Fixed Pilot & Kadees on just the front of SD70ACe?

I've fixed the pilots on 10 of my MTH locos now, and can tell you they look better when you do these all the right way, which would be to do both front and back. It does not take that much longer to do both.

I will tell you this, though that you will need to use a bench grinder on the inside of these pilots to grind down the inner-most corners of the pilots just a bit so the truck scan swing the  full width. If you don't the leading edge of the truck sideframe will catch on that portion.

The SD70ACe's are easier to do- I just finished an AC4400, and there is alot more work to do on grinding away the inside portion of the pilots.

Take the time to do them right and you'll be happier all the way around- which inlcudes fabricating full-length handrails as well.  Just my opinion, but just do these the right way and you'll be pleased.

I don't have fixed pilots on my engines, but obviously, the larger the curves the less swing on the moving pilots. I'd be surprised if a scale SD70ACe would negotiate O-54 curves, as my SD70MACs still swing on O-63 curves. 

Jim

I haven't gone completely over to 2-rail, so at this point, I'm becoming hard-core 3rs. There was a thread on the 2-rail forum regarding curve requirements and I had posted which locomotives would negotiate 36" radius (O-72) with cars coupled. Cars coupled is the important factor. If you're going to go with fixed pilots, your best bet is to go with 36" (O-72) curves. Some of the smaller 4-axle units MAY make it through 31.5" Radius (O-63) but I haven't tested at that level, plus MTH rates them at 36" radius minimum anyway. Here's what worked so far:

SD70ACe (3 locomotives)

C44-9W (Dash 9) (2 locomotives)

C40-8/C40-8W (Dash 8's) (3 Wide cabs/1 conventional cab)

U25B (2 locomotives)

GP35 (3 locomotives)

GP38-2 (3 locomotives)

ATSF 4-6-4 Blue Goose Hudson

F7 ABBA (1 locomotive set)

ES44AC (2 locomotives)

All are equipped with Kadees. Initially, I expected problems with the short-shank couplers on the 6-axle power, but that turned out not to be a problem with the C44-9W's. The GP35's have an odd configuration related to the prototype's proportions and require an 806/743 short-shank coupler on the rear pilot, but had no problems on O-72.

It's a hard choice as you're considering leaving behind something you were very comfortable with. No, you won't be able to put as much track in a room and yes, there will be bumps in the road, but if you have the space to pull it off, go for it.

Although, I also converted the Amtrak P42 to 2R, I just fixed the pilots on this unit and it definitely looks a lot better!  I'm also thinking I may move the truck sideframes in which will allow me to also attach the ladders (currently mounted on the trucks) to the chassis and still allow for plenty of clearance.

Ok, so I got some Kadee 805's in the mail this week. Gonna give it a go on the Railking SD70ACe first.  

If you haven't invested in a Kadee 812 Height Gauge I would highly recommend it.

http://www.kadee.com/htmbord/page812.htm

 Great job on the Amtrak Mike!

I got one a long time ago and never attempted to fix the pilots. I think I got burned out on all the work converting so much equipment. I still have an AC6000 dummy on my desk for the last year that I stare at that's also not done.

 I started strictly buying 2 rail ones that are RTR 'cause I got lazy!

Hey Joe,

Thanks for the kind words on the Amtrak locos.   Yeah, the P42 wasn't all that difficult and sure turned out nice. Still considering pulling the truck sideframes in and attaching the ladders on the body vs the trucks.

 Moving in the side frames would be cool. I didn't even look at moving the step ladders and would say that would be a big step away from the regular 3 rail look.

I'll second that one. While you can use a "known good car" to check the height, I've found that some of the Kadees have trip pins that hang entirely too low. The height gauge lets you check the trip pins so they don't snag things.

BTW, Mike, great job on the P42 and the F40PH. I've been looking at converting my Metrolink cars and F59PHi over to Kadees.

Thanks Matt.  Appreciate that.   WOW! Those metrolink cars and F59PHI loco will be sweet converted!  Can't wait to see them.