So doesn't anyone know what radius you need to MU a pair of the kato SD-40's? Not as concerned with looks as much as function.
I'm going to say a 9 3/4" radius is doable for those SD40-2s. It's the car behind the locos you have to worry about most. It will probably work better if it has a body mounted coupler like the loco. (Some guys use 'transition cars' for this.) At 15" you can probably stop worrying about that car...most of the time.
I have one 180 degree turn that has a 10 inch radius with a short Peco turnout in the the middle of it. I have run these three Kato locos as a consist SD-70-MAC, C44-9W and AC4400CW. They went through without any problems. I do have the longer kato coupler on 2 of them, the C44-9W has the Micro Trains conversion , I don't know the number. Gary
It's me again! Im resurrecting this thread to conclude it. First, I got a pair of Kato SD40-2 equipped with Digitrax DN163K1C. Canadian National road numbers #6253 and #6256. I treated myself to the whole setcute:. I installed one decoder myself while the other one has been installed by Kato. They both share a syndrome I call "Eternal Momentum". Im trying to get the right people to tell me what's what with that. That would be NCE and Digitrax (I chosen Power Cab over Zephyr). Otherwise, these two are real eye candy indeed. I took one apart completely and I have only good comments on the design so far. It's modular... body, motor and truck. I am strongly partial to this philosophy! It's obvious this will payoff over time. I also got an Atlas but not a GP38. It's a MP15DC decoder equipped bearing CP Rail color. Road number #1442. The decoder in question is a LENZ LE063XF. I can actually relate to the following quote: I could hear that buzz very much, thanks you. Visitors would go like "oh ¤¤¤¤ it's gonna blow up!" It did not blow up per see it just died. Just like that... no "click" sound, no smoke and no fun. I sent it back to Atlas (hey now--it can't be normal!) Otherwise that little guy is a real nice piece. I found the level of detailing quite outstanding indeed. There is much little things and doodads to look at within such a small area! The slow and very slow speed performance actually blow the Katos out of the water. I can't wait for it to come back! Lastly, Gats, you GOT to teach me how to install such a beacon. I went outside and spied on a switch job at Joffre yard and they all have a rotating red beacon on top. I _need_ that. :tb-cool:
I have a couple of the MP15's from Atlas. Both with factory decoders. One of them took a dump after a couple years. I replaced it with a Digitrax. Now it is running better the new. Gary
Quality wise you can’t go wrong with either. I can’t speak for DCC decoders so let others guide you there. For me it would all boils down to your layout. Is it a small layout? Is it representing a short line or branch or regional? Does it have a lot of visible curves of 14” radius or less? If yes to any of the above I’d go with an Atlas 4 Axle. If you have any grades of 3% or above I might then conceder the Kato as its greater weight would give you better performance on such grades.
