Aristo Craft SD-45

Garden Railroading
1

I just purchased some USA trains locomotives, was thinking about purchasing 3 Aristo Craft SD-45’s. I see one gentlemen had alot of trouble with the Aristo Craft GP-40, I was wondering if buyers had the same trouble with the SD-45. Any information is appreciated.

Harold

2

My two SD-45s perform perfectly whether in snow or sun.

JimC.

3

I have five of them, and they ALL are fantastic. Very powerful, and very dependable. If you don’t want to buy the three, let me know where they are. I don’t think there is a better engine.

Paul

4

Thanks for the information guys, appreciate it.

Harold

5

Most of the reports I have read, on a few of the Fora, have always been complimentary about the SD-45 loco. I wished, on more than one occasion, that I could have one here but it is a little too large for my small railroad.

There will always be the rogue model, as with anything that is man-made. But if you buy new then you should have no issue as Aristo have a good warranty for their new products.

Regarding rogue items: a friend of mine in Wisconsin recently bought a new truck in the cash for clunkers scheme So far, in about three months, he has had to have a new drive shaft and shock absorbers… He doesn’t use the truck for off-road purposes; just drives about 30 miles along ordinary roads and an Interstate to get to and from work each work day.[:O]

6

The GP-40 has different motors.

The SD-45 is a proven performer. I would have no reservations recommending it.

Regards, Greg

7

I had shorting problems with my Aristo actually all engines with rail wipers and Aristo switches. The SD-45s with their longer trucks are more prone to shorts when crossing over the frog. Some mentioned that Aristo corrected the problem. My queries to Aristo got no responses.

8

Which switches? The Aristo 4’ diameter, the 10’ diameter “wide radius” or the #6?

Shorting problems should not happen with any Aristo loco on any switch, since they do not have sliders.

There is another possiblity, but I will wait for your answer, because it depends on the switch used.

Regards, Greg

9

I love my Aristo SD45’s (4) and Dash-9’s (5). They are great runners and strong pullers. I definitely would recommend them to anyone.

Here is one I rebuilt into an SD45-2; Santa Fe 5700.