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Rivarossi 2-8-4 Pulling 20 Cars On Loop

Yves asks:

“I have a basic 4ft x 8ft HO layout and spotted a near new Rivarossi 2-8-4 advertised for sale. My experience with steamers is zero. It would need to pull up to 20 cars around a loop if possible?”

You are welcome to contribute your thoughts below (and see what others have to say).

3 Responses to Rivarossi 2-8-4 Pulling 20 Cars On Loop

  • Brent Anderson says:

    It should be ok to pull 20 cars as long as the track is flat. It there are inclines greater than 2% I might need to reduce the cars. Keep in mind a used steamer might have lost some pulling power too.

  • David Stokes says:

    How do you maintain a sense of reality with a 20 car train on an 8 x 4 layout? No, I’m not having a shot at you, but that train would be chasing its own tail.

  • Miss Victoria says:

    It should be fine, assuming your cars are average weight. Even some smaller locos wouldn’t have too much of an issue.

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