Lionel USRA Mallet Overhang Measurement Request

Rick, I sold off all my Fastrack, but I’d be happy to measure it on Atlas 063 (maybe could even round up some 054) if it would be off help.

As an aside, I love my NKP Legacy Mallet. It’s the perfect Goldilocks of a big articulated engine that still runs on modestly sized curves.

That would be great. Unfortunately I have a tunnel on a curve and was wondering what chance I have, of any, of one of these sneaking through it.

I would assume 054 would be worse case for you, right?  

I only have O72, I don't suppose that's going to be any help?

@Rider Sandman posted:

I would assume 054 would be worse case for you, right?  

Yes. I think fastrack is a bit more forgiving as it's measured from the center rail.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I only have O72, I don't suppose that's going to be any help?

I could use that too John.

If you have more overhang with O-72 than I have clearance at O-60. It would certainly indicate a no go.

On Menards O54, the engine (at rest) overhangs 1-9/16 from the outside rail.  I can twist the boiler out to 1-3/4.

Update: FasTrack O60 overhangs 1-1/2 from the outside rail.  The boiler twist out to 1-5/8".

Measurements are from the outside edge of the outside rail.

On Ross O72 curves, I have 1 1/4" measured from the outside surface of the outside rail.  That's the walkway at the front of the smoke box, the widest part of the locomotive.

Rick, I dug out some Atlas 054 and I get the same thing as Tracker - a gnat’s tail over 1.5” from the outside rail (measured at the apex of the Atlas 054 curve).

Thank you John, John and Sandman!

And the final verdict is?

Looks like I'm right at 1&3/4". So I'm thinking it'll sneak through.

Sweet!  You’re gonna love the Mallet. Which one are you getting?

I'd like to grab one of the newer NYC versions. But I've only seen one asking MSRP.

Many of the TMCC models are going for about half, in which case I might consider relettering in the future.

@RickO posted:

Looks like I'm right at 1&3/4". So I'm thinking it'll sneak through.

If that’s close Rick, just back up to the other side of the layout, and come at it full speed,…..it will make it’s own clearance form there out…..😉

Pat

@RickO posted:

I'd like to grab one of the newer NYC versions. But I've only seen one asking MSRP.

Many of the TMCC models are going for about half, in which case I might consider relettering in the future.

I have the 6-11299 Legacy C&O with the U.S. tender.  At the time I got a great deal on it, I see it now on eBay for $892, eBay: 144708294970

@harmonyards posted:

If that’s close Rick, just back up to the other side of the layout, and come at it full speed,…..it will make it’s own clearance form there out…..😉

Pat

When setting up a temp layout a while back my Allegheny pulled a similar thing off into the drywall.

I wasn’t too mad since that wall will eventually be covered in train shelving.

Thanks again to all who chimed in. Once again this forum is an invaluable resource. I finally got off the fence.

Looks like it makes it through the tunnel.

Looks terrific, Rick!