fLAT CAR lOAD

PS Sorry for the typing errors-somehow I "published" my question before I corrected the typing errors-the width of those flat cars is not 3 1/2-3 3/4 but rather 2 1/2-2 3/4"-but I think the question is accurate-P Hering

On a real railroad, a 16'-wide load would be oversize. It would require special routing to avoid bridges or tunnels with inadequate clearance. You might have the same problem on your layout, being only able to run the loaded car on parts of it--perfectly prototypical.

It's a hobby. If that's what you want, go for it!

Ken  Thanks for the reply. The model describes those boats as having a length of 42-45' and a width of 12-14'-so the described 4" model width ( which in O scale is 16') seems a bit too wide. I may write the company and ask them-it certainly would be better even if it is actually 3 3/4" wide. Thanks again Paul

@turtle7 posted:

Ken  Thanks for the reply. The model describes those boats as having a length of 42-45' and a width of 12-14'-so the described 4" model width ( which in O scale is 16') seems a bit too wide. I may write the company and ask them-it certainly would be better even if it is actually 3 3/4" wide. Thanks again Paul

I think your easiest and most reliable test would be to rubber band a four inch wide block of styrofoam or other soft material on top of a flat car or gondola and run it through your layout, slowly. If it hits something, or navigates your layout *without* hitting anything, you'll have your practical answer!

Steve, Ken  I am embarrassed to say, but I dont have a layout. We had a bunch of children (5) and the basement 'belonged" to them. I am a long time avid collector-and now in my retired and waning years have taken up some model train construction-just finished the PRR clearance car. Besides the PRR ( and other Pennsylvania and NJ lines) I like the B&A, MEC, B&M, CV, Rutland,  etc.)-hence my interest in a MEC flat carrying a lobster boat made by one of the many Maine coast boat builders on its way to Nova Scotia for use in the Gulf of St Lawrence.  Thanks again, Paul