Tangent Scale Models: Bethlehem Quad Hoppers in N Scale

[jpwisc]

So, just curious, do any of our readers here have a layout with curves of 18.75R and above only?

My current tightest corner is 22”. The next version of the layout will be 36”.

[jereising]

So, just curious, do any of our readers here have a layout with curves of 18.75R and above only?

Oakville's minimum is 24" - I think I fudged that just a bit in one place and it's more like 22".  And if there's gonna be a problem, that particular spot is where it's gonna be.  And yes, it happens.

[Philip H]

Since ICG had a series of similar cars, and I could use them for pet coke work, I am considering a pair.  I am also building a switching layout, so unless there's a hard stop that prevents them from going below 18.75" I may well get a pair (I am planning 14" minimum radius).

@Tangentsm - how did you all arrive at that minimum radius recommendation?

[Tangentsm]

Hello Everyone.  First off, I wanted to say thanks for all of the great comments on our new Bethlehem Quad Hopper.  The last few days at the National Train Show have been incredibly busy.  We really enjoy getting to talk to everyone on the show floor, including meeting many of you from this forum.

Our minimum radius is not a typo.  We calculated the 18.75" by running the car on curves until we did not "feel" any rubbing of the wheels against the air hose and draft gear key details -- some of the same details that make the car a Tangent quality product that sits at the right height (yet work with the larger than scale coupler box required for MT-compatible couplers).

Can you run the car on smaller radius curves?  Yes, with adjustment of the model.

Examples:
1. If you remove the 2 rubber air hoses from the model (Needle nose pliers pull them right off from their 2-pin mounts), then the car will FREELY roll on a 15" radius curve.

2. If you further "modify" the car by taking a #11 X-acto blade and slicing off the "nub" face of the draft key detail molded onto the side of the draft gear box (about 20 seconds of work), then the car will FREELY roll on a 12.5" radius curve.

Further reduction in minimum radius is possible, but results in increasing degrees of "rubbing" and that is up to the pain threshold of the modeler.

We want our official documentation to reflect the out-of-the-box radius, hence the 18.75" on the website and announcement text.

A few other comments:
1. The wheels do not rub against the bays. 
2. The wheels are .062" in width (just a hair narrower than what we see on an Atlas Trinity 5660 for example).

We appreciate the dialogue about our first N scale product.  Our Bethlehem Quad Hoppers will ship beginning September 17.  We look forward to your consideration and prospective business with Tangent Scale Models!

Best wishes,

David Lehlbach
Tangent Scale Models

[Kev1340]

Thank you for the clarification David, good to know just the airhose need removing... or perhaps modifying? Either way, I'm happy to lose the hose so I can have a bunch of these. (I doubt the hose alone adds a great deal to the cost.

Now I just have to figure out the most cost effective way to purchase from the UK!

Cheers,

Kev

[squirrelhunter]

 David, thank you for the quick response! It sounds like the work to get these to run on tighter curves is fairly straightforward. These cars are common in central Texas headed to cement and lime factories.

[JanesCustomTrain]

However, I am still trying to figure out a good way to come up with 50 loads of realistic looking N scale sugar beets.   

Sesame seeds ?   

Jane

[coosvalley]

Well, so far 4 of our members here have layouts with big enough curves, I hope they buy a bunch!

The ad says car does not compromise proto fidelity for sharper curves, but obviously there were compromises when it comes to couplers and wheels. Our small scale does require some compromises . I doubt many N scalers would hold it against you if there were some compromises when it comes to min radius.

I would hate to see that min radius cause poor sales, as I've been following Tangents HO releases, and I would LOVE to see them stay in N scale for a while!.

[peteski]

Sesame seeds ?   

Jane

 I thought poppy seeds (size-wise), but the color is too dark. How about mustard seeds?  The shape is similar to sugar beets (but still a bit too large) and the color is probably good too.

[jpwisc]

Well, so far 4 of our members here have layouts with big enough curves, I hope they buy a bunch!

Only 4 of responded to this thread. There are plenty more. In addition to those of us with wider radius layouts, there are still a large number of N scalers whose only layout is NTrak, their minimum mainline radius is still 22.5”.

If someone is okay with the look of a 12” corner, they will probably be okay removing the airline from the car.

[coosvalley]

Only 4 of responded to this thread. There are plenty more. In addition to those of us with wider radius layouts, there are still a large number of N scalers whose only layout is NTrak, their minimum mainline radius is still 22.5”.

If someone is okay with the look of a 12” corner, they will probably be okay removing the airline from the car.

That's why I wrote the "so far" part

Also, railroads have curves, not corners ( stated to me by a very serious track foreman)

[jpwisc]

Also, railroads have curves, not corners ( stated to me by a very serious track foreman)

And he’s very right. They also measure curvature in degrees, not the sad radius inches we use to measure our curves.

[jagged ben]

...

The ad says car does not compromise proto fidelity for sharper curves, but obviously there were compromises when it comes to couplers and wheels. Our small scale does require some compromises . I doubt many N scalers would hold it against you if there were some compromises when it comes to min radius.

...

No kidding.  From all appearances, proto fidelity was compromised to achieve industry-standard N scale coupling, as well as tracking (wheel tread).  Compromising a little more on the coupler box shape in order to get back to a prototypical radius would not have been uncalled for. 

Hopefully a little bit of rubbing is just not a big deal at 16".  As long as it doesn't actually derail, I'll take occasional rubbing over modifying the car.  I don't model fossil fuels but I kinda want to pick up one or two of these for a stand alone aggregate load or something, just to support the cause.

[greenwizard88]

That's why I wrote the "so far" part

Also, railroads have curves, not corners ( stated to me by a very serious track foreman)

You've obviously never been to Pittsburgh 

[coosvalley]

You've obviously never been to Pittsburgh 

OK, I'll let you tell that to that track foreman, but , I gotta warn ya, you better be tough if you want to convince him!

For the record, I chose not to dispute the fact, and I feel it was the wise move.