B-man On30 Forney

[MT Hopper]

Has anyone acquired and used one of Bachmans On30 2-4-4 Forneys?
What is the minimum practical radius for these units? I am guessing 24" minimum with 30" minimum preferred?

Cheers
Will

 

[Jim Krause]

Railroad Model Craftsman magazine, August 2007 has a review of the Bachmann Forney and it states that 22" is a realistic minimum radius. The person who wrote the review says "he tried an 18 inch radius and the locomotive and cars stayed on the track".

 

[MT Hopper]

Thanks Jim
I went down to the basement and laid down an 18" radius circle of flex track. Hooked up the Forney to a coach and let it go. It is willing to stay on the track as long as I run it extremely slowly but it was definitely much easier when I increased the circle radius to 22" and then 24". I was initially uncertain as Maine Forneys do not have a reputation for taking tight curves very well. Thanks again for your help

Cheers from the heart of the continent

Will