I was wondering if anyone knows how far away from the wall to set O96 track for clearance of a UP O scale Big Boy going into turns?
Thanks for the help.
John
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I don't own a big boy but I think I remember reading someone saying it overhangs about 3 inches.
Rick
Thanks for the quick reply.
John
John,
I also read that the Big Boy needs around three inches clearance from center rail to wall. However, I think it was on O-72 curves. If so, it would be less on your O-96 curves. If you are really tight on space, you need to find someone with your make/model of Big Boy (MTH, Lionel, or 3rd rail) who also has O-96 curves to get accurate spacing.
Originally Posted by CAPPilot:
John,
I also read that the Big Boy needs around three inches clearance from center rail to wall. However, I think it was on O-72 curves. If so, it would be less on your O-96 curves. If you are really tight on space, you need to find someone with your make/model of Big Boy (MTH, Lionel, or 3rd rail) who also has O-96 curves to get accurate spacing.
Lee Willis posted that his JLC BB was 3-1/8" from center rail on O72. Yesterday I happened to check my VL BB and it was about 1/32 shy of 3" on O72. So yes, you need to find someone with the same version you have and the same curve to find out for sure. Otherwise plan for everything to be 3-1/2" from center and you know most Lionel scale BBs will clear just fine.
We have the mth Scale Big boy 5 5/8 is center rail to center rail, it runs the 072 which is on the inside of an 082 the straits end with in 1/8' before the curve this clears Scale smooth side mth passenger cars. it looks a little close but makes it smooth . i would agree with the 3 1/8 over hang or little extra for safety. few years ago we added the big boy to old layout and spent hours moving track and trying to make it clear lots of stuff......
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Test fit it before you fasten down the track. That's what I ended up doing with my MTH Premier Big Boy. If you are planning any scenery along the wall now is the time to test everything. I had to move mine a couple times until I got it to fit. I don't have much room for any scenery in the corner. My track is O84.
Jim Barrett measured the overhang of a scale UP Big Boy on 072 track to be 3.0". He didn't specify the brand of locomotive.
He also measured the overhang of a 21" K-Line passenger car on 072 to be 2.25".
Read more in issue 276 OGR issue.
Larger radii track will have somewhat less overhang than the 072/36" radius track Jim used.
The only real way to be sure:
This is an 080 curve with a 4" or 4 1/2" center rail to wall spacing (can't remember for sure) and there is about 3/4" of clearance with the Legacy BB
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