That wording doesn't mean that it won't run on less. Best bet is to just try it out. Many of my older Athearn GP units ran OK on 15" radius as long as I was careful with the speed. They looked ridiculous though with the overhang.Performs best on 18" radius curves or greater"
I would think so, I've run many pieces of equipment on 15" radius. It helps if the couplers pivot with the trucks rather than being mounted on the body. I don't recall from the pictures in the other thread which your's are.I just bought my first Bachmann GP40 (H0) and I'm very happy with this loco. It runs very well at every speeds. On its website Bachmann writes: "Performs best on 18" radius curves or greater". Can I run my new loco on 17"1/4 radius curves without any issues ?
May not have been the radius, A GP40 should handle that. 2nd hand track though, might be a different story. An NMRA gage, run over them might show up discrepancies.I bought some second hand Peco curves (radius 17"1/4 or 438mm in European money). I tried to run my new Bachmann GP40...and it was a complete disaster. I stopped immediately the test just before something breaks. Back to 20 " radius curves or greater.
The largest radius in any situation is always the best. About the only place in full size track that would be replicated in HO minimums would be streetcar (Trams).The 20" radius curves (or greater) are the best choice as you can see below:
Wow, I am surprised. But that is good information for the next person who asks.I bought some second hand Peco curves (radius 17"1/4 or 438mm in European money). I tried to run my new Bachmann GP40...and it was a complete disaster. I stopped immediately the test just before something breaks. Back to 20 " radius curves or greater.