Kato N scale SD70 locomotives

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have a small N scale layout with curves at 9 3/4" minimum using Atlas track. I want to buy some Kato SD70s to run on it. Kato web site says 9 3/4" is OK; my hobby dealer says no. Anyone have any experience running the SD70s on 9 3/4" curves? Thanks, richardac [%-)]

2

I think you might get away with it if your trackwork is close to perfect. I have nominal 9-3/4" curves (flextrack) and I tried my Kato SD70MAC a couple of times and had problems in several spots on curves and some switches. Now that doesn’t constitute a lot of experience, but it’s what I found in a relatively short testing period.

Since that loco is really way too modern for my layout it didn’t bother me to decide not to run it. I may have been able to correct all the (relatively minor) flaws in my trackwork and get it to run well, but I didn’t try.

Regards

Ed

3

I have the same question and have asked a ton of people (both LHS and others who are are not in it for the money) about 6-wheel trucks, like your Kato SD70, on 9-3/4 tracks. ALL have said that it is not recommended. Many have told me that if it does work, you may have another problem with the trucks swinging out too much and derailing the first car.

I’ve never tried it personally so I can’t tell you from experience. Now I’m wondering what about longer 4-wheel truck locos like U-boats and Dash’es.? They are not the 6-wheel trucks but with their longer body, would it be a problem on 9-3/4?

4

Most modern loco’s can handle pretty steep curve diameters although they will look weird doing it.I used to have 9 3/4 in. curves on my previous layout and even my DD40AX (Spectrum) could handle them.However I haven’t had the chance to try an SD70 but my bet would be yes with a lot of body overhang inside the curve.

Minimal curves radiuses are better suited for GP’s and shorter SD’s as these will look more realistic on a small layout.I own a Kato “N” SD40-2 which is a sweet running loco with very good power,I suggest you try one of these.

5

Guys,

I think Kato SD70 negotiates 9 3/4 turns very nice. However there are two regular and one cosmetic issues worth noting:
Regular issue:

  1. The rolling stock next to the engine should be short one. It would help the whole train negotiate the curve better.
  2. The default coupler shanks that come with SD70 are short. You can get the bigger ones and change them to get a better coupling. Also, if you intent running two SD70 back2back/, that causes uncoupling/derailment.
    Cosmetic issue:
    The overhang of the SD70 negotiating the curve may appear unrealistic to some(Many).

My suggestions:
SD70’s are definitely nice addition to any railroader’s collection. You can try running them but may need to rearrange the bogies to place the shorter one near the loco. I have couple of SD70 but my tracks are Kato UNITRACK. They run cool.

Thanks

6

SD70s will handle almost all cars on 9 3/4" Unitrack. It has difficulty with cars that use body mounted couplers, and cars that have really short couplers. In my fleet, the SD70s pull everything through the tighties except the Concor well cars, Kato Business Car (tail end) and the Kato PS2 Hoppers. No operational problems with the California Zephyr, Red Caboose Centerbeams, DI Husky Stacks, etc.

I plan on doing a complete test with all of my rolling stock varieties and posting the results soon, perhaps even next week.

Appearance issues are another thing, a matter of personal taste. Also, your results with track other than Unitrack may differ, in all likelihood on the downside.

7

Thank you all for your input. I’ll stick with Geeps.