Seriously, can MTH 0-42 rated rolling stock run on 0-36 Fastrack?

Mostly, no. In fact you cannot run an 0-36 Atlas caboose on 0-31. Some locomotives will operate on smaller than recommended diameters. I have a Premier Allegheny operating on 0-54",,,whith lotsa overhang, though.

Dave G.

I have run older premier madison cars on 036 fastrack even tough they were rated for 0-42. not sure if yr and model number makes a difference.

Some locomotives and rolling stock will track okay on less than the recommended curvature, and others will not do so well.  Pretty much depends on the individual item.

I can understand that an 0-42 locomotive might not be able to run on 0-36 track, but it seems odd that a boxcar, tank car or passenger car (etc.) can't. I would expect the ends of the cars might over-hang a bit, looking a bit odd.

I might just go ahed and pick-up the MTH 0-42 Madison cars anyway If they run on my 0-36 Fastrack, that would be great! If they do not, I will move to 0-42 eventually.

Thanks for the feedback.

Terrence

Coram, NY

Been wondering the same thing myself. Even though I have 072, 082 I have been looking hard at the 054 and 042 and compromise by using Railking 027 short pax cars etc. I refuse to back down below 072 switches though.

I've tried some of the larger stuff on my 036(super'O'), and the problem I find is that some cars may 'hit' each other at the end when they go thru a curve. I wouldn't put the rubber diaphrams on both cars, sometimes just on one car in fine. You may be able to mix in a long car with one of the smaller ones if you want, or put it at the end. Sometimes if there are 3 wheel trucks, that could be a problem. It comes down to experimenting and finding a comfort level that works and looks.

You need to consider the fact that they're 6 wheel trucks and all the wheels are flanged. Its not like the engines where they have blind wheels. Also, the distance between the cars can also cause them to collide with one another in too tight a corner. 

I would say the same thing as above, it may work, it may not. I've bought some cars before that said 054 and they worked on 42, but I distinctly remember a pair of lionel heavyweights that wouldnt do 42" curves because the trucks would bind in the curves.

The number of axles per truck is usually a pretty good guide for rolling stock and diesel locomotives.  Diesels with four-wheel trucks are all that I run on my layout due to the tight-radius curves, and I also tend to stick with smaller steam locomotives such as 0-4-0s, 0-6-0s, 0-8-0s, 4-6-2s, and the like.  It's no problem for me because I prefer smaller motive power, all the way down to various type of "critters."

Most all of my rolling stock is also of the four-wheel-per-truck variety.

The roar and squeal of the 6 wheel pax trucks on short curves are going to make you want flange greasers. FYI.

I tend to like 4 axle power myself because they are forgiving on bad track and usually sure footed. 6 axle power is present and they require some thinking.