Locomotive Questions

Could you clarify the track you are planning on using ?  "O31" implies a Lionel 3 rail track system with a curve diameter under 36" -- is that correct ?

SZ

Thanks for your response. I had mistakenly assumed that Lionel was O-27...part of our learning curve. We have not purchased track as yet, so we can go with what best suits the locomotive.

I'm further assume we would adopt Atlas 2-track O-guage track as our standard. Thank you.

try a soundtrax Blunami 4400 decoder. it will run off track power or battery and give you full control and sound and is controlled by the Blunami app on your phone , no dcc or other system needed. it has outputs for speaker and lights. I have them in several of my 2 rail locos and one in a three rail. cost is about $250. check out soundtrack web site lots of how to videos.

Engine should have a standard DC motor.  Not the universal or pulmor that ran ac or dc.  Dc only motors are more power friendly.

Around the room, …can you be more specific? …….is it overhead?….If so, dead rail might be my last choice, as every time you need to charge the battery, it’s going to be a hassle,……if it’s at arm’s reach, then never mind……sorry to bust a bubble, but 500 bucks ain’t much room to buy an engine, & have it dead railed……..gonna be kinda tight IMO,…

Pat

Thanks for these replies. We're getting smarter and closer to the starting line.

Some of the Bachman G gauge locomotives have a switch that lets you change from dc power to battery power. Of course you would need some kind of motor control to control speed and direction. As far as the wireless control I know of 2 Airwire and Railpro

Are there 2-rail locomotives that operate on O-31? That is 15.5" radius.

One of the shortest 2-rail locomotives, like the GP38-2, from the former MTH, advises a minimum radius of 31", that is twice your O-31, requirement.

The shortest, 2-rail locomotives from Atlas, like the SW switcher, advise a minimum radius of 24".

These are just my opinion,

Naveen Rajan