Given that my freelanced railroad has runthroughs with the BN (it is an ex-NP line), at some point (when is the question of course) I would like to build a BN bicentennial unit. The only question is this: Which of the units would be most likely to have run on a passover line (like the BN currently has with the MRL)? 1776 was a U30C, 1876 was a SD40-2 and 1976 was an SDP40 (ex-GN).
My layout basically has 22"R curves with a few 18"R curves. As I have never used any of the 6 wheel engines like all of these engines are (I have only played with an F7, 2 GP18s, 8 GP20s and various switchers [an SW1, a few SW7s and an SW1000].), any help with minimum radii and such would be very helpful.
As usual, any help that the fourms can provide would be welcomed.
Athearn SD40-2s have a minium radius of 18 inches. The new RTRs run really well and are DCC ready.
The SD40-2 models will go around 18" radius curves, but many times will pull cars off the track I have seen then run on 22" radius curves with 50'-55' gran hoppers. Even there, really good track-work is essential. The same can be said for the U30C and SD40 models.
BN ran them everwhere in normal service. The 1876 was used as a 'helper' on the point of the Freedom Train to climb out of St Paul in 1975.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
jrbernier The SD40-2 models will go around 18" radius curves, but many times will pull cars off the track I have seen then run on 22" radius curves with 50'-55' gran hoppers. Even there, really good track-work is essential. The same can be said for the U30C and SD40 models. BN ran them everwhere in normal service. The 1876 was used as a 'helper' on the point of the Freedom Train to climb out of St Paul in 1975. Jim
I am not sure what SD40-2 model you are talking about, but my Athearn RTR SD40-2 goes around 18" curves with no problem when pulling cars that also have a minimum radius of 18". I have never had it pull a car off the rails. It still looks ok on 18" curves, though 22" is recommended.
We run an Athearn SD40-2 on 18" curves and Atlas #4 turnouts in cross-over arrangements all the time with no problems at all. I do limit the length of rolling stock we pull through there to 60ft. though. So no auto racks for us
If it helps - I have run the following over #4 turnouts, 18" radius, continually with no problems:
Athearn - SD-9's, SD-40's, SD-45's, in single or MU lashups. (An SDP-40 is same frame [wheelbase] as the SD40 series. So if you get this model (#1976), it should work aswell.)
Atlas - SD-24's, SD-35's, in single or MU lashups.
Model Power = E-9A's, single unit.
Rivarossi - 8 drivered rigid framed (no articulateds, dont own any so maybe another reader can chime in on these).
Though you might not be interested in alot of these types, I list them as a reference for any who may be wondering, like you.
Note: I operate at scale track speeds with anywhere from 10 to 30 cars (non NMRA weighted) per single loco. Reverse movements made at yard limit speeds (5 mph). Due to space limits, I am forced to use a 9" shelf design with all #4 turnouts, 18" radius. All Atlas code 100. Some MU lashups contain 4 axle and 6 axle together. IE: SD-40-2 and GP-7.