LIONEL NS HERITAGE QUESTION

POTRZBE,

    I do not have a catalog handing so I am not really sure of what you are looking at but my first thought is make sure you are comparing the same engine models. My guess is the GE Heritage engines ES44AC are larger than the EMD SD70Ace engines so one may have a minimum of 054 vs. 031.

    If I may share an opinion if your minimum curve is 031 then skip buying any 3 axle diesels engines. Stick to 2 axle units such as GPs and F units. Skip SDs, E, Large GEs etc are they do not look right going through tight turns.

    Also skip semi scale engines as sooner or later scale will become important to you.

JohnB

Sorry, JohnB, I should have mentioned that all engines in my query are the SD70ACe.  The PRR is not and I realize that may be for larger curves.

It is unlikely that the layout will grow beyond O31 in my lifetime.  I love the "toyness" of O31 and especially O27.  Every once in a while, however, an engine comes along that impresses me a lot and I would like to have it if it will "fit".  I got a Lionmaster Challenger some months back for the looks and the sounds.  Don't really care about overhangs and such.  I want a NS Heritage Lackawanna and can buy MTH but would rather have LIONEL if it will do O31.

POTRZBE,

    I looked at the catalog last night and I can see that it has two different minimum curves listed for the SD70Ace engines. I have 3 Lionel SD70Ace and my largest curve is 042 but I never ran them at home because I also belong to a club where our curves are big enough to handle these big engines.

    You may want to give Lionel a call or send an email and ask them directly. I still would say stay away from such large engines for 031 curves even if they meet the minimum required. Join a club if possible that has large curves. I did and now I run all sized engines up to a Y3 steamer.

    Good luck

JohnB