Question about fixed pilots

I think the primary limitation of a fixed pilot is that coupler swing is greatly reduced, which means that the engine will require wider curves to operate properly. That's the reason they come this way in the first place, so that the models can be operated around very sharp curves and still remain coupled to the train.

Two key features of "fixed pilots" are: 1) removal of the lobster claw coupler and replace with O Scale Kadee body mounted couplers, 2) full length vertical hand rails at all for steps, pre the prototype.

Such up-grades, will ted to limit operations on sharp curves, i.e. minimum curves of say, 072.

You need big curves and NO "S" curves to run fixed pilots with body mounted couplers. Even on the large layouts that I run trains on in San Diego, some of my stuff will not run there because of the "S" curves on the layout. 21" passenger cars and 6 axle diesels in a multi unit consist need special attention to get them to run there.

It's not so much the fixed pilot that cause the limitations, it's the body/frame mounted coupler that limits the side to side movement. That is what causes the couplers to bind up and derail the trucks. 

Laidoffsick posted:

You need big curves and NO "S" curves to run fixed pilots with body mounted couplers. Even on the large layouts that I run trains on in San Diego, some of my stuff will not run there because of the "S" curves on the layout. 21" passenger cars and 6 axle diesels in a multi unit consist need special attention to get them to run there.

It's not so much the fixed pilot that cause the limitations, it's the body/frame mounted coupler that limits the side to side movement. That is what causes the couplers to bind up and derail the trucks. 

DITTO !!!!!

My biggest steam engines are a Williams brass 4-8-4 and a Lionel 4-8-2, my biggest diesels are a Williams E7 and a GGD E7.  My other engines are:

Williams brass USRA 2-8-2 (2)

Williams brass USRA 4-6-2 (2)

Williams by Bachmann USRA 4-6-2

MTH RailKing 2-8-0 (2)

MTH USRA Imperial 0-6-0

Weaver brass 4-6-0

Atlas GP9

Lionel GP9

MTH RailKing NW2

Weaver RS3

MTH RailKing RS3

Atlas F3

Everything (engines, freight, and passenger cars) I have has fixed pilots and Kadee couplers.

With Kadees, 40' freight cars, and 18" passenger cars I would not go below 054 curves.  With 50' freight cars and 21" passenger cars I would not go below 072 curves.  Most of my curves are 072 (now 2-railed by removal of middle rail), but I do still have a couple of 054 curves on the layout.

You may find on some of the better detailed models some underframe stuff made have to be cut off and some end detail stuff may catch on the cars next to it.  You can always get longer shaft Kadees and/or cut the sides of the coupler boxes to allow for extra swing.  They also make couplers with different heights so large shims aren't necessary, most cases the shims are thin or non-existent.

The hardest part is making that first cut (if needed).  A lot of today's models come Kadee ready and there's one of our fellow forumites who's making 3D printed parts for diesels.

Be prepared to have to cut, dremel, make, glue, drill, tap, touch up paint, because that's gonna happen.  The manufacturers are not where they need to be as far as ease of conversion, yet.

I recommend you take 2 cars and give it a go.