Since the thread where wiking originally asked this question got so far off track, I figured I would start a new one for the answer since he may not even look at that thread anymore. I tested the new DD40ax on a 9 3/4" curves and it did negotiate it without derailing, but this really is on the very edge of what it can do. I say this because I also tested it on some Tomix track with a 9.57 "(243 mm) radius and it would consistently derail. I believe wiking is using Kato Unitrack on his layout. Since the Kato curves that are often advertised as 9 3/4" are actually a little bit bigger at 9.8"(249 mm) the DD40ax should operate on it without any problems(unfortunately, the smallest Kato curves I have are 11.1"(282 mm).
Allow me to be on the level here. As indicated by Robert, the DD40 will handle the 9" curves...(follow this)... that he ran them on. What Wiking needs to know is will it run on his tracks. To resolve this...what we need to do is take a DD 40 over to Wikings railroad and give it a try. There's no need to get his hopes up, if it doesn't work out. It can be extremely frustrating (I ought to know) if a locomotive becomes a problem child to operate. And that long a locomotive on that tight a track yells trouble with a capital T. I ought to know...been there, done that. To help Wiking out... and I mean this... someone close to him needs to take their DD40 unit over and give it a go? Let him see for himself. All the chatter and noise (mine in particular) will only frustrate him and others here. May I suggest you coordinate this with Rich Businger, as his brother Tom, lives nearby. Just give Rich a PM to set this up. Does this make sense?
CSX Robert... Thanks for taking the time to check this out for Wiking. Good information to know. Hopefully this will help Alan make a decision as to which way to go. Rich
The Bachmann DD40ax should be tested on Kato 9 3/4 inch track before deciding that it will be able to negotiate that radius. I remember a CC GS-4 that I had purchased early on. It ran on Kato 13 3/4 inch radii but not well due to the large rigid wheel base. On a minimum of 19 inch radii the same GS-4 runs flawlessly. If you're going to use 9 3/4 inch radii, you should run smaller locomotives that can easily handle that radii.
CSX Robert Thank you so much for the info and it gives me extra thought on it now. I have liked this one ever since i saw it in a book about UP when HO got theres i all ways hoped that some day somebody would one in n. Now that it is out i will consider getting one. Once again thank you for the test. Alan
I think the obvious question that needs to be asked is will cars stay coupled to it at that radius? Are the couplers truck mounted?
It ain't gonna work but at least you will have a good looking Roundhouse/ Enginehouse/Ready Track Queen. Go for it. AL
