CSX question

[Anonymous]

Hey all you CSX afficiandos out there (sorry about my spelling)!!! I need some help deciding which engine to buy next. I already have a U30C and a GP38-2. This engine needs to be able to negotiate 18" radius curves. The U30C will just fine, but it is the only 6 axle i know that can. Please help me![

[Anonymous]

Jordan, 2 questions:
1) Are you absolutely locked-in to having 18" radius curves on your layout?

2) If you must stay with the 18" radius: Is there a half-decent LHS located near you, that will let you bring in enough 18"R track sections so you can test-roll different 6-axle loco models on it?

ANY 4-axle loco should negotiate 18"R curves OK, but I'm not sure about the six-axle ones - I already know that the Kato SD38-2 will not work on 18". If you haven't put in all your scenery yet, I'd say pull out the 18"R and replace with 22".

[Anonymous]

Yes my LHS is quite decent. I probably if the need arises could limit the loco to mainlines and larger sidings, or maybe even largen the radius of major sidings.

[Anonymous]

** THIS JUST IN: **

I was mistaken[:I] about the Kato SD38-2 not working on an 18"R curve. I found two leftover pieces of Atlas 18"R sectional track, joined them together, and test-rolled [actually dragged is the more accurate verb...] one of my SD38's over it - it stayed on with no problems![tup] What I had previously thought was 18" was actually an imperfect 15"R curve on my steel mill trackage - never intended for use by C-C locos to begin with.

If you want, later this evening I can test the following C-motors from my roster on this piece of 18"R track:

Athearn AC4400CW [not 'BB', but not Genesis either]
Atlas CW40-8
Kato SD40 (earlier production)
Kato SD40-2
P2K SD50
Kato SD70MAC
Spectrum C40-8

Cheers!

[Anonymous]

You've just gotta have an AC4400CW in your collection...

trainluver1

[Anonymous]

The problem is, i can barely afford a good AC4400CW. I have my eyes on a Kato engine, but i am still reeling from sticker shock. Is buying a Kato really worth all that money? If it is, i could probably scrounge up enough spare funds to buy one. Ajnd yes, Ken, please test those engines if you can! Thank you so much.

[bbrant]

As far as 6-axel power goes, I was able to get these engines to negotiate an 18 inch radius curve: Athearn SD40-2, Bachman Spectrum CW40-8 (wide cab), and Proto 2000 SD7/9 - all were Chessie (pre-CSX) except for the Bachman which was CSX.

Personally, I'd go for a 4-axel unit on the 18" curves. Less overhang and less chance of derailment. Good luck in what ever your decision is.

Brian

[Anonymous]

Results of test #1 - Athearn AC4400CW on 18"R

PASS*

* But it still doesn't look that great on 18" IMHO[xx(] - go with 22"R curves if at all possible!

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate your help. I'll let you know about my descicion when i make it!

[Anonymous]

The Atlas SD35 should work.I have had no luck with the Kato SD40-2 on 18"I think the SD40 might work.All depends on the wheelbase of the locomotive.The longer the locomotive the more radius needed.I would eliminate the 18" radius if you can and use 22" instead.Dan

[Anonymous]

nice csx locos,thats what im after but already laid all 18 in radius......gotta get something soon i hope .
glad to see some more options out there especially csx and chessie. thanks

[Anonymous]

Wow, that Ac4400 engine looks cool, ken. If you don't mind me asking, how much was it? I just might get one. Can it pull anything on an 18"???

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csxguy
...I can barely afford a good AC4400CW. I have my eyes on a Kato engine, but i am still reeling from sticker shock. Is buying a Kato really worth all that money?...

Kato is known for having the quietest-running locos, and excellent low-speed control. But I was still quite pleased with my Athearn's performance when I ran it on a friend's layout.

In a nutshell: Kato makes excellent locomotives, but they are NOT absolutely essential if you can find the same model loco by Athearn or P2K at a lower price.

[Anonymous]

Do you like my new signature? I designed the railroad division logo myself. I first typed out the words, then pasted in the trees, and finally took a clip art loco, ungrouped it, changed some colors, and placed it in place. The whole process took about 20 minutes.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csxguy

Wow, that Ac4400 engine looks cool, ken. If you don't mind me asking, how much was it?

I don't remember exactly, Jordan, but I know it was less than $100. I saw some at M.B. Klein's for under $70 (http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/manufacturer/athearnrtrhoengines.html?scale=ho)

QUOTE: I just might get one. Can it pull anything on an 18"???

Like I said earlier, I only know that it will fit on a 18"R curve, I never actually operated it with a load on any.

[Anonymous]

Was it DCC? If it helps, i have a MRC Prodigy system.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csxguy

Was it DCC? If it helps, i have a MRC Prodigy system.

I didn't come with its own decoder, but it has a quick-plug harness for snapping-in a decoder of your own. I'm sure any NMRA-compatible decoder (Lenz, Digtrax, etc.) will work fine with your Prodigy system.

[Anonymous]

That's great, Ken. I'll definitly look into that aspect.

[Anonymous]

Ken thats an athearn RTR. I just got my first one ( a dash 9) and it runs great. The detail is surprisingly good and its even quiet!!! Athearn has a great thing going here. Value priced locos that should cost a lot more, lol. My only gripe is that its a little light. but Ill just add some weight to it.

[Anonymous]

If you wait out a bit the new atlas mp-15 will most likely make it around a 18'' radius.

[Anonymous]

Hey csxguy (and anyone else looking for an AC4400CW in CSX blue-yellow-gray),
I found this link, thought you might be interested:
http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/HO-Scale-Locomotives-Athearn/HO_LOC_140_1.html

Cheers!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by KenLarsen

Jordan, 2 questions:
ANY 4-axle loco should negotiate 18"R curves OK, but I'm not sure about the six-axle ones - I already know that the Kato SD38-2 will not work on 18". If you haven't put in all your scenery yet, I'd say pull out the 18"R and replace with 22".

I have two Athearns (SD40-2) that handle 18"R. It might look a little better on 22"R. How much larger is the Kato SD38-2 than the Athearn SD40-2. [In using the company makers of the locomotives with the locomotives, I know that Kato doesn't make SD40-2s bigger that Athearns.]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csxguy

The problem is, i can barely afford a good AC4400CW. I have my eyes on a Kato engine, but i am still reeling from sticker shock. Is buying a Kato really worth all that money? If it is, i could probably scrounge up enough spare funds to buy one.

Do not spend $135 or $100 on a Kato! Buy it from Trainworld in the MR magazine. It cost $69.99 in the magazine.

[Anonymous]

ok