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I am considering getting the MTH K4 Streamlined PRR.  I only have post-war and modern/current Lionel and Railking MTH.  If I get the hi-rail version will it work on Lionel Fastrack?  Also, what minimum curve for function and not necessarily looks.  This is just to start expanding a non-permanent layout and O36 curve is as big as we have now.  Just really like that loco, set and era.  Looking at MTH specs are confusing since the catalog lists one curve and the website lists two others depending on whether looking at the loco or the set.

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Since you asked about Hi-Rail wheels you must be interested in the Premier model.

 

For this kind of information the best place to look is in the product manual which can sometimes be found on the MTH website. In this case the manual is available here:

 

http://www.mthtrains.com/sites...ction/20st12618i.pdf

 

"Compatibility Scale Wheels: This engine will operate on any traditional 54” Radius Measure track system Hi-Rail Wheels: This engine will operate on any traditional O-72 Gauge track system."

 

Looks like it requires O-72.

Last edited by jonnyspeed

He's looking at the streamlined K4 guys. I don't own one, but I highly doubt that it is going to run on the same curves as an unskirted model. The 2011 V2 catalog clearly states "* Streamlined K-4s require 0-72 curves" - the same as the manual.

 

We have to be careful when giving advice. That would be an expensive mistake to make. Will it run on smaller curves than O-72? Possibly... Will it run on his O-36? Almost certainly not.

Last edited by jonnyspeed
Originally Posted by AJH4:
The set listed with the O42 curve is also for the streamlined version.  Thus my confusion.  I will have to go right to MTH I guess.

You will find that the most likely mistakes will be in the catalog and the website. If the previous version of the engine is O-72, and the current version is O-72, you can bet that the set won't magically run on less. They make typo's all the time. It is always a good idea to contact them directly if you aren't sure, but many times they won't know either unfortunately.

As a data point, I have the MTH 20-3180-1 Mikado with Hi-Rail wheels, and for whatever reason, the front pilot truck derails on almost every O72 Fastrack turn, and also on O42 tubular curves.  It runs like a top on Atlas, Gargraves, or Ross track, the tightest turn I had available was O54, no problem.

 

This is a switchable 2R/3R locomotive.  The flanges appear narrower than on other 3-rail stuff, though not truly like 2-rail locomotives. 

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
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