bump...

Cheers,

_Chris

Chris -

The engines you listed have an overall length of 11-13" with wheelbases under 12.5". At their widest, they are generally 2" wide (or less). Their heights are 3.75" (or less).

From a layout planning perspective, you should plan for the heftiest loco you anticipate using. Of those that you listed, the 2-8-0 and the 4-6-0 are the biggest and in the same ballpark. For clearances, the established clearances for On3 are the best guide for On30 - 1.5" on either side of the centerline (add 0.5" on curves) and 4.24" over the railhead. If you have grades, you need to ensure that the vertical easements are correct. For the bottom of the grade, the easement must be gentle enough to prevent the pilot (or tail in the Forney's case) from bottoming out on the railheads. At the top of the grade, the transition must be gentle enough to keep the wheel flanges engaged with the railheads.

Having said all this, if the size of the layout is somewhat compact, you may want to consider shorter engines. Also, a big 4-6-0 is going to look a bit out of place switching empty log bunks onto the loading spur.

Okay, thanks much.

The inside frame 4-4-0 has a wheelbase that long? The little teakettle looks like it's only 9" long overall!

No grades, but I am using an 18" radius ruling curve. Looks like the two 4-4-0's will suit me fine...

The layout is apx. 4'x7', so it shouldn't look to weird. Think hminky's layout... I'm acutally using standard flats as log cars, ala Mower Lumber Co. RR. Trains of three to four cars would be average, less caboose.

Cheers,

-Chris

Chris --

Good estimate! The inside-frame 4-4-0 with tender is about 9-1/4" long over the footboards. It'll look and run fine on 18" radius curves.

I don't have the other locos mentioned ... there all a bit big for what I like. (Nice locos, just not my thing.)