Kato Amtrak leads and cars - 45 degree issue


I have a couple of Kato Amtrak P42's and one Kato ALC-42 leads along with Viewliner 1, Viewliner 2 and Superliner cars. None of it will pass through a Kato EP150-45l / 20-240 turnout without at least one axle derailing. In addition, I have tried to use Kato R117-45 / 20-176 curves in my layout. They also derail while going through those curves. The longer 45 degree curves [i.e. R249-45V / 20-505] don't have that problem with Amtrak.
Are the Kato Amtrak pieces limited in the turn / turnout degree?

Will freight engines and rolling stock move through these pieces? I have a Bachman caboose that will go through both without issue.

If cars / leads are limited to the degrees of curves and turnouts they can navigate, where would I find that information?

Thank you!
 
The minimum and recommended radius should be part of the specs, either on Kato's website, on the box, or on the parts list inside the box.
 
First get out your NMRA gauge and check all the wheel sets to be sure they are in gauge. Then check all the track to be sure it too is in gauge.
You can get long equipment to handle sharper curves by using flex track and making easements into and out of the curves. This will reduce the degree of lurch (transition from straight to curve).

Tim.
 
Had to look up what the Kato curves are. One review says they work great for his street car route. They are way too sharp. To get reliable performance, the curve radius should be at least 3 times the length of the longest equipment. In HO, if using Superliners, I need curves that are close to 36" (914mm) radius. Since N is about half of HO, you would be better off with curves close to 18" (450mm) radius. The ones you are using are 4.5" radius. The caboose goes around it because it is much shorter.
 



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