Pardon me if this is a dumb question. I have purchased (without being aware of all the problems I would have) three 12 wheel locos. No matter what I do - they simply will not traverse my track configurations. I know that some of my curves are too tight. The eight wheel locos do OK. Can you change out the pick up wheels from 12 to 8? If so, where is the best source of such wheels - these are PROTO 2000 units from Walthers. Thank you for your advice. I may just have to display them somewhere in an engine warehouse! :cry:
To be honest with you, i really think you are misinterpreting your problem. :cry:
Its not the locomotives you should be concerned about, its your track. As others have mentioned, many 6 axle locomotives will still run through 18"r curves. I've even played with a AC4400CW and got it to run. If you have anything tighter than that, then i can see where your problem is.
That said, IF you have well put together trackwork, these problems should be at a minimum. At the very worst case scenario, your locomotive will have to much overhang and pull the train off the rails, and then removing wheel sets won't help you.
In the end, the layout will frustrate you if you don't fix the track.
You should also get a track guage to make sure that everything is in guage, and that none of your track is warped, because that will cause trouble to. Make sure all your track is aligned, because if there are kinks or gaps this can also cause derailments, and removing a wheel will not solve it.
You should check to make sure none of your track configurations include "S" curves, or other really bad shapes. An S curve might be alright for a crossover, (however, AVOID snap switches), but if you have any situations like that, remove them. Another way to help going into curves is to had an easement.
I really think its your track, not your locomotives. If it isn't to late, i'd suggest tearing out your tracks and re-laying a new track plan that is more so compatible with the equipment you want to run. Otherwise the hobby will become frustrating, and it will be impossible to run the trains you want to run.
At the very least, find these "track configurations" that cause trouble, and eliminate them. Replace them with a greater radius, or a straighter route.
I think it depends on what loco you have as to the radius it will handle. Most of the first and second generation units up through Sd45-2 will handle an 18 inch radius. The modern power units like Sd75 and newer, GE -8 C types etc. are so big that Atlas is now making Snap Track in 24 or 26 inch radius (I can't remember which) to accommodate large modern power.
I've coaxed an AC4400CW onto 18" curves, but my SD45-2 still pulls the train off the rails. the regular SD45 seems to be about right though.
I think its code 83 track that they made into 24. I wouldn't be surprised if both are available now.