A tale of Lionel Pacifics

I believe that 0-36 for the k4 is correct, I believe the o-54 minimum radius recommendation was a "copy and paste" error from the previous run of Lionel pacifics from many years ago.

Lionel usually makes correction to the product decsription online,  obviously,once the catalogs are printed the errors cannot be corrected.

I own one of the k4s, and run it on an o-48 radius,no issues. I can even back it through an o36 turnout. I don't think o42 will be a problem.

BTW this loco is one of my favorites, super smooth runner, fantastic smoker, and IMO one of the best quillable whistles Lionel has offered.

I can tell you first hand the The Blue Comet can easily negotiate O36 curves and switches.  As always, even O27 stuff looks better on wider, but it can do it.  The passenger cars for the Blue Comet say O54 curves, but second hand reports from others say that they negotiate O48 curves and switches (although not tested by me personally).

If I remember from last year's catalog (2012) The Blue Comet, The Alton, and the The Crescents state O36 while the passenger cars state minimum of O54.

I'm going to look for one of the PRR versions at York. Do the PRR K4's have the whistle smoke feature. I know it was stated in the catalog but I believe some engines were produced without it.

I did consider the C&A because of the recent blow out prices but I really don't model anything other than PRR at this juncture.