hey guys. I just won 3 D&RGW SD40T-2’s off ebay and I wanted to know their radius limits.
2nd, I have a bunch of Details West SP headlight sets (HS-100, 102, 103, 104, 105). My question is whether or not I should paint them BEFORE I install them on my engines?
I have several SD-40s and they operate fine on 22 inch radius curves. I even tested one on 15 in radius and it was fine at low speeds. They are not the T vesrion though.
They will probably negotiate 18" radius, but whatever they are coupled to will probably be pulled off the tracks.
I go by the 3x rule. Ie, you min radius should be 3x your longest piece of rolling stock. That will ensure trouble free operation.
David B
That would depend on the brand. Sometimes the brake cylinder on the truck will hit the frame or body part limiting how far it can pivot.
Your Athearn SD40-T2’s are longer than the SD40 or SD40-2. They will go around a 22" radius curve by themselves, but coupled together or pulling a train will cause problems.
Jim
ive been running them around 20" radius but ive had to refain from running them back to back cause the two rear end corners will touch and possibly derail, though rolling stock ive only had to modify the well cars to go around the corners cause the wheels rub against the coupler box and force it off the rails
awesome, thanks guys, this is the info I was looking for.