Can someone please tell me if a Williams scale Hudson handle Lionel fast track 036 switches? Or do I need the semi scale. Thanks Wally
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It can sort of get around, but it needs at least 048. Semi-scale only needs 031.
To run smooth and reliably, 048 at a minimum. 054 may is better yet!
There are two types of Williams scale Hudsons. Both have the same scale locomotive, but they have different size tenders. The one with the shorter semi-scale tender is a copy of the original Lionel NYC 773 and it belongs to Williams "Golden Memories" series. The one with the longer scale tender comes in a variety of roadnames and it belongs to the "Traditional" series. The catalog states that the Traditional series scale Hudson requires 042 curves. I have both versions, and they run fine on my 042 loop, although they slow a bit on the curves. I believe that Clifford is right that they would both run smoother on wider radius track. Because of the shorter tender, I believe that the 773 version might be able to navigate 036 or even 031 curves, as the original Lionel did, but I haven't actually tested it that way.
I've run my 773 version on o-36, but it looks terrible and doesn't really run that well (though o-31 is the minimum advertised). I usually run it on my o-72 fastrack now
Does it slow down significantly on 036? It seems to slow down a bit even on 042.
Originally Posted by SantaFe158:
I've run my 773 version on o-36, but it looks terrible and doesn't really run that well (though o-31 is the minimum advertised). I usually run it on my o-72 fastrack now
I haven't run it on 36 in several years so I can't quite remember. Everything is packed away or I'd try it for you. If I recall correctly it did slow down quite a bit and required a lot of extra power to boost it around them
If you are limited to O-36 then I would suggest the semi-scale Hudson. I have the full scale Hudson, and it barely navigates O-36 curves.
Thank You for all the help. This forum is a great help to me. At the age of 70 you would think I would know more.
It can be confusing because the term "scale" means different things to different people.
Strictly speaking, "scale" means the proportion of a model to its prototype. Lionel's prewar O scale Hudson, scale Pennsy B6 0-6-0 switcher, and scale freight cars are 1/4" scale or 1:48 full size. Lionel made OO scale Hudsons and freight cars, too.
In the 1950's, when HO scale (1:87) trains were making inroads into Lionel's market, Lionel introduced larger cars (6400 series) and called them called "scale," though they were smaller than 1:48 models.
Today, "scale" can be a highly detailed 1:48 model, but it is modified to run on 3-rail "O" Gauge track. Such a locomotive requires at least 0-54 curves to look good and run smoothly.
Just be aware that "scale" is a flexible term. Get a Williams by Bachmann semi-scale Hudson or Berkshire or 4-8-4 and watch it glide around 0-36 curves.
