USA Trains SD 40-2 Minimum Radius

[electricity_bill]

Hello
What is the minimum radius that this loco will run round?
Bill

 

[spike]

Re:USA Trains SD 40-2 Minimum Radius

8 foot diameter or 4 foot radius although 10 foot diameter is better.

I found that even on 10 footers it's best to have a heavy first car, anything light will
get derailed as the coupler swings outside the track.
I noticed it's slightly better with hook and loops than knuckles, you get a bit more travel.

 

[chris m01]

Re:USA Trains SD 40-2 Minimum Radius

I concur with Mike. At 12 foot diameter Bachmann wagons will stay on track but at 10 foot diameter they will sometimes get thrown off the track. USAT wagons are ok on 10 foot diameter.

 

[Richie]

Re:USA Trains SD 40-2 Minimum Radius

Hi Bill
I have a USAT SD40-2 in Rio Grande all my curves on my line are R3 8ft dia the loco seems to run ok with out any problems .
The loco does come with a special coupling with springs for 8ft curves have fitted this to the rear of my loco only as i use the loco on the head end of the train with two other locos behind so was able to add the plow to the front of the loco .

 

[Richie]

Re:USA Trains SD 40-2 Minimum Radius

You may just be able to see the rear coupler on this photo which is the hook and loop it came fitted with.