Can I run MTH Premier Southern Crescent steam on fastrack 036 curve?

Part of the reason MTH rates it for 042 inch curves is that their track don't have 036 curves, so they don't consider 036 when rating anything. I would say to test one at a hobby shop  or a friend's house before putting out that kind of money.

One thing about MTH engines, they don't like Gargraves switches!

Lee Fritz

I have found that many MTH locomotives that are listed as say 054 will operate on  048 because MTH does not sell 048 track. The Swiss Crocodile Electric and the New Jersey Transit ALP46 Electric operate fine on 048 Fast Track curves. Since MTH does not sell 036 curve track and their next tightest curve down from 042 is 031 they say minimum curve for your locomotive is 042. So based on my experience with these and other locomotives I would give it a try on your 036 curve track.

I concur with Lee's recommendation. I tested a Premier USRA Light Mikado (also rated O-42) on O-36 and it worked with the tender connected to the long drawbar hole. The tender cleared the cab by about 1/4" The Southern Crescent is a Pacific and a bit larger, but you never know.

Thanks guys, that's why  I'm hoping it'll work....don't know anyone in my area that has one (including any hobby shops); I order mostly online....that's why I'm hoping someone on this forum might confirm for me?? 

Were you thinking of purchasing the Ps 3.0 Crescent Limited Passenger Set or one of the individual engines?  I am thinking the Passenger Set is has radius of 0-42 because of the passenger cars, but if you look at the individual engines they have recommend radius of 0-36.  http://www.mthtrains.com/content/20-3466-1  The individual engines are the same tooling as the engine in the passenger set.  I have the Ps 2.0 Premier Southern Crescent Engine from 2003.  It has problems with 0-31 curves, but runs fine on 0-42 curves.  The recommended curve on my engine is 0-31, but it does not do well 0-31.   

I just checked your link and you are correct about the engine and tender alone rated at 036....I bet the ratings I saw online were assuming the passenger cars as well for the 042 curve rating....great news!   I'm more interested in just the engine & tender anyways...thanks for pointing that out!

Hello, I got my 20-3464-1 4-6-2 Ps-4 Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0 - Southern (Black). The first of June, it runs fine on Fast Track 036 pulling 7 Polar Express coaches.

Thanks guys....you've been most helpful!