I would like to know what is the best HO scale AC4400?
Currently that would have to go to Athearn RTR model and soon you can add Kato to this short list when they release their model in the coming months.
I would have to agree that mabe Athern is the one as of now
Okay, at the moment Atearn RTR - a big difference to the former model.
And when the models will come in a few weeks: 100 % sure, the best will be the KATO model.
I have heared that the anounced Roco ER model will not come.
I am not entirely happy with my Athearn, but it is not a RTR. What are some of the differences between the two models??
Thanks
Has anyone had “derail problems " with these units??
My layout is completely code83 and Shinhara turnouts.
Minimum radius curve 22” to Max 36".
I have run 6wheel truck Ahearn’s for years
( SD-40t s ) with little problems.
I cannot get Brand New AC4400 to pass through
a turnout or travel in the 22" or 24" rad curves
without climbing the rail, with either the front or rear
trucks!!!
I have changed wheels over to Northwest Shortline
36" , same problem.
Is it possible the tread depth is hitting the plastic
tie fastener on the Code 83 track???
I have double checked the Wheel gauge with
NMRA standard gage tool.
Would changing over to Code 100 track Help???
I see there is a big difference in truck to truck
spacing between SD40-t and the AC4400’s.
I just bought 6 of these units!!!
Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin Mahoney
Baltimore, Md
Check the back-to-back gauge on your wheelsets. My Athearn AC4400 had a problem very similar to the one you describe, I eventually discovered that the wheelsets were not set to the correct gauge - they should be around 14.5mm back to back. On my loco, the axle gears were slightly too wide to allow the wheelsets to be correctly gauged, so I had to pull out the wheels (they’re on stub axles that push into the gear), and file the sides of the gear to allow me to set the wheels a little closer together. It’s now fine.