Problem solved (this one anyhow) - thanks to forum member Jim Gress taking the time to measure the length of the drawbar on his new Reading RR 4-8-4 MTH Imperial Northern. His drawbar was 1/4 inch shorter than the one on my locomotive. "Technically" the shorter one is listed as 45mm (center of drawbar hole to hole). The length of the one on my locomotive was 55mm. 2 3/4 inches end to end. I measured the bar on my small loco from an RTR set and it was the shorter 45mm drawbar. I installed the shorter one on the Northern and it now can handle O-31 curves without derailing. I did not think shorter would be the answer, but it was. Again thanks to all for your collective advice which pointed me in the right direction. I plan to make MTH aware of this snafu.
Purchased a new Reading RR 4-8-4 MTH Imperial Northern locomotive on 11/6 from my LHS. (30-1565-1) It is designated to operate on O-31 curves, but seems to be having a problem negotiating mine. All my other engines run fine on this layout, which currently is only 4x8. It seems to be related to the rear truck on the engine, but everything appears normal, but there may be other things to look for. Any thoughts or suggestions? Anyone operating this engine have any problems with derailments on O-31 curves? LHS has a call in to MTH but I have not received any word on a solution or action to take. I have also posted on the MTH Facebook page and MTH rep there says he has passed on my problem to appropriate people. No answer there yet, either. If I can solve this myself that is probably the easiest thing to do, so I am just looking for advice on what I should look for or attempt to do. You can check out the two videos below - #1 engine/tender only, #2 with a consist. Thanks.
