I am running 042 and do fine most of the time, there are a few cars ( AF LIONEL BRAND) that don't quite like it. Maybe its their trucks are more flexible than Lionel MTH.
BTW. I only run modern version tinplate.
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I run 20" radius which is quite close to your O42, of course though I am running S gauge and all on original Gilbert track.
For the most part I don't have trouble with anything I run.
Ray
031 tubular postwar.
034 in my Marx area and 42 & 57" five rail on the rest of the layout.
Steve
I have two layouts. The 12'-by-8' has an O-72 loop and siding on which I run the larger engines and passenger trains. My most recent purchase was an MTH Premier Boston & Albany Hudson that is so nice, I may never take it off the layout. The middle loop is O-54 with a passing siding and those tracks get the first-generation diesel engines, small steam and freight trains. The O-36 inside loop was added last and usually gets a diesel switcher and a short freight. The 10'-by-5' layout is just a loop of O-54 on which I run smaller engines, a few passenger cars and short freights. All track Atlas O. There's never enough room...
MELGAR
0-82 and 0-72 minimum
9" radius..... on my N scale!
11" is a little better though as a minimum for running scale length passenger cars. I used to have decent 2x4 layout. Need to build another one.
72 inch diameter for O Gauge
30 inch radius for HO
About 12" in O:
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O-36 for my current layout. Building a new layout with O-60.
52 inch minimum radius on my main line. 48 inch radius on the branch to the mine.
I'm running 3 inter-connected loops. two outer loops of 072 and one inner loop of 031.
Outer Mainline 0-84 min.
Inner Mainline 0-72 min.
0-96 for gentle curves
Local Route: 0-60 min.
I run 48 inch Radius on three main Lines and 36 inch leading into the sidings.
Mikey
Mainline 072 and bigger. One yard lead 063. I have two 041 switches ( no 3 axle power on these two switches) also two 072 switches at two different spots between the two mainlines and all other switches are 0100. 99% (+) of track is GG and a little of Atlas.
One of the 072 switches in the upper right.
The 063 yard lead track in front of the freight cars and the cars are on 072 track.
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For tinplate, original O31 tubular. When I run modern on the f!oor, O72 Fasttrack.
Atlas O 099 and 108 curves on the main lines.....
Mikey, what kind if engines do you run. Wondering if you have any large engines 054 min in your yard?
I am asking about Standard Gauge only, sorry for the confusion.
In what way do your AF cars have a problem with 42" diameter? Could it be a matter of putting a drop oil on the various pivot points on the trucks or loosening the attachment post to allow a little bit of play? Or is it a matter of the body swinging too far out on curves (which can only be fixed by using a wider radius)? Train too long so that it pulls the cars to the inside on curves?
AFAIK, the reproductions are nearly identical to the originals - did AF use the same radius track as Lionel back in the day?
I have both 42" and 72" diameter. Can't recall any problems, but don't remember if I've run my AF cars on the 42" or not.
