Athearn SD45 min radius?

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nephthyr

nephthyr

Member
Would an Athearn SD45 happily negotiate a 24" min radius? I want a pair of these to pull through freights on my HO layout and have a minimum radius of 24" which I'm a little concerned about.

Thanks!
 
I don't have any problems running any of mine on 18" Radius; even with a decoder inside, the wires clear the shell on turns.
 


I have an SD45-2 (even longer) that works fine on 22" radius, as well as an F45 (same as the SD45).
 
you will be fine with those units on 24, 22 ,or 18 inch radius. I have 2 SD45s in DRGW & WC and 9 SD40s and SD40-2s in UP,SP, DRGW, EMD Leasing, and CNW. All will negotiate these curves no problems.
 
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As Josh asked, is this a Blue Box or RTR? I think every Athearn BB except the DD35/40 was made to run on 18" curves. Might not look the best but they'd make it. The RTR's have a prototype cowl width and aren't so forgiving so 22" is the minimum. Any Atheran will run quite happily on well laid 24" radius curves.
 
Hi All,

Thanks for all the replies. Looking at the new RTR SD45s. Glad to hear 24" will work, gonna be sweet seeing a pair of those units take the lead on a through freight!
 
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