Im building a layout that is about 17' by 40" wide so the only curves I can use is O36 curves. I know I'm restricted on the size of engines I can use. I would like them as close to scale as possible.
Any thoughts?
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I would go with smaller obviously like a GP-7, Switchers would look good steam or diesel. MTH Railking scale engines would work as well.
A B&O Docksider, 0-4-0T tank engine. They look great on any layout, especially with tight curves.
Galloping Goose,
Honestly if you have room go for 048. It will open up so many more options.
In true 1:48 scale, you'll have a lot of limitations with 36" curves. I love how my semi-scale and O27 engines look on 42" and 54" curves by comparison. If you prefer scale, I'd look at the 2-8-0 Consolidation or the 4-6-0 ten wheeler or 2-6-0 Mogul. I think they're rated for 31" curves.
Check out the MTH 44 ton and SW1 switchers. Bachmann also makes a 44ton and really nice scale RS3
John Quogue RR posted:Honestly if you have room go for 048. It will open up so many more options.
If I could go to O48 I would but O36 is the limit.
Allot of good thoughts in the other posts.
Locomotives with tenders are always compromised on O36 curves. Like Hot Water said, a 0-4-0Tank will look like they belong.
Most smaller B-B diesels will look okay too. IMO all C-C diesels are out.
Alco pairs don't look too bad.
I vote for the 44 tonner
David, Lots of detail, scale size with Lionel TMCC and sounds. $350 plus postage from 60438. John in Lansing, ILL rattler21@sbcglobal.net
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You could go with mth 2-8-0.A very strong locomotive for its size.You can also with the lionel semi scale 2-8-2 or kline makes a 2-8-2 that is a very strong puller.You also go with the lionel ft diesels from the mid 1990s.There are some nice gp38 from lionel.Some of early railking locmotives such as the berkshire or mohawks can run on turns like that.
The Legacy 0-8-0's are a great choice. The B6s too.
As others have said, the 44 tonner from Bachmann and MTH will look great too.
I think that some of the smaller scale size diesels look good too. The Railking SW8/9 models are nice, albeit not adorned with all the details you may want.
The Railking RS1 is the best bargain around in my opinion. Lots of detail, scale size, die-cast frame...for $299! It looks pretty good on O-36 too.
All of the LionChief Plus locos look good on O-36 curves. But they do look even better on O-48 or greater, as do all O-gauge locos.
The smaller the better. Two that I have and run on 036 are the RMT Beep and Lionel 0-6-0 Dockside switcher.
BB1-Rats would also look good. The Lionel TMCC versions run well and have Railsounds 5.
E6s are another good choice. Lots of models to choose from. Legacy and TMCC versions available.
For steamers, virtually any traditional-sized Lionel postwar steamer (originally designed to run on O-27 track) and modern equivalents from MTH, Lionel and Williams.
I also love the C-16 B&O Docksider, particularly the one MTH produced for roughly five years.
The Lionel 0-6-0 Docksider is a good choice, too.
Hi David,
As you know I'm in the process of getting my basement cleaned out in order to build a new layout. My old layout was 5x14x9 and had an O36 loop.
There are many scale steamers other than switchers which look right at home going over O36 curves: 4-4-2s, 2-6-0s, 4-6-0s, etc. Both MTH and Lionel has made versions of several of these. Also, the Railking Imperial Camelbacks are scale as reported here on this forum.
Additionally, both manufacturers have made slightly larger scale steamers which at least to me, look fine on O36 curves - these include Pacifics and Mikados.
Some of these older models can be had at a fraction of their original cost.
Another option is most of the Railking Imperial steamers. Several are within an inch to being scale lengthwise and width and height is frequently no more than 1/4 inch less. Before I went over completely to the 'dark side' of the scale world, I exclusively ran these steamers pulling 40' scale rolling stock and at least to me, looked just fine. I didn't have any of the larger articulateds, but most will look just fine from this line.
I hope this helps and look forward to seeing your progress!
-Greg
I have had only O36 for the past few years. I ran SD70ACe, 4-6-2, Gp35, gp9, track mobile, subway set, hogwarts, lionmaster challenger, trolley, handcar, and a track mobile.
they all looked good to me 
but the worst offenders of that list - the SD70ACe and the hogwarts. They are both large for the diameter turn.
GP35 and track mobile were probably the best looking and scale.
Surprisingly to me, the lionmaster challenger did not look that odd (but i realize your looking for scale size, but thought this interesting)
Short body diesels - like GP30 or GP38.
I echo what others have said about b-b diesels. I think the prototype RS3 is only about 39' itself. Also think about rolling stock. Cars in the 12" to 14" range look best. Once you get past 15" the overhang just looks lousy.
as stated above, switchers and short diesels. nothing beyond a b-b type road diesel.
For passenger cars, nothing longer than Atlas O Trainman type passenger cars.
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Any of the GP and first gen F units will be fine. The WbB units are scale and run great.......add to it cheap! Steam?? The MTH 2-8-0 starter set locos are very close to scale and again great runners. Good luck!!!
Like.....
Or go Civil War Era for really small locos and cars!!! 
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In addition to the MTH 0-4-0 Docksider (below on club layout) and the Lionel 0-6-0 Docksider (below on home layout), both with scale dimensions, I should have included the Williams by Bachmann 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler among my scale steam choices.
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Diesel choices include Lionel NW2, which I run on my O-27 home layout. This is the LionChief version. 
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I agree that the Bachmann 4-6-0 ten wheeler is a good choice. It's geared properly to run smoothly and slowly.
Scale Atlantics. MTH or Lionel PRR E6; Lionel's TMCC SP/PRR "blend" - sort of a convincing mythical beast, with the frame of an E6 and the superstructure of an SP 4-4-2. Both portions accurate - but not actually joined in real life. Good choice for a freelanced RR.
K-line B&A(NYC) 4-6-6 tank loco - double-ended, actually.
Lionel's PW-based, modern-internals, scale-ish 0-4-0 with slope-back tender. Very convincing locos.
ROW brass 0-4-0 tank steamer.
Lots of great ideas,
thanks guys.
A lot of engines and cars look ok on 036" The larger scale engines and cars do not either run on 036 or look too big.
Beeps aren't based on anything in real life, but, to me at least, they are detailed enough to be convincing.
Most of my stuff is 031 and 036 check out my videos
Hey Jim R - would love to see more pics of your layout -I mostly run 027 as well.
MIKE
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I'll also further add a plug for the Williams 4-6-0 Baldwin. It will run just fine on tight curves and I firmly believe that it is, hands down, the BEST running conventional engine on the market today. It is geared perfectly and is glass smooth. It will just CRAWL around the layout without hesitation.
The RMT BEEP, since it doesn't have a prototype, there's no chance of it being out of scale. 
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Jhainer posted:Most of my stuff is 031 and 036 check out my videos
Hey J,
You really like to change your layout. Is this the 4th layout in the loft?
mike w posted:Hey Jim R - would love to see more pics of your layout -I mostly run 027 as well.
MIKE
It was on page 5 of this thread (scroll down a bit to my second posting with more pictures within that thread and page):
