Thats getting up there, but at yard speeds you should be fine. You could buy one #5 and slap some flex on it and try if you already have the loco.
I only run steam so thats why I suggested to try it, but my 4-8-4 Northern will go through a #5 at yard speeds no problem, and thats a long wheelbase loco (longer then your SD I think).
As I'm sure you already discovered, the Atlas code 55 doesn't like big flanges. Thats not much of a problem most of the time. I have, on occasion, had to deepen the frog on some of my #5 turnouts though. They're a little tighter then the #7's. Fortunately, Dremel made a small sawblade that works real well for this. It's just been added to the discontinued items list, so you might want to pick up a few (I'm going to!). It's the 198 High Speed Cutter attachment.
would an alco pa or an sd 60 be too big for no. 5's. everything else is f units and gp 40's thanks
As to the original question, I'd think you'd be fine with #5's in the yard. Speeds are low and you don't have any super long wheelbase loco's to contend with. I'd go #5's in the yard, a pair of #7's from the main to the A/D track, and either #7's or, if you have the room, #10's out on the main. (The #10's look awesome!)
SpaceMouse wrote: If the geeps switch the yard and the six axle stuff and the passenger cars stay out of the yard, then #4s can be used. If you plan on parking your big stuff in the yard on a regular basis, you might think #6s. You could probably get away with #5s.
If the geeps switch the yard and the six axle stuff and the passenger cars stay out of the yard, then #4s can be used.
If you plan on parking your big stuff in the yard on a regular basis, you might think #6s. You could probably get away with #5s.
Hey Chip, the Atlas code 55 N scale line only has #5's, #7's and #10's to pick from.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.