is it possible to change the minimum radius of the new C-16 from 5 ft to 4 ft? Then I could use sharper track in my house indoor layout. Patrick, Stratton, Colorado.
A 4 foot radius is an 8 ft diameter circle.
I don’t see why it wouldn’t run on an 8 foot dia circle.
Patrick,
when you state the ‘new’ C-16 have you as yet purchased the locomotive? Aristo have dropped production of the C-16 other than the current ‘bumble bee’ colour scheme. If you intend another roadname then you would need to quickly source any stock on dealers’ shelves. They have also dropped production of the entire ‘Classic’ 1/24 scale range.
If you already own a locomotive then I really cannot see why it could not traverse four foot diameter curves as the two centre axles are blind and Delton/Aristo cobbled the design to be able to negotiate tight circles (axles are prototypically too close together). That said, I would really discourage the use of four foot curves.
Further to John's comment above, in largescale we do not refer to track curves as radius/radii. Curved track is always referred to by diameter. Aristo always express minimum curves as diameter, not radius. This is a LGB 'hangover'.The manufacturer specs state a 4’ diameter (2’ radius) minimum for the C-16, so if you’re having trouble getting it to cooperate, there’s something askew somewhere that’s keeping it from doing so.
Alas, the radius/diameter thing in large scale isn’t as clear-cut as Tim would make it seem. Various large scale manufacturers use both radius and diameter to describe curves. It’s maddening, confusing, and any number of other hair-pulling adjectives. I’ve seen some manufacturers use diameter to describe their track, then express the curve requirements of their equipment in radius. Go figure…
Later,
K
Kevin,
it is generally accepted that in largescale, curves are expressed in diameter, as opposed to radius as is used in smaller gauges. My intent was to make a general statement to avoid confusion with other gauges. Yes, my statement was a blanket statement, but it was directed more at the perceived experience level of the member who posted the thread, rather than confusing the issue that some boutique track manufacturers have started to publish their switches in radius rather than diameter. Maybe you have come across some specialist low level or European manufacturers who release curve specs as radius, however, to date curves are generally expressed as diameter.
Considering that the member is possibly intending using the smallest curves possible (hence his question), then one would assume that he intended using track from one of the mainline manufacturers that is generally available in the local hobby store and not one of the very few stores that import their track from Germany.I would argue the “generally accepted” part, certainly today. Sure, LGB used diameter (while using “R” to designate each curve, which many mistook to mean “radius.”) Aristo uses both. While they classify their curves by diameter, they refer to their curves as being of various radii in their literature. (e.g., “…we recommend using our medium radius (10’ diameter) curves…”) Garden Railways has almost always used “radius” to describe curves in the descriptions of their featured railroads, and now you’ve got Piko and ProLine advertising their track in terms of radius. (Both also using “R”, only adding more confusion with respect to LGB’s system.) You’ve got different manufacturers using “radius” and “diameter” to describe their minimum requirements for their rolling stock. (In the 1:20 realm, Bachmann uses “diameter,” Accucraft uses “radius.” They’re the two major players in that arena, you’d think they could agree…) There’s simply no pattern, hence the confusion we have. Add to that the fact that there are those individuals who simply get the two terms confused, and it’s a wonder we’re able to keep our curves straight at all. 
Certainly in the conversations I’ve had with other garden railroaders over the years, they’re probably about 50:50 in terms of using radius vs. diameter. My advice to beginners is simply to know that the two terms are used pretty much equally, so know which one you’re going to use for your conversations.
Later,
K
Oh, great, one more thing to confuse the noobs with. 
For myself, I try to use radius when discussing curves. Pretty soon, someone is going to start using degrees…
I bought the new D&RG C-16 last year. I wasn’t aware that Aristo had dropped the 1:24 line and the C-16 except for the yucky bumblebee scheme. Why? Also have the older C-16 probably ten years old-not as smooth but operable. I was thinking about buying a new Delton C-16 except that if something goes wrong there is no one to repair them and some were not good runners I hear.
Second choice could be a new Bachmann mining mogul modified to the DRG Class 45 2-6-0. Its supposed to be undersized 1:20.3 closer to Aristo C-16’s.
Well thanks for the info . Patrick.
I have an original Delton C-16 that is one of the good runners. I also have an Aristo/Delton C-16 (2nd generation, I think) that is a reasonably good runner. I guess it is unfortunate that Hartland Locomotive Works did not get all of the Delton line. HLW is nominal 1:24 scale, and they would probably continue producing the freight cars and the caboose. Fortunately, HLW DO have the dies for both the long and the shorty passenger cars.
Yours,
David Meashey
Patrick,
of all the Aristo ‘classic’ line it was the bumble bee C-16 that was the only volume seller. Simple economics, if it does not sell do not make it. I have around ten of the second generation C-16’s. This was the retooled geared drive model made in the late 1990’s. I actually like these and they do run well, although a little gear whine from some.
The original Delton C-16 was resurrected in the early 1990's by a small company (Early American Trains, I believe). These did run well, unlike the problematic Delton version. The latest Aristo version is a nice locomotive and does run well. I am not a fan of the rubber toothed belt drive concept though. It is supposedly unbreakable.Tim Brien said:Oh my goodness, you lucky fellow! I'm enjoying a vision.... of a model D&RG roundhouse in the backyard, with an awesome iron horse in each stall..... , while one or two more are out there working the mainline freights...
I have around ten of the second generation C-16's.
Ahhh dear me, alas, this is not to be in my yard, as I only have one C-16! (Sigh…)