Lionel Heavyweight Passenger Cars

Are they 18inch cars??

The 054 minimum curve relates to tubular track. Tubular comes in 027, 031, 042, 054 and 072. The cars you mention are rated at 054 becuase they won't negotiate 042. However, Fastrack curves are 036, 048, 060 and 072. Fastrack curves are wider than tubular. I use 060 Fastrack curves and have found that most 072 equipment will negotiate 060, although there is a bit of an overhang. The 054 cars might negotiate 048, with an overhang, because of the increased radius of 6 inches over 042. The only way to be sure is try it.

LIGuy, the set is 76 inches, each car is a tad less than 18 inches.

If the Alton cars have the truck safety chains like the first ATSF and NYC sets they might be restricted.

I have the Southern Crescent Limited passanger set.  This is same size set accept for the different name.  I run them on 0-42 tubular track without a problem.  Now there is a over hang but that does not bother me.  I run them at medium speed but I have never tried them at a faster speed.   On 0-48 fasttrack, you should not have a problem since I run mine on a smaller radius.

I had 18inch cars years ago and Lionel said minimum radius was 42 degree so 48 should serve you well

My Blue Comet set will run on 48 but not 42.  It looks better of 54 or larger, though.

I have the Pullman 18 inch Lionel Cars (19060---_)  2 of the cars indicate 042 and 4 of the indicate 054.  I have run them on Fastrack 048 and they overhang but go.  A problem I have had with two of the  cars is when making the tight turns the lights stop working because the electrical connections pull off (break) and have to be resoldered. I now run them on 060 fastrack

Thanks everyone.

 

I think I am going to pass on the heavy weights.  The overhang looks like its going to be a problem going through the portals.  My AC-6000 Santa Fe has less than a half inch clearance now going through and I can only imagine what it would be like with the scale passenger cars.

 

Oh well.

 

G