What radius would it take to run a Bachmann DD40AX (in HO) if the couplers were mounter on the body and not on the trucks? I got one of the new DD40 models but the opening in the front just don't look right and I like to mount the couple on the body and fill up the opening. Donald
Donald, Well I do not have the exact answer for you.. BUT…. I do know that Bachman always puts a statement in there adds, something to the effect of no radius sharper then 22" . So My guess is that if the coupler was mounted on the body, you'll get out a round 25" R. or maybe closer to a 27". The key will be the length of the shank and or draw bar. The longer draw bar, the distance between the coupler and the mounting hole. I think you would do well to use a KD or Kadee #26. Its used on The front of the Spectrum -8 to the CW's. If you use this coupler you get the DD-40 to stay coupled on sharper curves.
Donald: I have a Spectrum DD40AX that I run as a mainliner only (no switches or turnouts) on EZ track with 22" radius turns. I tried replacing the B'mann plastic rear coupler with Kaydee #5 metal coupler (too short). The difference in lengths wasn't much, but it caused problems in turns if cars were over 40'. The loco pulls ok on straights but spins drivers slightly on straights and a lot on turns with about 8 cars. I don't run it much anymore as even my 4 axle diesels will pull more cars without any problems and run through my switch yard 18" turns without problem. This doesn't answer your question, but I have decided not to put more money/effort in it when it doesn't pull well and the plastic OEM coupler is ok for the load pulled. Good luck, Herb
How does the Athearn DD40 handle the corners and staying coupled? Any better than the Bachman? I'm thinking about getting a 2-engine model and I always use Kadee couplers. Also, I always add lead to my locomotives to improve traction. Mark
Mark, I have 3 Athearn DD-40's and they run decent on 22" radius. I have run the one on 18" when I got my first DD-40 and it didn't run so good on 18" radius. But when I converted from 18" to 22" and 24" is ran great... I am for using KD couplers and the longest shank center set (#5 type) is the knuckle coupler you need.. Sorry I can't remeber the number but it has enough swing and play to pull 50+ foot cars with out problems! On the Bachmann DD-40X I am of no help, I never had one from Bachmann so...
