I didn't think it would be THIS big!

Standard Gauge has that effect on us newbie enthusiasts!!!  My first venture into Standard Gauge was the LCCA's Goliath (aka Brute) and 3 "showroom" cars.  Talk about baptism by fire ...  If you think the Ives National Limited is huge, then wait 'till you see a set of "showroom" cars (as opposed to "state cars").  Those things are absolutely ENORMOUS at slightly over 30" in length EACH!!! 

David

Carey

MTH did a poor job on the coupler design on the large Ives passenger cars. They can be a bit troublesome on 42" curves even though they are supposed to run it. There are two 300 series cars, 309, 310 & 312, about 13 1/4",  are not the same size as 332, 337 & 338, about 12". Which are you getting?

Steve

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

Carey

MTH did a poor job on the coupler design on the large Ives passenger cars. They can be a bit troublesome on 42" curves even though they are supposed to run it. There are two 300 series cars, 309, 310 & 312, about 13 1/4",  are not the same size as 332, 337 & 338, about 12". Which are you getting?

Steve

 I believe the B&S are the 309 310, and 312. Smaller, whew.

The larger passenger cars including the No. 428, will go on a looong straight line (28 feet) on a shelf run against a wall. 

Carey T,

    Lots of new STD Gauge runners react just as you did whey the STD Tin arrives at their door, that reaction is not uncommon.  As Steve points out the 42's are a little tight for some of the Rolling Stock, especially the 13 1/4" Cars.  If you can, stay with the 12" 332 type rolling stock, if you plan on 42 cures.

PCRR/Dave

I've resurrected this thread because I have a question about the Lionel Corp 309 series cars. Can anyone confirm that the Lionel Corp 309 series cars are in fact larger than the 332 series cars? I know the original Lionel ones are but the catalog descriptions for the 309 series cars don't present these as in fact being bigger. I would think they are but want to be sure before purchasing.

Thanks,

Andrew

Your cars are fine, it's your track that is too small!  Most vintage (and reproduction) standard gauge will run on 42 diameter curves, but will run MUCH better on wider ones.  57, 72, 84 and 87 diameter curves allow for smoother running and longer trains.  If at all possible, build an around the walls layout instead of an "island".  This facilitates the use of the wider curves while keeping everything within reach.  Big trains need a big space!

Kirk (USA track) www.standardgaugetrack.com

Here are a couple fun pics I took of the 400e & State Set a while back, if I remember right it's about 12.5' long! And the floor rumbles underneath it like a real train

That problem is all too familiar , so I've heard.  I am thankful for only collecting 500 series freight cars. Misstruth right there,  I just acquired a set of Stephen Girard cars and that is as big as I will go .  Since it was mentioned above that all the trains should run on 042 but are better off running on the larger radius curves , would it not help , if you have the space, to use large radius curves  as easements into and out of your 042 . ?  Like a 072 , 042, 042,042, 072 . Or a combination  of said cures.  If space is a premium start looking up to the ceiling . A nice shelf system dedicated to Standard Gauge would be an option .  There are lots of ideas on Pinterest  for shelf/ceiling layouts .  I've seen some pretty swanky  looking projects that I would be proud to show off.   Good luck and please keep us posted . 

"Carey Tearose" went on to build a beautiful standard gauge layout after she started this thread.  The craftsmanship displayed in the benchwork (provided by her husband), is spectacular!

SGMA1 posted:

"Carey Tearose" went on to build a beautiful standard gauge layout after she started this thread.  The craftsmanship displayed in the benchwork (provided by her husband), is spectacular!

 

Carey and Tom tore the layout down as part of a move out of CA. They are currently working hard at restoring the 1930's home they bought in the Wichita area. She does keep up to date on the Std Gauge Facebook forum.

Steve