Minimum radius for the Kato SD40-2

pasayten

New Member
Thinking of adding a Kato SD40-2 mid production to my new layout... A modified Scenic Ridge layout... 3 1/2 x 7. I use Unitrak and my minimum radius is 11 inch... Many of the other curves are 12 3/8 and 13 3/4. I also have a crossover switch and other turnouts, but they are all Kato #6. I also have some 3% grades (also a 4%, but that is normally run downhill). Will the SD40-2 with it's six axles perform OK on 11 radius turns?​

I am currently running an Atlas Dash-8 with 4 axles. With no problems.

Thanks in advance!

pasayten
 

Scoobie

Member
Pasayten, I recently added a Athearns AC4400 to my HO layout. I had to change my 18" radius to 22 radius. The loco kept slipping off the track with 18" radius. I also have a 3% grade uphill and downhill no problem with the AC4400. The twelve wheel drive has no problem pulling 12 cars up the grade.
 

3railguy

Member
Wish I could help. I have Kato standard SD-40's and they work fine on 9 3/4" radius Life Like Power Lock track and switches. I was shocked the other day to see my Intermountain tunnel motors work as well on this track....double headed and through the switches.
 
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