Several years ago this was discussed, I have a 2004 vintage Dash 9 that seems to want to derail every time on 10' Aristocraft curves. The manual says 8' minimum yet 10' seems to be problem. In reading an old thread from 2 years ago I see some saying it works, others saying you need more than 10'.
Also if I add the weights from Aristocraft (not shipped orginally) will that help keep in on the rails?, can I get newer style drive wheels that have deeper flanges maybe? These wheels are the ones that mount via a screw onto axles, yet some of them are having their surface flake off, which tells me they are older style.
Thanks in advance
Nick
It doesnt have the factory installed wieghts? Yes that could be a huge part of the problem. If the engine is too light the wheels turning under power can climb the rails in a curve and literally lift the engine off the rails. the weights are essential. Also check the wheel guage spacing, I remember there being a stinkup about out of gauge wheels whem these first came out. I dont have the correct gauge distances, maybe on the Aristo website they can provide that. Good Luck
PS 8' dia IS the minimum! so it should be fine on 10'
Have fun with your trains
I have 10 foot curves and last year a friend brought his two dash 9's over to run and they ran great. I have an E-8 with the same trucks and it runs great. How good is your track work? Are the locos derailing at the same spot? Check for dips and side to side level. If thats all good, check the wheel gauge (back to back spacing). I'm not sure what the spec is. Aristo sells a handy little tool for checking track level and wheel gauge.
-Brian
Track may or may not be level, It has been down for just over one year and it heaves up and down with the weather in DC area. All my other shorter engines are fine with it. Did I see that you are in SIlver Spring? Can you tell me where to get good ballast in the washington dc area ? Less than a truckload would be nice. i need to check wheel guage, can this be adjusted if it is off?
Thanks, Nick
Nick,
Did you get the email I sent you?
I have a pair of SD-45's and these have the same motor blocks as the Dash9. I can run my engines with weights through 4 foot diameter, (LGB R1 track) without any problems other than the coupler is outside the outer rail. I also ran a friends set of SD-45's.
The weights are very important as is level track on these powerful beasts.
Based on all the excellant feedback looks like I need the extra weights, next question, this engine is a 2004 I am probably the second or 3 owner, do you think I can still send in the piece of paper requesting the extra weights be shipped to me ? I expect at a minimum the 5.00 dollar shipping fee will be higher. If I have trouble does anyone know how much weight I would need to add to be equivalent to what they (Aristocraft provides)? The weights go in the fuel tank I believe as well.
Thanks again,
Aristo is having a bet each way on the minimum track diameter. The web site says 8' minimum, as does the first sentence, first paragraph, pg. 13 of the manual.
However, the second sentence in that paragraph says "curve diameters of 8' and smaller may cause derailments." That says 8' curves may cause derailments!
We've never used our Dash-9 on anything smaller than 10' curves and #6 switches. We'd be happier with 12' curves minimum for this big loco (and our USA SD-40).
While not disagreeing with other posters' comments about ensuring your track work is up to scratch, these big locos will run better, and look better, on the widest curves you can throw at them.
Add weight if you must. Extra weight means extra stress on wheels, motors and track, but sometimes it's the only way to get a result on a layout where the size of the curves has to be constrained.
Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month