Atlas O Dash 8-39B Question

I wouldn't bet on it without trying it. Atlas rated it for O36; it may run on O31 but if it doesn't you're SOL. Also, the engine itself might work on O31, but derail trailing cars on curves.

I usually go with the manufacturer's stated rating.

I'm pretty sure it'll work - my MTH Imperial SD70 is listed a 031 but runs fine with no car derailment on 027.

It may be a different matter where switches are concerned.  Some locomotives will go through curvature smaller than what it's rated for, but that doesn't mean they will clear switches of that same curvature.   There is the possibility of them derailing by hitting the switch machine motor housing (depending on the type of switch used) and sometimes even the diverging point or the frog can cause issues.

You cannot equate an Atlas diesel with a Railking diesel. There is far more added detail on the atlas diesel, and thats were you'll have hangups.

I can think of 2 issues with this engine and small curves. the first is all of the add on parts on the pilot. Most notably, the MU hose and the grab irons on top of the plow. With too much travel, they'll get tangled up in one another.

The other is the chain hanging on the side of the rear truck. Its only so long.

Here's my Atlas Dash8-40b(39b?) on my 031 siding. Looks like it would make it, not sure smoothly. I mostly run mine on 048 also on 036 sometimes. Great running engine.

franktrain

 

 

Yeesh!  That thing looks like it barely makes it   Thanks for posting the pictures franktrain - those really help!  

 

Besides, the fact that a certain brand and certain kind of engine will run on a smaller radius than it is rated for, has no bearing whatsoever on whether a completely different engine from a different manufacturer will run on a different radius than it is rated for.

 

That Atlas Dash 8 on the 0-31 looks like a contortionist.  Setting aside that it looks weird, if it makes it, it probably can only be done at extremely slow speeds.

That just looks awkward!