Since I am new here, and this is my first attempt at a Hon3 layout, can any of you much more experienced modelers give me some direction on what company brand K series locomotives work on what radius. I have been told the Blackstone K 27 will work fine on an 18 radius. I do not want to limit myself if I don't have to, but also do not want to invest in something I can't use since I am limited on space. I have looked at the Blackstone K and like it. But what are the PFM and MMI like. I would like to be able to operate a variety of Ks, but will be limited on radius for the space I am working with.
A train looks better with over 2 feet radius. But I've tested a few engines and the Blackstone K-27 work down to 14'' I've heard. Wolfgang
Many have stated a radius below 18" is doable with a Blackstone k-27 but personally I wouldn't go for anything less than 18". Personally, I dont like how the k-27s look on such a sharp curve and in future will try to use a minimum of 24", this is just my personal opinion so use whatever works best for you. Experiment first and see what you like. I dont have any experience with other Locos, but have to say that the Blackstones really blew me away in terms of quality. They are great (I own 5 with another on order)!
Blackstone and MMI engines are designed for 18", but I have run Blackstone K-27 with 16" and there were no problems. MMI K-27, however, did not make it on 16". Blackstone cars, by the way, are designed for 14". At least that is what used to be the case. Not sure whether the drop-bottom gondolas and the passenger cars can negotiate those as well. As for 24" to make things look good, one can argue that NG prototypes were designed for tight curves. I don't mean that ALL the curves should be tight ones though.
Look forward to hearing and seeing photos/plans of the layout... :tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool:
