What is the best HO scale AC4400?

[brilondon]

I would like to know what is the best HO scale AC4400?

[Anonymous]

Currently that would have to go to Athearn RTR model and soon you can add Kato to this short list when they release their model in the coming months.

[Anonymous]

I would have to agree that mabe Athern is the one as of now

[Anonymous]

Okay, at the moment Atearn RTR - a big difference to the former model.

And when the models will come in a few weeks: 100 % sure, the best will be the KATO model.

I have heared that the anounced Roco ER model will not come.

[detting]

I am not entirely happy with my Athearn, but it is not a RTR. What are some of the differences between the two models??

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Has anyone had "derail problems " with these units??
My layout is completely code83 and Shinhara turnouts.
Minimum radius curve 22" to Max 36".
I have run 6wheel truck Ahearn's for years
( SD-40t s ) with little problems.
I cannot get Brand New AC4400 to pass through
a turnout or travel in the 22" or 24" rad curves
without climbing the rail, with either the front or rear
trucks!!!
I have changed wheels over to Northwest Shortline
36" , same problem.
Is it possible the tread depth is hitting the plastic
tie fastener on the Code 83 track???
I have double checked the Wheel gauge with
NMRA standard gage tool.
Would changing over to Code 100 track Help???
I see there is a big difference in truck to truck
spacing between SD40-t and the AC4400's.
I just bought 6 of these units!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.

Kevin Mahoney
Baltimore, Md

[e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Check the back-to-back gauge on your wheelsets. My Athearn AC4400 had a problem very similar to the one you describe, I eventually discovered that the wheelsets were not set to the correct gauge - they should be around 14.5mm back to back. On my loco, the axle gears were slightly too wide to allow the wheelsets to be correctly gauged, so I had to pull out the wheels (they're on stub axles that push into the gear), and file the sides of the gear to allow me to set the wheels a little closer together. It's now fine.