408E Repro What does it operate on?

I have the repro white 3243 and have run it on 42" curves.

Steve

The 408's do fine on 42 curves.  

Basically, all the prewar standard gauge designs were made to run on 42 curves.  The only thing in standard gauge that won't manage 42's are the really big newer stuff, from around the 1990's and after: the long Lionel Classics Hiawatha; the big Super 381 and Brute; the Hiawatha by JAD; the 30" Hendrichs GG1; and a few others... Richart 6-8-8-6 Cascades and the like.  

The new reproductions of the older prewar equipment are also okay with 42 curves, because they have the same wheel arrangements as the original ones.  It's just the really big newer stuff that wasn't in production in the prewar era that you have to look out for. 

Not sure why you say the Ives 3243 needs 72.  Something must be not quite right if it's hanging up, it was made to run on 42 and mine all do, original and MTH.  If the pilot trucks are derailing on the 42 curves there must be something that needs tweaking, that's not normal.

Steve,

When running my 3243 thru the O-42 the drive wheels just sit there and spin. I just realized that it may not have the traction tires on it. I will need to check it.

JoeG

Check to make sure the pony trucks are not mounted too tight on the frame. This would cause the loco to bind in a curve and lift the drive wheels off enough to loose traction.

All vintage SG items from the big 3, whether original or repro, operate on 42" curves. That's all there was until the mid 1970's and by that time SG production form the big 3 was 40 years in the past.

ARNO

Arno,

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately I have packed the set away until Christmas. I was not aware of the pony trucks having an adjustment. Is there a screw underneath to loosen these up the way you are suggesting?

I am very happy to know that this set will operate on 42" curves, as the set is beautiful in red with gold lettering and was able to pick up the set for under $900 when the retail is $1,499 with the cars, and it was new.

Hojack has had some problems with some of the newer items and posted about them. Mostly, problems to do with the couplers being too tight. He could chime in to tell you where those posts may be. I think the same problem could be what you're experiencing... there is not enough "slop" in the something, whether it's the pony trucks, couplers, whatever. The thing we forget is, the originals we play with and compare these repros to, have had plenty of time to get loose or fixed with a slight bend here or there.

When you get it out, see how it feels and make it more sloppy!

ARNO

ALL standard gauge, old and repro, run and look better on 072 or larger diameters.