Can a Athern SD45 T2 be modified to sharper radius

[jwar]

Have two turns the SD 45 T2 wont navagate. All my radius are 24 or larger except in a very tight area that cannot be a larger radius (20 in rad) due to comming off a 90 degree swing up and turning to enter the helix. This was a have to do, as the helix in any other area would not work and detracted from my layout.
Was only doing WP with two axle trucks, untill I got a fantastic deal on the T2 s
I think the frame and or drives could be ground off a bit. Just wondering if any of you have done this.. Take care, have a great day...John

[grandeman]

It may well handle the 20" radius as is. My Proto SD7 will.

[jwar]

Hi grande man.
The six wheel trucks wont do it. As with you I dont have problems with GP units. Hey GREAT Picture, nice work. Take care...John

[Don Gibson]

Modified?

SIX wheeled trucks may have problems on 18: radius and number 4 turnout's. Since you have 20"r You probably won't have to (modify).

1. DO what the real railroad's do. RUN smaller switch type engine's such as GP's on the tighter track instead of 'Road' hog's.

2. straighten your curves.

2. remove the center wheels from the truck's as last resort (Two wrong's to make a 'right).

Fire your Purchasing agent for buying the wrong equpment for what the Surveyor's & Engineer's built! (Maybe your engineer can strighten the trackwork approad to the Helix).

[steveblackledge]

even if you can get the truck's to run round the tighter rad curves the coupler swing will still push your car's off the track unless the coupler on the car has additional swing as on the Walthers 89' high cube box cars. most of mine have the coupler box screwed onto the underframe of the cars, with an SD40T-2 on the front they will not go round a # turnout without de railing

[BRAKIE]

Here's a idea..Check and see if there is any thing hitting the frame or fuel tank when the trucks turn.Again just a idea.