84 or 0-96?

You're right, Berkshire, this thread was born almost a year ago when the VL BB was beginning delivery -  an oldie but goodie.

When this question was posed back then, I had both an 072 loop and an 060 loop so I tried it out.  The VL BB will run on 060 but it looks stupid (best word I could think of).  Forget about 060 switches.  Also the cab apron needs to be down.  It is listed as 072 for good reasons.

like I said on the other BB thread.

works fine on 0-72, looks OK and the guests sure comment about it!

I run the VL BB on 084 and wish I had the next larger size. 

Brent

No, it just does not make Sence.  072- 081- 090- 099- 0120- and wider is better...I know it sounds bad, but simply said this is a a High Class Monster, worthy of much respect....Its really a fun to run and operate Locomotive...Happy New Year.

In order to answer your question, Frank, I will post this picture of my VL BB on tubular O54 track.  It sweeps the country side and looks terrible doing it, but I don't care.  I never realized there were so many rules and obligations to owning this engine, I was just enjoying running it.  It has not derailed, and I've run it a lot.  I've really enjoyed running it and feel like it was money well spent.  One of these days I'll build a bigger layout, but I'm enjoying it now, not some unforeseen time in the future.  My intention posting this, which I was very reluctant to do, was to provide you with, hopefully, some helpful information.  It is based on my personal experience of running this engine for a year now.  After all, they are just toys, more sophisticated and expensive than what we grew up with, but still toys.  Enjoy,

James

I tried mine on O60 Fastrack curves, the tender has an issue with all the fixed wheels, it tended to climb the sides of the rails.  Forget about O60 switches, ain't gonna' happen!

BReece posted:

I run the VL BB on 084 and wish I had the next larger size. 

Brent

I run on 0100 and I wish I had the next larger size...

Since this time last year, I got a table built.  Still need to come up with a track plan, but at least the base is there.  I have a loop of O72 on it and had my VL BB pulling 10 reefers flying along it at full throttle.  It never left the track, and what a sight to see and hear.

On a side note, the 1st time my dad was over and I was showing it to him, he shouted out, "watch out, it's broken" when it went into the curve because of how the boiler didn't follow the front engine.  I then got to explain to him out they work.

I run mine one of our three 096 main lines and it overhangs on these,it would be better on 108 curves but it is acceptable.

Mikey

The folks that see my layout really like the overhang (084 curves).  Personally, would prefer larger but am fine today and having a blast.

Brent

I run my Legacy BigBoy on O-72 curves.I think the "obnoxious"boiler over hang looks cool.Its all in your perspective IMO.Nick

86TA355SR posted:

Why you guys continually try to operate locomotives on tighter curves than shown in the catalog is beyond me. It's the minimum diameter (3R language) to keep the locomotive and tender from derailing.

 

Not trying to sound like a j..k. It also is a big surprise when it derails and won't operate on tight curves...HMMM...

 

There's 3 easy options:

 

1. Don't buy it if you don't have the minimum curve required.

2. Install the curves if you don't have the minimum diameter required.

3. Buy it and display.

 

"But, I don't have the room!" is the next post. Reality is harsh-Refer to #1 above.

 

Not trying to sound like an ###, so please don't take it personal. Black and white to me; you have the minimum curves or you don't: If you don't, then run smaller steamers.

 

Edited per J Daddy's and Laidoffsick's suggestions below. Thanks