Locomotive for ultra small radius?

[wcfn100]

What's more whimsical than this -



Jason

[bbunge]

Thanks Bob.  I am looking more for a freight looking operation, but appreciate the thought!

Looks like you have a lot of options.  Since you are interested in freight and for me, tight turns scream traction, another option is traction freight.  There are a couple of freight motor shells on Shapeways that fit the Bachmann Brill chassis. 

https://www.shapeways.com/product/GCB8T6LUT/n-scale-45-trolley-freight-box-motor-body-parts?optionId=41191727&li=shops

Then you can find a simple print on Thingiverse to jump from the Kato chasis mentioned before to the Bachmann Brill. 

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3505538

There are also a couple of options on Shapeways for those cool traction freight trailers with the rounded ends.  A lot of work, but something quite different.  In some places, in the real world, 44 ton'ers or other small diesel critters ended up replacing the traction motors.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/FK4NZC56R/160-3301x2-cera-box-cars-round-end-pack-of-2?optionId=64737976&li=shops

I have a module with a green line loop with tight radi.  I have found the recent (2013 DCC) Bachmann F7 units run well on both DC and DCC, make all the tight turns, navigate well on rough track and pull well. 

Bob

[scolba]

Thats interesting Bob.  Traction ran through my back yard, WELL before we moved in (Illinois Traction/Illinois Terminal) so that would be a neat little tie in. 

While following that particular rabbit down the hole, I came across this traction guy on the cheap.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kato-10-504-1-N-Pocket-Line-Series-Electric-Loco-Freight-Trains-Set-of-3/293697770325?hash=item4461c05355:g:Q50AAOSw0sVeqI6M

Might be an appropriate stand in for a season or two until i could get an IT traction thing going.  But then that is spiraling to a bigger project, and isn't really the point of this exercise either.  haha. 

[scolba]

I actually just dug out an 11-104 chassis that i had from a previous project (am a little staggered by the prices of that one on ebay, since the 11-110 seems to have replaced it?)  I wonder if there is way to make use of this chassis.  Most of the printable shells i find are for 009 or HOn30

[peteski]

I actually just dug out an 11-104 chassis that i had from a previous project (am a little staggered by the prices of that one on ebay, since the 11-110 seems to have replaced it?)  I wonder if there is way to make use of this chassis.  Most of the printable shells i find are for 009 or HOn30

Yes, it is a revised chassis. Kato has outdone themselves on this one.  Not  only it has a coreless motor, it also has a 3-point suspension, which assures that all 4 wheels are always in contact with uneven track. Unbelievable design.  And the price is less than what a replacement corleless motor costs. Yes, I'm gushing.   

[peteski]

Somehow in the other posts, I completely forgot about our previous exchanges, because i found myself going...hmmm...i wonder if the 4-4-0 would work, because it looks perfect.  lol.  doh!

In your initial post you mentioned MicroAce.  I am not familiar with that reference.  What is that?

Several years ago Atlas had MicroAce produce their small 2-6-0 loco for them in American paint schemes.  Atlas also sold a 4-4-0 loco which I think is also made by MicroAce (but I'm not sure about that).  Both locos are very small and should be able to handle tight curves.

[scolba]

I got the curves in today, so decided to try a MTL switcher with a diy DC controller and it SEEMS to run just fine.  So that likely means my SW1200 will as well.  I will get a steam job before Christmas, though, because you guys are right.  Doesn't seem right sans side rods.
 But for now the Bourbon Express will be SW powered.  lol

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A thousand most humble apologies for the vertical video...i dunno what i was thinking.  As always, I appreciate all the input guys!

[nickelplate759]

It looks great, except for the rum bottle.  Did you run out of Bourbon (hopefully not)?

[scolba]

Lol that (and a bottle of patron xo cafe on the other end) is the wife's. Haven't quite converted her to bourbon. Though she does like merlot aged in bourbon barrels, so it's not too much more of a jump.

[sd45elect2000]

Thats interesting Bob.  Traction ran through my back yard, WELL before we moved in (Illinois Traction/Illinois Terminal) so that would be a neat little tie in. 

While following that particular rabbit down the hole, I came across this traction guy on the cheap.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kato-10-504-1-N-Pocket-Line-Series-Electric-Loco-Freight-Trains-Set-of-3/293697770325?hash=item4461c05355:g:Q50AAOSw0sVeqI6M

Might be an appropriate stand in for a season or two until i could get an IT traction thing going.  But then that is spiraling to a bigger project, and isn't really the point of this exercise either.  haha.

A project I've been working on. I had traction in my back yard as well. This exact car actually..

Randy

[sd45elect2000]

Or if you like freight ....
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[sd45elect2000]

Maybe interurban fast freight ? [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[sd45elect2000]

A single car can constitute a train:

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[sd45elect2000]

OR you can run the Cream City Special:

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[sd45elect2000]

And if you don't like Mahogany interiors:

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