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I have an N scale layout I've been working on. Not huge - 20' of mainline run with 6 turnouts of it (4 being passing lanes, other 2 as seperate spurs).
Anywho, I have liked both the Kato 2-8-2 steam engine, along with their E8A unit... probably both for Southern. Here's my question.
How do I find out if they will run well on my layout? I have two Atlas Geeps (GP30, and GP38) which run excellent. I have an Atlas SD60 which is so-so, and a friend ran his Athearn SD70 which hated a particular bend (where two piece of flextrack joined in a curve).
Can I borrow my new engines from most hobby shops? Or get refunds? If not, what's the resale of a basically brand new locomotive (assuming they don't work on my layout).
I don't want to spend $120 for a steam engine that derails or putters all the time. Would most places buy it back for $100+ ?
Kyle,
The problem isn't locomotives, it's your track. If an SD-70 won't make it through a curve, neither will a 2-8-2. You need to pull up that flex track and relay it so you have a smooth transition through the curve. What radius is the curve supposed to be? If it's less than 11", any large locomotive is going to have trouble no matter how well the track is laid. If it's 11" or more, the 2-8-2 and the E-7 should make it through the curve fine as long as the curve is well laid with no kinks.
I doubt you'll find a shop that will let you take it home to try (borrow) but you might get lucky and find one that will let you return it if it doesn't work. I'd ask before you buy what the return policy is. Jim is correct...if your curves are at least 11" radius 99% of the engines out there should work, and if not it's a track problem. Kato Mikados (2-8-2) run great, but mine are pretty picky about trackwork....they'll find any flaws in your layout. On any steamer, the pilot and trailing wheels just don't have a lot of downforce and derail quite easily. That E8 is about the same length as your SD60, but there are too many other factors to make a direct comparison. Even 3 or 4 engines of the same make and model might run totally different over the same section of track, so what your (or your friends) SD does , doesn't mean much for the next engine. You see a lot of "NEW..test run only" engines on ebay selling for almost retail, but I'm assuming you aren't interested in going that route. So once again, talk to the shop......if they won't let you return it, they may have a consignment option where they sell it for you (for a fee of course) or they may have a board where you can post "for sale" ads.
Thanks for the responses. I laid the turn with a 12" radius (tightest corner as well) - and in the middle of it, I had to join two pieces of Flextrack. Like you guys said, and I noticed slightly - it does have a very little kink to it. It amazes me though, because it's not much. My Geeps and all rolling stock (from a two-bay covered hopper, up to a 73' centerbeam) have no problem there...
I have even toyed with the idea of calling this layout a "test", and scrapping the whole thing - and starting fresh. I've arleady learned a lot from it, but my girlfriend thinks I'm crazy to start over!
Sometimes it's best to start over when halfway done. I liken it to rowing in a boat, and half way down the stream seeing what you think it a waterfall. better to turn around then get to the end and wishing you had.
